Turning Out In Numbers - THSCA All-Star Game

Rice will be well represented tonight in the 75th Annual Texas High School Coaches Association All-Star football game, played this year at Memorial Stadium in Austin. In fact more players that will be attending Rice were chosen than other other school.

Six future Owls were selected for tonight's game.

Broderick Jackson of Kirbyville; Nic Hammett of Rockdale; Jon Hodde of Burton; and Cade Shaw were selected to play for the South squad coached by Gary Joseph of Katy. Hammett has chosen not to play while recovering from a minor medical issue.

Chris Boswell of Keller Fossil Ridge and Alex Lowry will play for the North headed by Mickey Owens of Monahans.

Owl Sports Watch caught up with Broderick Jackson and Alex Lowry this afternoon as both prepared for tonight's contest.

Jackson was well into his pre-game ritual and had few words but did have this for Rice Owl fans.

"I'll be representing all of Rice tonight. Our goal is simple, we want to win. "32" is back!" (Jackson wore #32 at Kirbyville and will also sport the same number tonight).

Lowry was much more forthcoming.

"The whole week has been a lot of fun. I've been hanging out with my future teammates, especially Jon (Hodde) and Cade (Shaw). We've been playing cards and stuff."

We asked Lowry what he would be playing tonight since he is a future Defensive Tackle at Rice but is listed as an Offensive lineman on the official game roster.

"I'm starting at Right Defensive Tackle and I'm backing up at Right Guard on Offense. They also have me playing TE in the "Jumbo" short yardage and goal line formations."

I asked if we might see the ball come his way?

"Uh, no way. I don't think that's ever going to happen," Alex laughed.

Obviously surrounded by talent, we asked Alex who stood out at practice this week.

"Well besides my teammates (laughs), Joel Gray is really good. He's going to Tech I believe. And also the Defensive End lining up right next to me, Jarrett Brown I think is his name, has been almost unstoppable in practice this week. I think he's going to OU."

Alex had to get ready for a position meeting but closed with this tidbit for Owl fans.

"I think we're playing tonight with Rice in our minds. Once we got to school this summer we immediately became Owls. We'd like to maybe show tonight that the program is growing and that good players are starting to come to Rice. We'd like to play well tonight to show that. We want to win of course, and carry that over to playing football at Rice. It's a great night for all of us, and the University."

We wish all the players safety and good luck tonight - especially our future Owls.

The game will not be televised live tonight but will be taped and broadcast tomorrow. Check your local listings for air times.

Owl Sports Watch is the premier site for Rice Owl athletics coverage.