WOODVILLE — Wilkinson County wide receiver Devin Fosselman has gotten several strange looks from his teammates this week.

Fosselman, along with Wildcats defensive tackle James Maiden, is competing in the Alabama-Mississippi All-Star Classic today. The Wilkinson County duo keeps getting the same reaction when asked what school they attend, Fosselman said.

“Everyone’s asking us where we’re from, and we say, ‘Wilkinson County,’ and everyone’s like, ‘Where is that?’” Fosselman said.

“It’s the city of the unknowns, but we’re going to put Woodville on the map.”

Fosselman said both he and Maiden will start in the game today, and the competition is going to be good for both of them.

“Playing in and practicing for this game makes you better, because you don’t have someone you can pick on,” Fosselman said. “Everyone plays at a high level, so it’s a good challenge.”

Fosselman and Maiden are the first two Wilkinson County players to play in Alabama-Mississippi All-Star Classic, and Maiden said he’s happy to have the chance to represent the Wildcats.

“It’s neat having (Fosselman) with me, and this is a big game for us, since we’re the first two ever for Wilkinson County,” Maiden said. “It’s very important for us to show up and represent.”

Wilkinson County head coach Elbert Lyles said it was huge to have two players selected for this game after so many years of having never sent anyone.

“This is history in the making for Wilkinson County,” Lyles said. “For a 3A school, even though there’s a lot of talent, it’s been overlooked because we’re a 3A school, so that’s an honor in itself.”

And Lyles said both players played a key role in his team having one of its better seasons in recent years.

“With (Fosselman’s) leadership and presence, he required a double team for the most part,” Lyles said. “That opened up our offense a little bit, because it allowed some of our other receivers to have success.”

In Maiden, Lyles said Wilkinson County had a mainstay on both the offensive and defensive lines.

“He helped us as a pretty good pass blocker, which enhanced our success in the passing game,” Lyles said. “We had probably around 2,000 yards passing, and he was a big part of that.”

Fosselman said he struggled with ligament damage to his ankle, but fought through it with hard work and physical therapy.

“They told me I couldn’t injure it anymore than I already have,” Fosselman said. “I just played through the pain and went to my therapist every week.

“I told my therapist, just give me Fridays, and I’ll take it from there.”

Maiden, who said he’ll be starting on the offensive line today, has been taking a lot in during practice this week in preparation for the game.

“We’re learning a lot of new plays in practice, and it’s been going well this week,” Maiden said. “Mississippi is going to win.”