NorthWood grad Bronson Yoder runs for a touchdown in this file photo. Yoder’s interception at Friday night’s North-South All-Star game in Indianapolis helped set the stage for the game-winning field goal. (File photo by James Costello)

INDIANAPOLIS — NorthWood’s Bronson Yoder set the stage for a come-from-behind victory as the North rallied past the South in a 25-24 thriller at the Indiana Football Coaches Association’s 53rd annual North-South All-Star game Friday night.

The North trailed the South 24-15 early in the fourth quarter, but MVP Andrean quarterback Zack Merrill scored on a 24-yard run, then Yoder picked off a pass from Pendleton Heights quarterback Christian Conkling to set the North up at the South 33-yard line with just 5:04 remaining. Six plays later, Chesterton kicker Chris VanEekeren hit the game-winning field goal from 28 yards out with 2:20 on the clock to bring the score to its final margin at North Central High School.

The win was the fifth straight in the series for the North — the longest winning streak by either side at the classic — but the South still holds a 27-26 advantage all-time.

Suiting up for the North alongside Yoder, a William and Mary recruit and the Ink Free News Athlete of the Year, was conference-mate and Wawasee kicker Brayden Johnson, as well as Triton cornerback Tye Orsund. Northridge defensive tackle Reece Lueking, Concord defensive end Cameron Lain and South Bend Riley cornerback Jalen Jennings were all invited to represent the North as well, and Mishawaka running back Christopher Harness scored on a 1-yard run in the opening quarter to give the North an initial 6-0 lead.

Merrill ran for 97 yards and completed 8-of-15 passes for 113 yards on his way to the North MVP. Mooresville’s Jon Einemen caught six passes for 99 yards to earn South MVP honors.