WARNER ROBINS -- A 30-minute power outage failed to dim National Signing Day enthusiasm at Northside where four senior confirmed their commitments to in-state universities.

Receiver Robert Davis and linebacker Trey Payne signed letters-of-intent to play football and continue their educations at Georgia State. Slotback Keshun Hill and offensive lineman Taylor Lay will play at Georgia Southern.

“If it can happen in New Orleans, it can happen at Northside,” school principal Greg Peavy said, referring to a power outage during Sunday’s Super Bowl.

Originally schedule for the cafeteria, the signing ceremony was moved to the gym where power had not failed. Power was also available in the coaches’ office, where offensive coordinator Chad Alligood faxed signed paperwork to the schools in question.

Despite a long-time appreciation for Georgia Southern, Lay didn’t see himself playing football there until the end of his sophomore year. A member of the 2007 Little League World Series champion managed by his father Mickey, Lay saw baseball in his future. He changed his mind after a round-table discussion with his parents and Northside line coach Mark Stewart at the end of his sophomore year in high school.

“That’s when I knew I had to step it up,” Lay said.

He turned in his spikes for football cleats after that meeting.

“I’ve got no regrets at all,” Lay said, adding he’ll study sports medicine or business.

Hill said his visit to the Statesboro campus exposed him to the same type of “brotherhood” he experienced at Northside. And the same type of success.

“I’ve never been a team that had a losing record,” Hill said. “All they do is win.”

He said it’s a bonus to have a teammate (Lay) at the same school. They’ll be able to keep each other focused and motivated.

Hill, The Telegraph’s All-Middle Georgia Player of the Year, said he plans to study nutrition and sports medicine.

Davis had been leaning toward Reinhardt College in Waleska, but chose Georgia State after a visit. He said he was drawn to the big city campus and appreciated the high expectations new head coach Trent Miles brings to the football program.

“They wanted better men and not just better players,” Davis said.

A physical receiver and excellent downfield blocker, Davis’ athleticism showed itself with a clutch catch along the sideline during the Eagles’ GHSA Class AAAAA quarterfinal win over Tucker. He’s planning to study physical therapy.

Payne was one of the first players Miles recruited after taking the job in December. Payne said the Atlanta school offers all he’s looking for in a college experience.

“It wasn’t all about football,” Payne said. “To be in that city with my financial interests, it’s the right place.

During a freshman accounting class, Payne said he developed a love of numbers.

“When I got older, I developed a love of money,” he said.

Payne said he’ll pursue a degree in finance.