Cleveland An Army All-American

Stephens County High School is sending someone to a top national high school football all-star game.

Monday, representatives were on hand to officially announce that Indians’ senior offensive tackle Ben Cleveland has been named to the U.S. Army All-American Bowl.

The Army All-American Bowl puts together two teams made of the top high school seniors in America each year.

Cleveland said he is honored to be chosen for the game.

“I would like to thank my teammates for sticking behind me these last four years to make me a better athlete on and off the field,” said Cleveland. “I would also like to thank the U.S. Army All-Americans for giving me this opportunity just to go out and represent my family and my community.”

Cleveland also thanked his coaches for their help along the way.

Army All-American Bowl representatives also recognized Cleveland’s parents and Indians’ Head Football Coach Frank Barden, presenting them with awards.

Barden said this is a tremendous recognition for the whole school and the community.

“I would like to thank the U.S. Army All-American Bowl for the opportunity they have given Ben and his family and the recognition for our school and our community,” said Barden. “It is a great opportunity for Ben. It is a great opportunity for our school and Toccoa, Georgia.”

The U.S. Army All-American Bowl started in 2001 and each year, features 90 players split into East and West teams.

A total of 299 U.S. Army All-Americans have been selected in the NFL Draft in the years since the game started.

This year’s U.S. Army All-American Bowl is scheduled for Saturday, January 9 at the Alamodome in San Antonio, Texas.

It will be broadcast at 1 p.m. on that day on NBC TV.