Jerrod Gooch And Earl Thomas Named Army All American...

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Jerrod Gooch and Earl Thomas Named Army-All American Finalists

SAN ANTONIO (September 13, 2006) --- The U.S. Army All-American Bowl is proud to announce that two athletes from the Vidor area have been officially nominated for consideration to play in the 2007 U.S. Army All-American Bowl. Featuring the nation’s best prep football stars, the game will be played on January 6, 2007 @ 12:00 Noon (CST) in San Antonio’s Alamodome. The live broadcast on NBC provides senior athletes a national platform to display their talents and compete against America’s best. The nominations of Jerrod Gooch, OL from Vidor and Earl Thomas, CB from West Orange Stark make them two of 400 athletes being considered for final selection to play in this classic East vs. West match-up.

The U.S. Army All-American Bowl is one of the most anticipated prep events of the season. Each year, the Bowl highlights the most talented high school athletes in the country before they transition to the collegiate level. Past games have introduced America to stars like Reggie Bush, Vince Young, Chris Leak, Brady Quinn, and Adrian Peterson.

Of the 400 nominated athletes, 80 will ultimately be selected and invited to this year’s Bowl. The U.S. Army All-American Bowl Selection Committee is comprised of Scout.com, the nation’s #1 independent online recruiting network, Tom Lemming (CSTV), a well-respected evaluator of prep football talent and USA Today contributor, and SportsLink, producer of the U.S. Army All-American Bowl and National Combine.

“The U.S. Army is proud to recognize Jerrod Gooch and Earl Thomas as two of the nation’s top 400 high school football student-athletes. The U.S. Army is committed to supporting high school football and all of the great coaches and athletes who participate,†said U.S. Army Colonel Thomas Nickerson, Director of Strategic Outreach, U.S. Army Accessions Command. “The student-athletes selected to the team will demonstrate some of the key qualities exhibited within the Army, including leadership, teamwork, commitment to excellence, and a desire to make a difference as members of their teams.â€

The next step for these nominees will kick off on September 19, 2006, when the U.S. Army All-American Selection Tour begins. The tour will conclude in December after 80 U.S. Army All-Americans have been named to the team.

For online press releases, photos, a complete list of the official nominees, and more information about the Bowl, visit www.allamericangames.com and www.goarmy.com.

Please be aware that this student-athlete is being considered for the Bowl, but has not been selected to the roster. Athletes selected to the team will be notified over the course of the football season.

For More Information Please Contact: Summer A. Harris, Public Relations

Work: 908.684.5410 ext. 19

Cell: 201.317.7377

Fax: 908.684.5415

Email: [email protected]

Website: www.allamericangames.com

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U.S. Army All-American Bowl Selection Committee Comments

Jerrod Gooch, OL from Vidor

“Jerrod Gooch is a powerhouse left tackle who shows quick hands and even quicker feet. A difference maker at run blocking, he takes great angles to the ball, and can redirect better than most. In 2005 he earned All-Southeast Texas honors.†– Tom Lemming

Earl Thomas, CB from West Orange Stark

“Earl Thomas is always moving full steam ahead and doing everything effortlessly. He is not only quick to the ball, but also quick in route recognition. Blessed with tremendous recovery speed, he blankets every receiver he goes up against. On his way to earning All-State honors, he recorded 40 solo tackles and picked off 9 passes.†– Tom Lemming

[Guest Kelly Football]

Congrats to these young men.

[Guest GoStangs]

Definitely well-deserved honors. Congratulations to both players on being nominated to play on the team!

[Champion]

Thats great news for this area! Congrats guys!