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Hayes is listed as a pitcher and outfielder for the North. He batted .253 with six doubles, two triples, seven stolen bases, 23 walks, 25 runs and 20 RBIs last season for the Bulldogs (22-12).

The baseball series begins the three-day-long sports contests, which concludes with the North-South All-Star Football game at the Cramton Bowl on July 21 at 7 p.m.

Darnell Jackson, who signed with Lenoir-Rhyne (Hickory, NC) back in February, is listed as a defensive back for the North.

Jackson posted 87 tackles (3 for loss) with 11 pass breakups and an interception for the Class 3A state champion Bulldogs (14-1). The versatile Jackson also rushed for 1,429 yards and 21 touchdowns last season. He also caught 14 passes for 162 yards and had 10 punt returns for 180 yards and a score, and five kickoff returns for 135 yards.

Steve Smith, who has coached both athletes in football, said both are very deserving of being selected in their respective sports.

“Taylor has been a household name around this part of the state since his freshman year and has been a big part of our success in baseball, and really all the sports heÐÔÊӽ紫ý played. Darnell has been kind of similar. HeÐÔÊӽ紫ý been a multi-sport athlete over the years. They’re just very hard-working kids. They’ll do a great job representing our school,â€� Smith said.

Hayes will attempt to help the North add to its all-time series lead. The North swept the South in last yearÐÔÊӽ紫ý series 6-2 and 6-3, and holds a 20-11-1 record in the competition that began in 1997.

Coaching the North baseball squad is RandolphÐÔÊӽ紫ý Lee Hall, Muscle Shoals’ Josh Fowler, MoodyÐÔÊӽ紫ý Shelton Stalls and Spain ParkÐÔÊӽ紫ý Will Smith. Keith Lucky of Saint James is the administrative coach.

Jackson is one of four North football players who helped their respective teams win state championships last December. Leeds defensive linemen Michael Rankins and Josephus Smith, along with place kicker Morgan Coston, are the other three.

South players selected who played in state title games last year include McGill-Toolen linebacker DeAnthony Philon and quarterback Paris Chambers.

Coaching the North team is AlexandriaÐÔÊӽ紫ý Frank Tucker. His assistants are FultondaleÐÔÊӽ紫ý Richie Busby, MinorÐÔÊӽ紫ý George Bates, SheffieldÐÔÊӽ紫ý David Hufstedler, FlorenceÐÔÊӽ紫ý J.B. Wallace, SparkmanÐÔÊӽ紫ý Chris Cagle, and Madison CountyÐÔÊӽ紫ý Scott Peavey.

TheodoreÐÔÊӽ紫ý Eric Collier will coach the South. His staff includes EnterpriseÐÔÊӽ紫ý David Faulkner, Charles HendersonÐÔÊӽ紫ý Brad McCoy, Robert E. LeeÐÔÊӽ紫ý Tyrone Rogers, BillingsleyÐÔÊӽ紫ý Tyson McLean, Horseshoe BendÐÔÊӽ紫ý Jason Franklin, and BeauregardÐÔÊӽ紫ý Rob Carter.

The South holds a 30-24-2 edge in the football series, which began in 1948. The North squeaked by in last yearÐÔÊӽ紫ý contest, 14-13.

The North-South football game will be live-streamed by the NFHS Network and broadcast by the Alabama High School Athletic Association Radio Network.

Other All-Star Week sports contests include softball (July 19), soccer (July 19), girls and boys basketball (July 20), and volleyball (July 21).

Among the weekÐÔÊӽ紫ý other events will be the sportsmanship luncheon, honoring all schools that did not have an ejection or fine during the 2015-16 school year. The Gaylesville Trojans are one of the teams being honored for the feat.

Speaking of Gaylesville, Trojan head coach Kyle Garmon will also be honored as the Class 1A “Making A Difference� award recipient at the championship coaches awards banquet. Both events will be held July 22.