Malcolm Simmons and Roman Gagliano combined on an Alabama-Mississippi All-Star Classic record 88-yard pass to help Alabama to a 26-17 win Saturday.

Simmons, the Benjamin Russell High star and Auburn commit, was the least surprised person in the stadium.

“When I get the ball in my hands, it’s a touchdown,” Simmons said. “I can’t be covered deep. I was telling my coaches that and they did a great job getting the ball to me.”

Simmons plans to sign with Auburn this week but won’t report to the Plains until the summer. He will run track and play basketball for the Wildcats as a high school senior.

Gagliano, who completed 4-of-7 passes for 150 yards and two touchdowns, left Saturday’s game for a visit at Middle Tennessee State. He is also considering Samford and a preferred walk-on offer from Clemson.

A clean sweep for Saraland High

In addition to wide receiver Ryan Williams being named Alabama’s MVP, his Saraland teammate Daylan Martin was awarded the top academic award for the team.

Martin, an offensive lineman who could not participate in the all-star game after being hurt in the state championship game last week, has a 3.4 grade point average and plans to begin his pursuit of a degree in kinesiology at Trinity Valley in Texas.

South Alabama Jaguars in the house

It’s not surprising that Alabama, Ole Miss and Auburn had the most commits in the game. But South Alabama was well represented with three players – Mary G. Montgomery quarterback Jared Hollins, St. Paul’s offensive lineman Asher Hale and Columbia, Miss., defensive back Amarion Fortenberry.

Hollins was a captain for the Alabama team, along with fellow Mobile County natives Ryan Williams and Theodore’s Bobby Pruitt. The fourth Alabama captain was Clay-Chalkville Jaylen Mbakwe.

Alabama running back target closing in on decision

Daniel Hill, a running back from Meridian, has narrowed his college choices to Michigan State, South Carolina, Tennessee and nearby Alabama.

Hill, who was held to 22 yards on seven carries, said he will make his commitment known on Jan. 6 at the All-American Bowl in San Antonio.

“I’m going to go to whatever school makes he feel the most at home,” Hill said.

Top kicker on the move

Towns McGough of Auburn High School left Saturday’s game and headed to Oxford for his visit with Ole Miss. McGough is considering a full scholarship offer from the Rebels and a preferred walk-on offer from the Auburn Tigers. He was also recently offered by Tulane.

McGough, who injured his kicking leg during the week, is scheduled to report on Dec. 29 to Orlando for the Under Armour Next All-American Game, which will be played Jan. 3.