Athens football coach Cody Gross is usually a hard man to please. But when he talks about senior linebacker Perry Kirby, he can’t help but smile and exude superlatives about who he calls one of the greatest players he has ever coached.

“I’m not a guy that lavishes too much praise on people unless it’s deserved, but in my time, he’s right at the top of people I’ve coached, as a person and as a player,” Gross said. “He’s the whole package.”

While Kirby wrapped up his high school football career in November, he will represent Athens one more time on the football field in the AHSAA North-South All-Star Football Game, which will take place Thursday, July 19, at the Cramton Bowl in Montgomery.

Kirby is the only player from Athens or Limestone County selected to play in the game, which is for recently graduated seniors. He had 120 tackles, four tackles for loss, one interception and two sacks from his inside linebacker position in 2017, helping lead the Golden Eagles to their first playoff appearance since 2013.

“I’m very excited for him, and I can’t think of anybody more deserving,” Gross said. “There were not a lot of folks from this area that made, which was somewhat surprising to me, and shows you what kind of honor it is. I can’t think of a person I would rather have represent our program than him.”

Kirby said while he was surprised to be selected to the all-star game, he had a feeling something good was about to happen.

“This was unexpected, but I had a feeling a blessing was coming my way,” Kirby said. “I didn’t know it would be this, but I had a feeling a blessing was coming.”

Gross has experience in the North-South All-Star game, having been an assistant coach in 2008, and said Kirby is in for a fantastic experience. Kirby said even though the game isn’t for three months, he’s ready to play now.

“I’m really excited about it, and can hardly wait,” he said. “I’m ready to put the pads on.”

Gross said the all-star game selection is a fitting way for Kirby to finish his high school career, as he has been such an important part of the rebuilding of the Athens football program.

“He’s undersized, but plays with such a great motor, he’s unselfish and an unbelievable teammate and leader,” Gross said. “I could go on and on. The program is gaining momentum, and he along with the other guys in the first two classes I’ve had here have been instrumental in getting that done.”

And even though Kirby is moving on to new challenges — he will be attending Tennessee Valley Prep in Huntsville next school year — Gross said his presence will be felt for a long time.

“He’s showed these younger guys how to work, how to be tough, how to lead and how to be a Golden Eagle,” Gross said. “That will pay off in the coming years. He’s leaving an impact here and it will be felt for a long time. And that is leaving a legacy.”