Two athletes were selected to play in the U.S. Army High School All-Star Football Game on Jan. 4, at San Antonio’s Alamodome.

“It is a great honor for both of those young men and our entire football program,” Head Football Coach James Brown said. “It isn’t very often you get one who is invited to play in such a prestigious game, let alone two.”

Seniors Brandon Simmons and Ed Paris were among 90 players in the U.S. picked to participate.

“It was goal and an honor to be selected to play,” Paris said.

The selection is based on past games.

“They just (pick) people on the performance at the field,” Simmons said, “I guess they thought that I performed well to play on that stage.”

Simmons, who has been playing since he was five, said it was like a dream come true.

“I am a football fanatic, so I grew up watching the All-American Game, hoping I would be part of it some day,” he said. “It’s crazy that I am going to go.”

Simmons has accepted a scholarship to play ball at Stanford in the fall.

“Football is my life,” Simmons said. “It’s just the feeling you have when coming out of the tunnel, hearing the fans and making the play.”

Simmons said that he keeps a positive attitude.

“It’s a drive that I have wanting to be the best,” he said. “I work every day to be the best.”

Brown said he is proud of his players.

“It is nice to see young deserving men achieve goals they had to set for themselves long ago,” he said.

Paris has been on Varsity for four years.

“I’ve been through ups and downs and scored winning touchdowns and winning interceptions,” he said.

The game will be televised live on NBC.

“Not a lot of people can say that ‘hey, I’m an Army All-American’ and play in front of thousands of fans,” he said.

Besides receiving support from his coach, Paris said he counts on a family member.

“My mom has been the only one in my life since she and my dad divorced,” Paris said.

Coach Brown has also been invited to attend the game.

“I will attend and support our two young men as it is a privilege to do so,” he said. “I do believe most of our (football) staff will be attending as well.”

The school has never had two All-American players selected at one time.

“Both are great young men who are leaders and an inspiration to our team,” he said. “Both Brandon and Ed are very deserving and will represent (us) very well.”

The east versus west match-up will be the last game the teammates play together.

“I’m glad that I’m going to have one last chance to play with Ed,” Simmons said. “He’s like my brother so being able to have one more opportunity, after the season is done to go out and play before we go our separate ways, is good.”