MARPLE: Every year the top ninety High School Football players in America flock to San Antonio Texas to take part in the US All American Bowl. Nine years ago representatives from the US Army and US All American Bowl came to Cardinal O’Hara High to announce the first All American in the form of Lion Running Back Kevin Jones. They returned to O’Hara on Thursday to kick off the selection tour in which they announced the next representative and that was Quarterback Tom Savage. Savage who committed to Rutgers last April becomes only the second Lion to be selected to game which has been a coming out party for some of the games biggest stars including New Orleans Saint’s running back Reggie Bush and Minnesota Viking running back Adrian Peterson.
The afternoon started with a welcoming from Principal George Stratts in which he called the day a proud day for O’Hara. Stratts then turned the microphone over to days Master of Ceremonies Ron Jaworski. Jaworski congratulated the Lions who were present on their 5-0 start. Jaworski expressed that there’s over one million players in the nation and that only the top ninety get to go San Antonio. Jaworski went on to introduce the special guest that were present among them was Philadelphia Soul head coach Brett Munsey who last year led the Soul to their first Arena Bowl Championship. Jaworski would then introduce 3rd star Lt. General Benjamin C. Freakley. Freakley thanked the faculty and staff for all they do in educating the youth of America. Freakley then drew comparison to Lions goal of going 16-0 to that of a battle in which the Army wants to go 200-0 because each point the enemy gets is a life of a brother solider. Freakley also urged those in attendance to stay in school and not let one of their friends drop out. Freakley then presented Savage with a black US Army All American Bowl with the number 09 on it. Savage then stepped up to the microphone and thanked the US Army for supporting High School and doing all they do in protecting the country. Savage then thanked his parents Tom and Linda for all their support and teaching him the importance of hard work and dedication and importance of hard work on and off the field. In his career at O’Hara Savage managed to complete 190 passes for 2547 yards and 20 touchdowns meanwhile maintain a 3.9 GPA. Freakley then announced that O’Hara Head Coach Dan Algeo is part of the East team’s Coaching Staff.
After the Press Conference Philadelphia Soul Head Coach Brett Munsey said “It’s honor to get and support Tom accomplishments, we are celebrating the young man and staff accomplishment.” Jaworski said “It’s an honor for me to part of this day it’s a great day for Tom Savage’s family, Cardinal O’Hara High School as well as recognition of Tom’s great play and his teammates.” Jaworski went on to say “Football is the constant team game”. Savage called the game “a great opportunity.” “Its definitely going to come down but the main goal right now is to win the state championship that’s what we are all here.” Is how Savage responded when asked experience going down in memory.
For all those who can’t make it down to San Antonio to see the game in person they can watch live on Saturday January 3,2009 at 1 pm EST on NBC
Photos: http://www.imagequix.com/photog.php?id=694839T&ec=maxwellfootballclub
