Atlantic City High School standouts Jaylen Day and Ky’Ree Barksdale have been selected to represent the South team in the 2026 North vs. South All-Star Football Classic, scheduled for June 20, 2026, at The College of New Jersey.
Day and Barksdale are among just 90 athletes statewide chosen to participate in the prestigious all-star event, which highlights some of New Jersey’s top high school football talent.
“Jaylen and Ky’ree Barksdale have demonstrated outstanding leadership, determination and school pride throughout their time in the Atlantic City Public Schools,” said Atlantic City Superintendent of Schools Dr. La’Quetta S. Small. “Their selection to the North vs. South All-Star Football Classic is a reflection of their hard work on the field and dedication in the classroom. We are incredibly proud of both of these young men.
Atlantic City High School Principal Dr. Constance Days-Chapman commended both student-athletes and the school’s football program.
“This is an incredible honor for Ky’Ree and Jaylen, and a proud moment for Atlantic City High School. Being selected for the North-South All-Star Game speaks volumes about their talent and perseverance both on and off the field,” Days-Chapman said.
“More importantly, it reflects the strength, resilience and competitive spirit of our student-athletes as a whole. At ACHS, our students continue to prove that, with the right support, discipline and commitment, they can compete with the best in the state. These selections are not only a recognition of individual excellence, but also a testament to the culture our coaches, staff, families and community have worked hard to build.”
Matt Vincent, representing the Phil Simms North/South All-Star Football Classic, said the students earned their selection.
“We’re excited to be here honoring them,” Vincent said. “It is because of their great seasons and their overall high school careers that they will be representing Atlantic City in this year’s North/South game.”
Both college-bound seniors announced their postsecondary decisions at Atlantic City High School on Feb. 4, 2026, during National Signing Day ceremonies.
Barksdale will attend West Chester University. The Golden Rams compete in NCAA Division II and have won 14 national championships.
Day will attend Lincoln University, a historically Black university located in Chester County, Pennsylvania, along with teammates Quamir Bailey, Jayden Hemphill and Tamir Rex.
Lincoln University’s football team, the Lions, competes in NCAA Division II as a member of the Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association.
As part of the selection process, the players were also recognized during the second annual 2026 North vs. South All-Star Selection Tour presented by the New Jersey Army National Guard.
Staff Sgt. Mohammed Masood of the New Jersey Army National Guard said being part of the all-star team shares similarities with military service.
“Football and the National Guard go hand-in-hand because the biggest thing is teamwork,” Masood said. “When you are on the field, you guys are working and fighting for each other. Every yard you gain is for each other, and the same applies for the military. We are fighting for our brothers and sisters next to us.”
Representatives from the Phil Simms North/South All-Star Football Classic and the New Jersey Army National Guard attended the presentation to celebrate the athletes’ accomplishments and generate excitement surrounding the showcase game.
Both Barksdale and Day expressed gratitude for being selected to the all-star team.
“It’s very exciting for me to be able to play another high school game before I go off to college,” Day said. “It gives me a chance to showcase my talent.”
Barksdale agreed.
“I just appreciate everyone who chose me and my friend,” Barksdale said.
The committee noted that the tour is designed to honor the players’ remarkable seasons while increasing awareness of the annual all-star competition through school and community celebrations, as well as local media coverage.
Coach Keenan Wright praised both players for their commitment throughout their high school careers.
“I’m so proud of these two. From freshman year all the way up, they stayed in the program. They did offseason workouts. They did what they needed to do in school, and that’s really the most important thing,” Wright said.
Athletic Director Chris Ford echoed that sentiment.
“This is a tremendous accomplishment for these two players, and it just shows you the success that the players and the coaching staff have brought to our program,” Ford said.
Ford noted that the last time local students were selected for the game was in 2018. “To have not only one, but two players selected is a great honor,” Ford said.
The North vs. South All-Star Football Classic annually brings together many of the state’s top graduating football players for one final high school showcase before they continue their academic and athletic careers.
“We are extremely proud of Ky’Ree and Jaylen for representing Atlantic City with pride and excellence,” Days-Chapman said. “I love them both, and we look forward to supporting them and seeing all they accomplish in the future.”
This story was produced by and reprinted with the permission of the Atlantic City Public Schools system, whose website is www.acboe.org
