Wiggins competes in all-star game

Central Catholic High School senior linebacker Tanner Wiggins got one last opportunity to play in a high school football game and to show college scouts what he could do as he participated in the Max Emfinger International All-American Bowl Saturday at Southeastern Louisiana University’s Strawberry Stadium in Hammond.
Wiggins, who competed on the West team in its 17-0 victory against the East, played outside linebacker, defensive end and played on special teams, too.
He recorded six tackles and batted two passes, one resulting in an interception, according to his father, Jarrod Wiggins.
Tanner Wiggins said the experience was fun and the practices helped him.
“It was nice to put the pads back on,” he said.
Wiggins had such a great week of practice that he was chosen by the West coaching staff as a defensive captain and walked up with the other captains for the coin toss prior to the game.
“That was pretty cool,” he said. “It was an honor to do that.”
Central Catholic coach Tommy Minton said Wiggins, along with standout running back Stefano Guarisco, were invited to play in the game. However, Guarisco could not participate, Minton said, because of a shoulder injury he suffered during the Eagles’ playoff loss to Southern Lab in November.
The game, according to the Hammond Daily Star, was designed less than 20 years ago to scout talented players who have few or no offers.
Among the game’s alumni, according to the Daily Star, is Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Andy Dalton.
“It was a great reward for the type of season he has (had),” Central Catholic Coach Tommy Minton said of Wiggins’ participation. “It also was an opportunity for him to get to practice all week in front of college coaches and play the game in front of college coaches and get some looks to possibly help his recruiting.”
The elder Wiggins said his son has been contacted by four colleges since participating in the game.
Tanner Wiggins said he hoped to get a chance to play football on the collegiate level.
“That would be great,” he said.
Wiggins finished his senior season with 115 total tackles, five forced fumbles, three fumble recoveries and 14 tackles for loss.
He was an All-District 7-1A first-team selection at linebacker and an honorable mention selection by the Louisiana Sports Writers Association’s Class 1A All-State team.