Payton Johnson and Dylan Moses

They’re eighth-graders and both outstanding athletes, but they compete in completely different worlds.

Dylan Moses is a running back so physically advanced that LSU has already offered a scholarship.

Payton Johnson is a national ballet champion.

Dylan’s father Ed says he’s been training his son since he was 6. Dylan, now just a shade taller than 6 feet and weighing in at 210 pounds, is expected to be a varsity star next year on a team that reached the state semifinals two months ago. Said one recruiting expert, “He might not be a running back in college, but he has all the athleticism to succeed at the next level.”

Standing almost a foot shorter is Payton. A typical day includes her mother Lori shuttling her to an afternoon practice in Baton Rouge followed by an evening session in Denham Springs. One of five Johnson children, Payton has danced in the movies and at Radio City Music Hall with more to come in 2013.

If these two share anything in common, it is dedicated parental support and loads of potential.