West Bests East in Inaugural Semper Fidelis All-American Bowl

The West team took the win in the inaugural Semper Fidelis All-American Bowl Jan. 3, which included coach  of Skyline High School coordinating offense and area standout high school players such as Jeff Lindquist of Mercer Island and Nathan Dean of Kirkland. Lindquist threw two touchdown passes .

Marine Corps pageantry was on exhibit inside and outside of Chase Field in Phoenix from the time the players took the field to the time the West squad hoisted the championship trophy at midfield, including locker room pep talks from Master Sargents and an F-16 flyover during the national anthem.

The East squad took the early lead when Phillip Nelson connected with JaQuay Williams for a 47-yard touchdown pass after Williams got behind prolific Notre Dame bound wide receiver Deontay Greenberry, who was playing both ways for the West.

With 8:40 remaining in the second quarter, Washington Husky commit Lindquist hooked up with Jaydon Mickens on a 14-yard touchdown pass to tie things up at 7.

The West was able take the lead when Jeff Lindquist once again was able to find an open receiver down the field. This time Lindquist connected on a 26-yard touchdown pass to Corey Batey which put the West up 14-7.

Nick Patti, a versatile QB from Dr. Phillips High School in Orlando hooked up with Maxx Williams for a nine yard TD leaving the score tied 14-14 heading into the half.

The score remained tied until Marshall Morgan trotted onto the field with five minutes remaining in the fourth. Morgan hit a 46-yard field goal which in the end gave the West a 17-14 victory over the East.

Jaydon Mickens was named bowl MVP by the bowl organization.

--Information from JuniorRank Sports Staff