Six Morgan Academy seniors had the chance to put on their uniforms one last time Friday when they took part in the Alabama Independent School Association’s all-star football game in Montgomery.

Senators football players Harrison Adams, Jackson Henderson and J.R. Wood played in the all-star game, while Jane Anne Stewart, Mary Stewart and Owen Robertson cheered.

“It was definitely bittersweet because you put so much hard work into a sport, but it was such an honor to play one more time with two of your best friends, so that was really special for me,” Wood said.

The Senators’ players and cheerleaders represented the West team, which fell to the East 36-27. Throughout the game, players traded series to give everyone in the game a chance to play.

“A bunch of seniors, actually most seniors, don’t get this opportunity, so I tried to make the best of it,” Henderson said.

Adams played a lot at quarterback, Wood got some time at fullback and defensive end and Henderson played cornerback.

“The East side probably has a lot more talent than we did, but as a team I felt like all the guys on the West side really knew each other and we kind of formed a bond,” Adams said.

Adams also was one of four students — a football player and cheerleader from each team — that received an Alabama Independent School Association scholarship. Jeffrey Odgers from Cornerstone Christian, Lauren Terry from Springwood School and Elaina Strother from Pike Liberal Arts also received scholarships.

The all-star cheerleaders had a chance to catch up with many girls they know from cheerleading camps throughout the year and offseason.

“It was really cool to be able to see all the girls that we went to cheer camp with and we got to all hang out and get to know each other better,” said Mary Stewart. “We all talk still so often so it was really a lot of fun for us to get to see all the other girls.”

The cheerleaders each worked on one cheer from one of the other schools represented at the game. In only two days, they were able to learn them and also perform a halftime routine.

“We had most of the same cheers, but it was fun getting to learn other fun ones that we could come back and teach the rest of the squad,” Robertson said. “We learned really fun ones from Pickens. Pickens brought a lot where we got to do a lot of footwork and claps.”

Jane Anne Stewart said the close bond between the cheerleaders from different schools was one of her favorite parts of the week.

“The West side is the best side,” Jane Anne said with a laugh. “I can tell you it’s like a family.”