Every day, Michael Preston, who is responsible for Team USA media relations, will post a blog here on GlobalFootball.com…

Next time a member of Team USA asks for a ride somewhere or grabs the keys to his car, just offer one word as an alternative: walk. 

Walking to and from practice for the day’s activities and back again to the stadium has become commonplace for the 40-player roster who are discovering that there is a healthy and efficient means to travel other than sitting behind the wheel.  

Dropped by their host families at Kawasaki Station, many players take a 15-minute walk to the stadium and team practice site, then make the same journey back again in the late afternoon. On Thursday, in blustery and rain-swept conditions, the sidewalk was a familiar path as Team USA paced their way to and back from a shopping mall and giant electronics store in addition to their standard walk to and from practice. 

The logic is simple. Kawasaki’s grid-locked traffic can be overtaken by walkers mingling with the city’s large number of bicyclists and going by foot is usually quicker and more effective than going by car. But Thursday threw up a few challenges, not least the problem of preventing the umbrellas that are either given out free of charge by a hotel front desk or purchased for a few dollars from turning inside out or blowing away in the gale-force winds. The wind toppled over the majority of bikes that are usually parked immaculately side by side throughout the city and generally cooled the morning temperature. Bikes, by the way, are rarely locked and never stolen it seems. Umbrellas are also left outside shops in special stands and, again, are only ever retrieved by their owner. 

As a result of the weather, Team USA (especially the Arizona contingent) were relieved to vacate the cold practice field they shared with a group of cheerleaders who themselves perfected their routines while loud dance music blared over the stadium speakers as Team USA attempted to practice. Coach John Storey from Villa Angela St Josephs in Cleveland was seen but sadly not photographed dancing to the universally popular song YMCA. 

The steady rain forced coach Scurran’s coaching clinic to be held inside as a healthy number of local Japanese coaches attended, their minds set on improving basic football fundamentals in the Japanese game. 

For the players, the washed out afternoon provided an opportunity to visit a giant  electronics goods stall and a shopping mall before taking a bus to the Toshiba factory tour.

Thursday night will be their last one with the host families before the team relocates to the coaches’ Sunroute Hotel in Kawasaki in preparation for game day. The players will be back in their new homes for two nights afterwards. 

The evening gave Team USA organizer and Team Manager Patrick Steenberge an opportunity to catch up with some of his old Notre Dame friends who are either living in Japan these days or visiting for the Boston Red Sox preseason and regular season games. Patrick played quarterback for the Irish in the early 70s (take a look at the video on this page http://www.globalfootball.com/about.html) and took the Team USA coaches and staff to meet his friends.  

The journey to and from the bar in Tokyo included navigating the subway and it’s never-ending boards of jumbled signs and ticket machines, changing trains and walking (naturally) and on the return journey we managed to retrace our steps, avoiding the alternative of a $200 taxi ride!  

Patrick, it should be mentioned, has put his arm to good use on this trip, acting as quarterback whenever Daniel Nicholas is resting his arm. During Thursday’s practice he threaded a perfect long pass to the outside shoulder of a receiver who was in tight coverage. He still has it! 

Still to come on Friday… the culinary likes and dislikes of Team USA, the Asakusa tour, preparing for kickoff… 

Team USA came of age this morning. 

Coach Surran had promised a tough practice and a demanding day for that matter with a second session at the Kawasaki Stadium from 3pm to 5pm following the morning drills. This was the squad’s last chance to hit in full pads before lighter sessions on Thursday and Friday. 

The general feeling among the players and coaches was that the team is on the right tracks with the game against Japan only three days away. “It was a tough practice, but we did some good things and it seemed to go well,” said running back Troy Smith. 

Along with team mates and fellow Arizona representatives Alex McGillivray and Michael DiGangi (whose bags finally showed up today), Smith met the Mayor of Kawasaki Mr. Abe in his offices at lunch time. A quick burst along the busy Kawasaki streets got the players there in time to join head coach Jeff Scurran, organizers Shinzo Yamada and Patrick Steenberge and members of the Japanese squad at the formal reception. 

Mr. Abe told them: “We are very pleased that we had so many local families eager to host your players and we could have accommodated a squad twice as large in size, the response was so great. I could see at the welcome banquet that the players and families were already having a great time together. 

“I wish you all a great game and I hope that one day we see players from both teams playing at the highest level of the sport.” 

The Team USA players had an opportunity to address Mr. Abe. DiGangi said: “We are delighted to be here and feel very relaxed when we are with our host families.” McGillivray added: “You have a very beautiful city and I am having the time of my life. I would also like to say good luck to our opponents this Saturday.” 

There was no time to waste before a return to the field where practice was eventually halted by a torrential downpour and the rain showed no sign of relenting when the players headed home to be with their host families. The poor weather seems to be following Team USA around, first in San Diego and now in Kawasaki. 

After the hectic past few days, Thursday evening was one for rest and relaxation. Whether or not the players did that is a question for tomorrow’s blog, but the players and staff certainly did at their Sunroute Hotel in the city. 

A few brief observations about the hotel to end: the bathroom mirror has a texture in an area at the perfect level for shaving or applying make up, which causes it to remain clear while the rest of the mirror is steamed up after showering. Genius! The hotel has metallic ‘do not disturb’ signs and presumably a metallic substance in the doors so that those signs can be easily applied and do not fall off door handles as if so often the case, or become lost or worn. 

Talking of ‘do not disturb’ it is late enough in Kawasaki to put up the magnet and bid you sayonara for now.

If this were a soccer game the score right now would be USA 0 Japan 1; or a boxing match and the stars and stripes would be behind on points. The reason: that wonderful Japanese invention, karaoke! 

Aubura Taylor’s rendition of the Temptations’ My Girl was no match for his Japanese opponent Yuusuke Ashina’s crowd-pleaser, despite his dance moves, at the Tuesday evening Welcome Banquet. 

“He’s a linebacker and I’m a running back, so we’ll have a rematch on the field on Saturday and see who wins then,” said Taylor, looking forward to the March 22 meeting between Team USA and Team Japan at the Kawasaki Stadium for the GE Global Challenge Bowl title. 

The welcome party provided the ideal opportunity for players from both teams to get to know one another and for the event’s organizers to thank the local Japanese families for hosting US players during their stay and the city of Kawasaki for its hospitality. But that chance for everyone to relax and enjoy the evening came at the end of a long and exciting day. 

Players who had spent their first nights with host families in very foreign surroundings started arriving at the Kawasaki Stadium for their first practice on Japanese soil at around 9.15am. Everybody seemed upbeat and as they dressed for practice, shared some of their experiences. 

John Harms (Graves County HS, KY): “My family speaks no English whatsoever, so we played charades for eight hours. But it was fine, we managed to communicate. “One of the first things they did was give me a knife and fork.” 

Billy Deane (Adams Friendship HS, WI): “The toilet seat was heated! That’s something we should have at home. 

“They gave us some kind of Japanese cereal, eggs, sausage, bacon, kiwi fruit, grapefruit – I couldn’t eat it all there was so much. I liked the Japanese cereal. 

“The Mom has started reading an English book so we were able to talk to each other. I’m staying in what I’d call a typically Japanese room and have a lap top in my room, but it is difficult to work out what everything means. The keyboard is in English but all the programs are in Japanese. 

“They told me to duck under the door, which I had to!” 

Jake Thompson (Marion County HS, KY): “Their kids are up at 6am for school which is at least half an hour away and they don’t come home until late. The house where I’m staying is only five minutes away from here.” 

Daniel Nicholas (Canyon Del Oro HS, AZ): “We’re staying about an hour and a half away from here. I think we (he and teammate Mike Snively) are the ones who have to travel the furthest. I’ve tried eating with chopsticks, but it’s hard. 

“The house has a few different features. They have all sliding doors and steep stairs. We watched a World War II film at night, which surprised me.”

Mike Snively (Santa Rita HS, AZ): “We had a kind of bacon that seemed to be ham cut into strips and then fried, eggs, salad and toast for breakfast.  

“I’ve been using chop sticks and trying to talk with the family as much as I can but Daniel (Nicholas) hasn’t talked so much. They point at me and say ‘he try things’ then they point at Daniel and say ‘he shy’.” 

Will Cassidy (The Bolles School, FL): “My host family’s Dad, whose name is Tanko, has four cars. He has a Porsche, Mercedes, a Cadillac and something else. He told me he’s just sold his Ferrari!  

“For breakfast they gave me eggs, bacon, toast, tea and cereal. For dinner we had beef stroganoff, soup and noodles. The Dad lived in New York once and also in LA for business and attended graduate school in the US, so he knows what kind of food Americans like. 

“The first things they asked was ‘do you like McDonalds?”” 

Once headshots had been taken by Japanese television, the team hit the practice field for the first time on foreign soil. The Kawasaki Stadium field is flanked on each side by high aluminum bleachers and light blue seating areas. Behind one end zone is a view of the city of Kawasaki and in each corner stand four large floodlight pylons.  There were large black crow-like birds making frequent strange calling noises and every half an hour a loud clock sounded from the side of a building across the street. 

In warm sunny conditions, the team spent a little more than two hours on the field then after a quick lunch was split into two groups. One boarded a bus and headed to the Tokyo University of Agriculture to watch sumo wrestlers in training and also watch a kendo practice. Some players picked up swords of their own and were instructed in the traditional art. 

Coach Jeff Scurran, event manager Patrick Steenberge and the remaining 20 players took off along the Kawasaki streets, bound for the Tachibana High School. We walked the 15 minutes from the practice field to Kawasaki Station, passing by intrigued locals who do not see a large group of football players in game jerseys walking through the bustling streets and shopping malls every day. Several escalators, steps, tunnels and twists and turns later, the group boarded the subway for a four-stop ride to Tachibana.

For some players it was the first time they had ever been on a train. “I usually just jump in my truck and drive that everywhere,” said John Kredit (Valley Christian HS, AZ).  But in Tokyo and Kawasaki, where the streets are busy during rush hour and just about every other time it seems, driving is rarely an option.  

Side note: the players have all been warned to remember to look to their right whenever they cross the road because in Japan, cars drive on the left, the opposite side to the United States. Crossing the road here can be precarious if you forget. They also have to be careful not to walk into sliding doors that have the word ‘automatic’ on them. What the sign means is that once you start to slide the door open by hand it then automatically opens fully. Just ask equipment manager Jose Duran (Santa Rita HS, AZ) about the ‘automatic’ sliding door that leads to a coffee shop in the coaches’ hotel. 

The group walked through some interesting back streets filled with small shops, market traders and food emporiums (on the return journey, coach Scurran braved a bowl of unidentified fish meat, vegetables and soup from one establishment) to arrive at the school.  

The school’s international studies class had been preparing for the visit and were clearly excited by the players’ arrival. The class of 16 and 17-year-old girls overcame some initial shyness and in no time at all were chatting with their new friends about all the usual things teenagers discuss.  

The group split into three and took turns making traditional Japanese fans (coach Mike Rogers might have found his true vocation here), watching the girls train in the art of performing a Japanese tea ceremony, and cooking California rolls, which seemed to be the most popular class for the ever-hungry boys. 

It was a delight to see how much everyone enjoyed and appreciated the opportunity to learn something of the Japanese education system and a reminder that this visit is about so much more than just playing football. 

The welcome banquet that evening opened with a press conference as coach Scurran joined his counterpart coach Uchida along with Team USA spokesman Troy Smith,  Japan captain Yuusuke Ashina, and organizers Patrick Steenberge and Shinzo Yamada in meeting the media.  

Within a few minutes of getting to know each other, the US and Japanese players were chatting like old friends. A scrum formed around a table as a player from each team engaged in a very competitive arm-wrestling competition that provoked loud and excitable jeers or cheers depending upon which combatant won.  

Team USA’s John Kredit discovered that despite being six feet six tall, he will not be the tallest player on the field on Saturday as he stands and inch shorter than Japan’s main receiving threat. And who would have thought when these young athletes compared biceps for bragging rights, the US kicker Michael DiGangi would emerge as the winner!  

Another side note: The saga of DiGangi’s missing bags was nearing an end last night as they were due to land in Tokyo on Tuesday evening 24 hours after the rest of us were able to change into fresh clothes. But Michael’s Dad Dennis is also here in Kawasaki, so went out to buy him some first day essentials. Another lost bag belonged to coach Mike Rogers, whose wife received a phone call back home in Kentucky telling her that his bag had been found successfully – in Barbados! 

As the banquet guests enjoyed a feast of Japanese and western-style food (there was too much even for these hungry football players to consume) everyone was welcomed to Kawasaki by the city Mayor Mr. Abe and by event sponsor Mr. Fujimori from GE. 

The players posed for countless photos with their Japanese opponents, host families, dignitaries, game official Bill Lemonnier and the girls from Tachibana High School during a very enjoyable evening.  

Then it was back to the homes of their host families and another night of rest and all-you-can-eat breakfasts before Wednesday’s important two-a-day practices. 

Coming up in Wednesday’s blog… practice and more practice, a visit to the Mayor’s office…

Every day, Michael Preston, who is responsible for Team USA media relations, will post a blog here on GlobalFootball.com…

If the 4.45am alarm failed to wake up the team USA contingent preparing to leave the Mission Valley Resort in San Diego then the load claps of thunder would have stirred them from their beds.

The scene of palm trees bending in the stormy winds and the torrential rain had team manager Patrick Steenberge wondering whether or not the traveling party would be able to leave a rain soaked southern California in time to make a flight connection to Tokyo in San Francisco. As is turned out there was no cause for concern. Three hours after several players had been caught on the hotel car park midway between checking out of their rooms and reaching the team bus, the hail and rain that had soaked them had subsided and the skies were clear.

We were on our way – or so we thought. 

The tired contingent sat aboard a United flight unable to take off since the plane’s catering supplies had not been delivered. Forty five minutes later San Diego was finally becoming ever smaller in the distance and San Francisco soon loomed into view. 

A representative from ANA airlines whisked everyone bound for a likely delayed flight 0007 to Tokyo Narita international through the airport at a brisk pace. And boy could this lady fly! If any of the Japanese running back are related to this lady coach Surran’s boys had better watch out as she rushed us all to the ANA check in desk leaving a few stragglers to get lost along the way. After some confusion over the reprinting of boarding passes and a collection of passports, there was one hurried pass through the security mags before the team boarded the 737. 

Leg room was certainly at a premium and some reshuffling of the seat assignments allowed the taller members of the party to find much sought after aisle seats. It must pay to be the quarterback since Daniel Nicholas found himself with a premium bulkhead seat albeit in the middle seat. It pays to be the coach too. Business class has its obvious perks. 

Those of us on the starboard side of the plane were treated to a spectacular view of the Golden Gate Bridge, Alcatraz and Marin County during take off. Rob Moran, the sole Californian on the team, might well have been able to see his Portola Valley home from the port side. With a choice of a dozen movies on demand – from Atonement to National Treasure and subtitled Japanese movies to the sound of Music – there should have been little chance for boredom to set in even if the flight is 11 hours long. There were games, quizzes and a map of our progress on the individual screen in the back of each seat in front.  

When the food came, the mixture of sushi, cold noodles and seaweed raised a few eyebrows but they accompanied a choice of pork or cod and there didn’t appear to be many disappointed appetites. A first shot at perfecting the art of using chopsticks was welcomed by many though everyone seemed to defer to a spoon when it came to devouring the ice cream. 

The cabin lights were dimmed for the first time, almost four hours into the flight. Because of the peculiarities of crossing the international dateline the team did not see the sun set during the flight and relied on people to close their window blinds to help people to sleep. Everyone’s body clocks were sure to be out since 4.30pm PST was 8.30am in Japan and the team was due to arrive at around 3pm Monday local time having missed out Sunday night and Monday morning completely, while it would still be yesterday in some parts of the Unites States. Confused? Yeah, me too! 

Once safely in Japan, it emerged that kicker Michael DiGangi’s personal luggage and equipment bag were still back in San Francisco and will not arrive in Tokyo until Tuesday evening. 

The team traveled a further 90 minutes by bus from Tokyo Narita Airport to the Kawasaki Stadium site of Saturday’s game, where they were paired with Japanese host families. No sooner had they arrived than they were off to new and unfamiliar but hospitable homes for their first night in Japan. The evening was not yet finished for the coaches, who went through some x’s and o’s on a whiteboard before finally calling it a day. 

On Tuesday’s agenda… practice, a visit to a sumo and kendo school, a visit to a local high school to talk with students, the GE Global Challenge Bowl press conference and Welcome Banquet…

Saturday, March 15, 2008 – SAN DIEGO, CA – Team USA broke training camp at the University of San Diego on Saturday as they prepared to head to Kawasaki, Japan to take part in the GE Global Challenge Bowl. 

The 40-player Team USA roster held four practices during two days under the guidance of head coach Jeff Scurran (Santa Rita High School, Tucson, AZ) and his coaching staff. On Sunday they will fly to Tokyo and are due to arrive on Monday afternoon local time before transferring to the suburb of Kawasaki where the players will live with Japanese host families. Team USA will practice twice daily from Tuesday through Friday. 

Offering the high school senior all-stars words of advice as they prepare for an exciting cultural experience and to take on Team Japan in the Kawasaki Stadium on Saturday, March 22 was San Diego Chargers linebacker Jyles Tucker.  

“Whatever you do, whether it is in pursuit of excellence on the football field or in another walk of life, you have to have a strong work ethic,” Tucker told Team USA.

“To be successful you have to work hard at everything you do. “I never had the opportunity to play in an all-star game, and I certainly would have liked to have played in one like this against another country. I am sure you’ll all enjoy your visit to Japan and wish you good luck in winning the game.” 

Team USA again practiced in full pads and fine-tuned its game plan before enjoying a team dinner at Seau’s Restaurant in San Diego. With the team conspicuous in red white and blue USA jackets, quarterback Daniel Nicholas (Canyon Del Oro High School, AZ), the Southern Arizona Player of the Year, was asked to pose for photographs and sign autographs by well-wishers at the restaurant. 

Coach Scurran selected his roster from 12 states and 27 high schools and assembled a coaching staff that hails from Arizona, Ohio, Kentucky and Pennsylvania. Full details of the Team USA players and coaching staff can be found at the event website www.GlobalFootball.com.  

Away from the football field, the team will enjoy a Toshiba factory tour, visit a local high school, observe Sumo and Kendo club practices and watch the Boston Red Sox complete their Major League Baseball preseason against the Yomiuri Giants at the Tokyo Dome.

Thursday, March 13, 2008 – San Diego Chargers linebacker Jyles Tucker will attend the final Team USA practice of a two-day training camp at the University of San Diego at 2pm on Saturday, March 15. 

Tucker, who won AFC Defensive Player of the Week honors as a rookie during the 2007 NFL season, will meet the 40-player Team USA roster that is traveling to Kawasaki, Japan to play in the GE Global Challenge Bowl.  

Team USA holds its camp at Manchester Field at the University of San Diego at 10am and 2pm on both Friday, March 14 and Saturday, March 15. The high school seniors will then travel to Japan for a week of practices, sightseeing and a unique cultural experience, before taking on the Japanese junior national team on March 22. 

“We are delighted that Jyles and the Chargers have given us their support and the team will be excited to listen to words of advice and inspiration from an NFL player,” said Team USA head coach Jeff Scurran of Santa Rita High School, Tucson, AZ. 

Tucker, who will himself travel overseas when the Chargers play at Wembley Stadium in London in October, recorded three sacks and a fumble recovery for a touchdown as San Diego won 30-17 at Oakland in the final week of the regular season. 

Before Tucker’s visit, Scurran will spend valuable hours on the practice field preparing a group selected from 12 states and 27 high schools, who began arriving in San Diego on Thursday. 

“The first thing we have to do is bond as a team,” said Scurran. “At this point we are trying to teach them some of the terminology so that they will have a better idea of what we are doing.” 

Scurran has assembled a coaching staff that hails from Arizona, Ohio, Kentucky and Pennsylvania. Full details of the Team USA players and coaching staff can be found at the event website www.GlobalFootball.com.  

“Having held coaching clinics all over the country, I have been exposed to some great coaches in all the states I’ve visited and some of them are here on this coaching staff,” explained Scurran. “I have chosen those who will get on well together and teach the same philosophy of the game to the players. I want guys who know how to take care of the individual athlete as well as coach the team.” 

While in San Diego, the Team USA all-stars will also have an opportunity to relax at a local beach and visit the San Diego Hall of Champions.

Team USA GE Global Challenge Bowl Schedule for San Diego: 

Fri March 14     
10am             Practice at the University of San Diego (ends 12pm)                          
2pm              Practice at the University of San Diego (ends 4pm)

Sat March 15    
8.45am          Team Photo at Manchester Field, University of San Diego                          
10am             Practice at the University of San Diego (ends 12pm)                          
2pm              Practice at the University of San Diego (ends 4pm) 

Sun March 16   
8.20am          Flight from San Diego to San Francisco / Tokyo                                               

Jyles Tucker
Position: LB
College: Wake Forest
Height: 6-3 / Weight: 258
Age: 24 Experience: R / Acquired: UDFA ‘07
Hometown: Dover, N.J.  

TRANSACTION HISTORY: Signed two-year contract with Chargers as undrafted rookie, May 4, 2007.  2007: Played first career game on special teams Nov. 25 vs. Baltimore after being signed from practice squad…shared fourth-quarter sack eight-yard sack with Shaun Phillips Dec. 2 at K.C….tied Tim Dobbins team high with three special teams tackles against Detroit Dec. 16…named AFC Defensive Player of Week and GMC Defensive Player of Week following coming out party at Oakland Dec. 30 with three sacks and first-career NFL touchdown…started series in third quarter with nine-yard sack on first-down…then on third-and-13 play, sacked Russell and forced fumble, and loose ball rolled into end zone where Tucker recovered…was first touchdown since freshman year at Wake Forest when he sacked and stripped current Charger teammate and former Clemson quarterback Charlie Whitehurst and returned ball 12 yards for touchdown…later sealed 30-17 win over Raiders with late fourth-quarter sack and forced fumble on fourth-and-two play with under one minute remaining in game.

COLLEGE: Honorable mention All-ACC as senior…named ACC Rookie of Week after first career start vs. Clemson during which he stripped QB Charlie Whitehurst of ball and returned it 12 yards for touchdown…finished career with 85 tackles, nine sacks and 12.5 tackles for loss…played at Wake Forest from 2003-07…majored in religion.PERSONAL: Born in Morristown, New Jersey…attended Hargrave Military Academy after graduating from Morristown Beard High School…four year starter at Morristown as defensive end and quarterback…named to New Jersey’s All-Prep School Team…started four years at small forward on school’s basketball team and competed in track, winning conference championship in shot put. 

No.	Name	Position	Ht.	Wt.	High School	Hometown, State
2	Marquese Wheaton	RB/CB	5-10	170	Mountain Pointe	Maricopa, Arizona
3	Mike Snively	FB/FS	6-2	170	Santa Rita	Tucson, Arizona
5	Joe Chiusano	FB/DE	6-0	218	Santa Rita	Tucson, Arizona
7	Daniel Nicholas	QB	6-4	190	Canyon Del Oro	Tucson, Arizona
8	David Thompson	RB/LB	5-10	180	Sheboygan North	Sheboygan, Wisconsin
10	Michael DiGangi	PK/DB	6-1	212	Highland	Gilbert, Arizona
11	Mike Parsons	FB/LB/SS	5-8	195	Erie Cathedral Prep	Erie, Pennsylvania
14	Taylor Ward	WR/CB	5-11	165	Seven Lakes	Katy, Texas
15	Chris Miller	RB/LB/SS	5-8	185	Salpointe Catholic	Tucson, Arizona
20	Scotty Smith	P/WR	6-1	170	Davis County	Owensboro, Kentucky
21	Clint Smith	DB	5-10	150	Santa Rita	Tucson, Arizona
22	Troy Smith	RB/LB	5-11	170	Santa Rita	Tucson, Arizona
23	Tyler Lincoln	RB/OL	5-7	152	Juda	Juda, Wisconsin
24	Troy Roffi	RB/SS	6-1	201	Valley Christian	Tempe, Arizona
25	Akeem Satterfield	RB/SS	6-0	195	Erie Cathedral Prep	Erie, Pennsylvania
29	Nick Viola	RB/LB	5-10	195	Villa Angela St. Joseph	Wickliffe, Ohio
31	Jake Thompson	FB/DE	6-0	205	Marion County	Lebanon, Kentucky
32	Aubura Taylor	RB/DB	5-6	150	Santa Rita	Tucson, Arizona
33	Darius Petraitis	OG/DL	6-1	200	Villa Angela St. Joseph	Cleveland, Ohio
35	Joe Zambito	RB/LB/DB	6-0	205	Notre Dame Prep	Detroit, Michigan
36	Tony Martin	RB/SS	6-0	185	Somerset	Somerset, Wisconsin
41	John Pokorny	RB/LB	5-7	160	Villa Angela St. Joseph	Euclid, Ohio
42	Matt Groudle	OG/DT	5-9	175	Villa Angela St. Joseph	Euclid, Ohio
43	Jordan Ralph	TE/LB	5-11	230	Gibson Southern	Haubstadt, Indiana
45	Riley Bushman	LB	6-3	210	Sabino	Tucson, Arizona
52	Brandon Young	DE	6-3	250	DuPont Manual	Louisville, Kentucky
55	Davis Jayroe	LB	5-8	168	Christ School	Georgetown, SC
56	Will Cassidy	DL	6-2	275	The Bolles School	Jacksonville, Florida
57	Jon Harms	C/NG	6-4	305	Graves County	Mayfield, Kentucky
58	John Earl	C/DT	6-0	245	Evangel Christian	Shreveport, Louisiana
65	Rob Moran	OL/DL	6-3	275	Sacred Heart Prep	Portola Valley, Calif.
66	James Hanson	C/DT	6-1	185	Catalina Foothills	Tucson, Arizona
70	Billy Deane	OG/DE	6-2	228	Adams Friendship	Adams, Wisconsin
71	Burt Geurkink	OL/DE	6-5	245	Somerset	Somerset, Wisconsin
72	Adam Rogers	C	5-8	215	Santa Rita	Tucson, Arizona
73	Alex McGillivray	OL	6-4	295	Salpointe Catholic	Tucson, Arizona
74	John Kredit	OL/DL	6-7	285	Valley Christian	Phoenix, Arizona
75	Paul Perez	OL/DL	6-2	200	Santa Rita	Tucson, Arizona
77	Blaine Russ	OL/LG/LT	6-3	280	Evangel Christian	Shreveport, Louisiana
84	Jon Hobbs	TE/DE	6-4	220	Daytona Mainland	Daytona Beach, Florida

Jeff Scurran ▪      Head Coach / OC     Santa Rita High School       Tucson, AZ
Coach Jeff Scurran’s current record as a high school and college coach is
231-75. In 2007 he was selected by the Arizona Republic as the state’s Large
School Coach of the Year for taking the Santa Rita Eagles from 0-10 to 11-2,
the biggest turnaround in state history. Coach Scurran has been State Coach of the
Year four times and 14 times at the district or local level.  Scurran is arguably most famous in his hometown of Tucson and throughout much of Arizona for his career as the highly successful head football coach of the Sabino Sabercats at Sabino High School from 1988 through 1999. Scurran turned what was once a failing program into one of national stature. He won three state titles in 12 years at Sabino, dominating Arizona’s 4A football division for almost a decade. 

John Storey ▪ Assistant Head Coach / Defensive Line    Villa Angela St. Joseph        Cleveland, OH
John Storey is head coach for football and wrestling at Villa-Angela Saint Joseph High in Cleveland, Ohio. Before returning to his alma mater, he coached football and wrestling for 30 years at Saint Joseph High. Storey has coached 23 players who reached the NFL such as, Desmond Howard, Heisman Trophy winner and Super Bowl MVP and Bob Golic, Cleveland Browns. Storey was inducted into the Ohio High School Wrestling Hall of Fame on March 1, 2008. 

Greg Patrick ▪  Defensive Coordinator / Linebackers        Valley Christian Chandler, OH
Greg Patrick, a former professional football player, has six years experience as defensive coordinator for Valley Christian High School in Chandler, Ohio. During this tenure, Patrick and his team have been very successful, reaching the state semi-finals three times and won the Arizona State Championship in 2005. The team has set the state record twice for YPG allowed, PPG allowed, turnovers forced, and defensive scoring.  Patrick was AIA Defensive Coach of the Year in 2005 and coached the North / South All-Star game in 2006.  

Kevin Amidan ▪    Offensive Line       Santa Rita High School         Tucson, AZ
As a four-year varsity player under head coach Jeff Scurran, Kevin started three consecutive state championship football games in Arizona, winning one and then went on to play for Coach Scurran at Pima Community College. He coached the offensive line at Pima Community College as the team finished fifth in the nation and was victorious in the Pilgrims Pride Bowl in Texas. At Santa Rita High School, he and coach Scurran took over a 0-10 program and finished the year 11-2 playing in the state semi finals. 

Mike Rogers ▪    Defensive Backs             Graves County    Fern Creek, KY
Coach Rogers’ record as a high school coach is 30-17. Rogers has had more than 50 players go on to the collegiate level and in excess of 200 academic all state players. In 2005 and 2006 the Kentucky High School Football Associated named Rogers Assistant Coach of the Year while at Nelson County High School with a career record of 73-25. In 2002, Rogers was named Assistant Coach of the Year by the Greater Louisville Football Coaches Association. 

Tom Sullivan ▪     Receivers           Marion County                  Lebanon, KY
After graduating from the University of Evansville, where he was a four-year letterman at tight end and punter, Sullivan began his coaching career at Monroe County High School, KY, helping to guide the school back to the State playoffs in 1997. In March of 1998, Sullivan coached DJ Burchett to a USA Powerlifting High School National Championship, setting 3 national records. As Head Coach at Marion County he lead the team to best record in 8 years in 2002 then moved on to Campbellsville University in 2003 where he coached running backs. After the 2003 season he went to Anderson County High School to turn around a losing program.    

Don Holl  ▪     Running Backs                  Cathedral Prep                   Erie, PA
Don Holl has led Cathedral Prep to an overall record of 29-9 in his three seasons at the helm, including three consecutive District 10 titles and appearances in the Pennsylvania State AAAA quarter-finals. At Tunkhannock Area High School, he took a winless team to an Eastern Conference playoff berth in three seasons and to the championship in four. As Offensive Coordinator at Division 2 Gannon University, Holl’s offenses set more than 100 school records and were ranked in the top 20 nationally for three consecutive years, including leading the nation in rushing in 2001. Holl has served as an assistant in the Pennsylvania East-West Game and is a noted regional and national coaches clinic speaker.

Jose Duran  ▪    Equipment Manager     Santa Rita High School   Tucson, AZ
Jose has an associate degree from Pima Community College and is pursuing his Bachelors in Business Administration and Marketing from North Arizona University and Bachelors in Psychology from Ashford University. Since 2007 he has been the head equipment manager for football at Santa Rita High School in Tucson, Arizona.
Since 2006 he has been the Director/Coach for the Arizona Girls Wrestling Team for USA Wrestling and an assistant coach for Sunnyside High School in Tucson, Arizona. Jose belongs to the Athletic Equipment Managers Association and has been an assistant coach for football and wrestling since 1985.  

Susan Wilson ▪    Athletic Trainer
Susan Wilson received a BS Physical Education degree from Simpson College, Indianola, Iowa. In 2001, she received a Masters of Arts in Exercise Physiology from Minnesota State University. In 2002, while she was athletic trainer at Mankato West High School, the football team became 2002 4A State Football Champions. She is currently Athletic Trainer for Johnston High School, and this past 2007 season the volleyball team became the 4A State Volleyball Champions. Wilson is also licensed by National Academy Sports Medicine Performance Enhancement Specialist. 

Patrick Steenberge  ▪   Team Manager      Global Football      Granbury, TX
A native of Erie, PA, Patrick Steenberge played quarterback and lettered two seasons under Coach Ara Parseghian at Notre Dame, while earning his marketing degree. He boasts more than 35 years of business background, having specialized in communications, special events production, and marketing.  Under his leadership, Global Football Inc created and managed the NFL Global Junior Championship at Super Bowls from 1997 to 2007, the Aztec Bowl in Mexico since 1997, the Volcano Bowl at the NFL Pro Bowl from 1998 to 2000, and the Global Youth Jamboree in 2004. He has also orchestrated football tours to England, France, Norway, Sweden, Finland, Russia, Germany, Austria, Ireland, France, Spain, Italy, Canada, Panama and Mexico.  In 2003 he introduced the Notre Dame Football Fantasy camp, providing dreamers with the chance to live their fantasy of actually playing football at Notre Dame. A similar fantasy camp was established at Penn State in 2006. Patrick helped coordinate the Notre Dame Alumni Football Team Tour and Game in Hamburg, Germany in July 2000. He has developed working relationships with the top football organizations in the world, including: American Football Coaches Association (AFCA), NFL International, USA Football, Pop Warner Little Scholars, Inc., European Federation of American Football (EFAF), Mexican Federation of American Football (FMFA), American Football Federation of Japan (AFAJ), National Football Federation of Canada (NFFC). 

Michael Preston ▪   Media Relations      Preston Consulting     Norwood, MA
A native of Birmingham, England, Michael Preston has more than 20 years of experience in the world of public relations and journalism. Having been a newspaper sports editor and a press officer for several UK sports clubs, he was the Assistant Director of Public Relations for NFL Europe from 1997 to 2002. Under his leadership, Massachusetts-based Preston Consulting has built a client base that includes the National Football League, Arena Football League, Soccer United Marketing and Fathead. He specializes in promoting youth sports events and has undertaken projects in 10 countries, on three continents and at nine Super Bowls. 

Player bios

 2 ▪ Marquese Wheaton     RB / CB      Mountain Pointe      Maricopa, AZ
Marquese was invited to the 2006 Army Bowl Combine as one of the best in the country in his junior year. He was the MVP for cornerbacks at the Nike Combine Invitational in Denver Colorado. In 2007 he was a participant at the USA Track & Field medaling in the 200, 400, 800, 4×100, 4×400 and 4×800 meters. He led Mountain Pointe High School in interceptions, rushing, and scoring for the last two seasons. Marquese is listed as one of the best players in Arizona football on both sides of the ball. 

3 ▪ Mike Snively          FB / FS             Santa Rita High            Tucson, AZ
Mike has played football for 11 years. For the past two years the teams he has played on made it to the State Finals and the State Semi Finals. This past season he was awarded All Purpose Player of the Year for his region and an honor mention for all of Southern Arizona.

 5 ▪ Joe Chiusano        FB / DE           Santa Rita High            Tucson, AZ
In 2007 season, Joseph Chiusano, a three year varsity starter of Santa Rita High School, recorded 68 tackles, 8 sacks, 2 forced fumbles, and 3 fumble recoveries. He is 6 feet tall weighing 218 pounds. He has been named two time all region and all city selection. Chiusano will be playing Division three football next fall.  

7 ▪  Daniel Nicholas           QB              Canyon Del Oro             Tucson, AZ
In the 2007 season, quarterback Daniel Nicholas of Tucson, Arizona, led his Canyon Del Oro High School football team to their first state championship game in thirty years. He threw 2,084 yards for 26 touchdowns and ran 700 yards for 10 touchdowns. Nicholas was named Southern Arizona Player of the year. 

8 ▪ David Thompson   RB / LB   Sheyboyan North   Sheyboygan, WI
Senior David Thompson was a three year starter at Sheboygan North High School in Sheboygan, Wisconsin. His versatile play as running back and defensive back was rewarded by receiving the title of team MVP. He was also named to the Sheboygan County Dirty Dozen All Area Team. 

10 ▪ Michael DiGiangi        PK / DB      Highland High       Gilbert, AZ
Michael was brought up from the age of only a few months old with a bat in his hands and a ball at his feet and did not expect to give up give up baseball and soccer for football. His soccer skills transferred to football, making him a kicker in his sophomore year. As a junior, he was All-Region with 22 touchbacks and a longest field goal of 47yards. He has kicked field goals of 57 yards and 60 yards in practice and pre-game. He enjoys working out, along with sports, cars, music, other hobbies, staying active, going out with friends and meeting new people. 

11 ▪ Mike Parsons      FB / LB / SS          Erie Cathedral Prep              Erie, PA      
Mike Parsons, a three year varsity athlete of Cathedral Preparatory School in Erie, Pennsylvania, recorded 212 tackles, 15 sacks, 6 forced fumbles, and 5 fumble recoveries in two seasons of play. His junior year, he had 120 tackles making him Fourth in school history for tackles in a season. Junior and Senior year he was named All-State, First Team All-District and All-Region, and became a member of Keystone Club for having over 100 tackles. Senior year he was named member of the All Nike Combine team and was awarded the Pat Czytuck award.  

14 ▪ Taylor Ward           WR / CB              Seven Lakes            Katy, TX
Taylor plans to attend Texas A & M University and major in Geography and Geology. He plays high school soccer and basketball, plays the guitar, led the Fellowship of Christian Athlete huddle at school, and played in the Max Emfinger All-American Bowl Game in Jackson, Mississippi January 5, 2008. His favorite soccer club is Liverpool of England. His favorite players are Steven Garrard of Liverpool and Shunsuke Nakamura of Celtic. He also enjoys playing Guitar Hero! He was a finalist for the Houston Touchdown Club Scholar Athlete Award.

 15 ▪ Chris Miller          RB / LB / SS       Salpointe Catholic      Tucson, AZ
Chris Miller, an AP scholar and three-year varsity athlete, led his Salpointe Catholic High school to become D. 5A-1 Southern Arizona Champions and was named Arizona Star player of the game. The three-sport athlete, ice hockey and track and field star is also an active volunteer for community services including Red Cross, Gospel Outreach, Nogales Blanket Drive, and Recycle Club. 

20 ▪ Scotty Smith     P / WR        Davis County         Owensboro, KY
In the 2007 season, Scotty Smith had 87 receptions for 1341 yards and 12 touchdowns. He was top 3 in the state of Kentucky for receptions and total yards received. He received multiple awards for his performances including; All Big 8 wide receiver, Messenger-Inquirer Offensive Player of the year, First team Owensboro Messenger Inquirer wide receiver, Associated Press Second team All State wide receiver. While attending Davis County High School in Owensboro, Kentucky he was a four-year varsity letter athlete breaking the school record for most receptions and yards received in a season.  

21 ▪ Clint Smith           DB            Santa Rita High              Tucson, AZ
Clint received a scholar athlete award all four years of his high school career at Santa Rita with a GPA of 3.83. He also received an honorable mention for the 4A Gila Region as a strong linebacker. He enjoys spending time with friends, going to movies, and playing football. 

22 ▪ Troy Smith           RB / LB           Santa Rita High           Tucson, AZ      
Smith was the Special Teams Captain for a Santa Rita Eagles team that went from 0-10 to 11-2 in 2007. He is the State Vice President for Arizona DECA. He also received the scholar athlete award during every year of high school and is currently maintaining a 3.9 GPA. In his junior year he received an honorable mention as a running back. 

23 ▪ Tyler Lincoln           RB / OL                Juda High                 Juda, WI
In the 2007 season, senior captain Tyler Lincoln, a four-year varsity player of Juda High School, rushed for 1,486 yards and 15 touchdowns helping his team reach the fourth round of the WIAA playoffs. He averaged 9.12 yards per carry on 163 attempts. He made Rock Valley first team all-conference as a running back and Wisconsin State Journal second team all-conference. 

24 ▪ Troy Roffi           RB / SS                Valley Christian            Tempe, AZ     
Troy was an Arizona-All Region and All State selection in the 2006 and 2007 seasons. He was the Valley Christian team captain in 2007. He has 1,888 career rushing yards and 30 career touchdowns in addition to 8 career interceptions. He helped his school to the Arizona 2A State championship in 2005 and was the 2A State runner-up in 2006.

 25 ▪ Akeem Satterfield     RB / SS     Erie Cathedral Prep     Erie, PA
In his senior season, Satterfield was the senior captain of the Cathedral Prep team and had 1.816 rushing yards, 27 rushing touchdowns on 221 carries, 279 receiving yards from 21 receptions and 2 receiving touchdowns. He also returned 8 kickoff returns for 190 yards. Akeem made First team All-State as a running back in Pennsylvania, First Team All District Ten, and was selected to play in the Pennsylvania East-West All-Star Game. His strengths are speed, power, cutting ability and vision. 

29 ▪ Nick Viola     RB / LB      Villa Angela St. Joseph     Wickliffe, OH
Nick is a three-year letter winner from Villa Angela-St. Joseph High School in Cleveland, Ohio. As a junior he was nominated Team Captain and MVP. His senior year he was also named Captain, and ended the season with awards for First Team All-State and Northeast Ohio Inland Defensive Player of the Year. His second sport is wrestling, in which he is also a three-year letter winner. In his spare time Nick enjoys training in martial arts and working with animals.

 31 ▪ Jake Thompson      FB / DE          Marion County         Lebanon, KY      
Senior Jake Thompson, a four year starter, played fullback and defensive end at Marion County High School in Lebanon, Kentucky. He has played almost all defensive positions, and was awarded the Freshman MVP, Defensive JV award his sophomore year, and most sacks in his senior year. His senior year performance was honored by being chosen to play in the state East-West game. 

32 ▪ AuBura Taylor        RB / DB          Santa Rita High         Tucson, AZ
Senior AuBura Taylor, a four-year athlete, helped the Santa Rita Eagles team improve from a 0-10 record to 11-2 in 2007 season. His senior year he was named All-state and All-City player. He can bench press max of 275 pounds, squat press at 405 pounds, and can do the 40-yard dash in 4.3 seconds. Taylor loves the game of football, and always is looking to play the best team at that time. Taylor also played four years of basketball. 

33 ▪ Darius Petraitis    OG / DL     Villa Angela St. Joseph    Cleveland, OH
Born and raised in Cleveland, Ohio, Darius originally grew up as a soccer player before migrating to football in grade school. He played all four years in high school, and also wrestled as well. He lettered in football and wrestling. Darius was selected second team North Coast League as a senior and also earned a defensive-line award. His hobbies are attending sporting events, hunting, fishing, and reading, particularly unsolved mysteries, and history of other countries. 

35 ▪ Joe Zambito     RB / LB / DB       Notre Dame Prep     Detriot, MI
Joe was an All League Award and All Catholic Award, Intersectional I 2005 and an All League Award and All Catholic Award, Intersectional I 2006. Joe received an All County Honorable Mention in both 2005 and 2006 when as a junior and senior had 13 games of more than 100 yards, averaged 6.8 yards a carry, and 26 touchdowns. He averaged 34.5 yards per kick return. Defensively, Joe recorded four interceptions at outside linebacker, returning one for a touchdown. He was the team captain his senior season in 2006 when Notre Dame Prep finished with an 8-2 record. 

36 ▪ Tony Martin      RB / SS          Somerset High          Somerset, WI
Tony Martin was all-conference in three different positions, at running back, inside linebacker and punter, and was all-region as a running back and linebacker. He was also an honorable mention all-state player at both those positions. He is a state qualifier for wrestling and likes to weight-lift all the time. Tony likes to be very motivated, to be the best he can be and loves a challenge.

 41 ▪ John Pokorny      RB / LB      Villa Angela St. Joseph     Euclid, OH
A three-year varsity letter winner in football, John received the following awards as a senior: the Vogel Award for the highest GPA of all fall sport participants, a nomination to represent his school for the Wendy’s High School Heisman award for scholarship, athletics and citizenship, and was named to the honorable mention list of the North Coast Football League.  He received the following football-related scholarships; the Clark, Blaine, Clark Memorial Scholarship for exhibiting Viking loyalty, character, team commitment, personal leadership and outstanding athletic ability. The Tom L. Fink ’87 Memorial Scholarship was awarded to John for demonstrating outstanding zeal, enthusiasm and commitment to student life, as well as a passion and commitment to study, work and sports.  He is also a four-year varsity letter winner in wrestling, having won more than a hundred varsity victories. A member of the National Honor Society. 

42 ▪ Matt Groudle      OG / DT       Villa Angela St. Joseph      Euclid, OH
Matt was the MVP of the wrestling team in his junior year at Villa Angela St Joseph. He was also one of the school’s few junior captains on the team. Despite his smaller stature for a lineman at 5-9 tall, he and the St. Joes Vikings always play with heart which is where their game thrives.

 43 ▪ Jordan Ralph           TE / LB           Gibson Southern        Haubstadt, IN
In 2007 season, senior captain Jordan Ralph of Gibson Southern High School in Indiana led his team to a 7-3 record. He was named All-County, All-Conference honorable mention, and Academic All-State. During his junior year, he received the Iron Man Award and was defensive captain.   

45 ▪ Riley Bushman           LB           Sabino High          Tucson, AZ
In the 2007 season, senior Riley Bushman helped his Sabino High School football team to a 10-1 record and had 22 tackles, three sacks, and one interception. One of the best games of the season for him was against Amphitheater where led his team to a victory with 8 tackles and one sack. Bushman also was a factor offensively for the team. He had 4 receptions totaling 104 yards.

 52 ▪ Brandon Young         DE           DuPont Manual         Louisville, KY
A two-time All-district defensive end and three year starter, Brandon was picked for pre-season tremendous 26 for the State of Kentucky.  He was named defensive MVP his senior year as he led the DuPont team that finished 10-2 and made it to the second round of the state 6-A playoffs.  A fierce rusher with speed and agility, he is able to disrupt the pass or run.  Brandon has committed to North Carolina A&T University and is projected to compete for time in the defensive rotation.

 55 ▪ Davis Jayroe         LB             Christ School            Georgetown, SC
In 2007 season, Senior Davis Jayroe of Georgetown, South Carolina led Christ School, Asheville, North Carolina, to the semi-final round of the state playoffs. Jayroe was senior head of special teams and inside linebacker. Jayroe, a two-sport athlete, was also head captain of his wrestling team. He plans to attend Coastal Carolina University.  

56 ▪ Will Cassidy        DL           The Bolles School            Jacksonville, FL
Will finished his senior year at The Bolles School under Florida’s all-time winning high school coach and winner of six state championship Corky Rogers. He returned after helping Bolles earn the Florida 2A State Championship in 2006. The Bolles football team ended the 2007 season 11-1. Will possesses good height and weight as a defensive tackle, and is extremely quick off the ball. In Will’s junior and senior years he racked up 134 tackles, 7 sacks, 12 quarterback pressures, 4 knock downs, 1 forced fumble and 1 fumble recovery.  Will ended his senior year as a three year varsity starter and a four year football letterman at Bolles. Will won two state championships and regional championships and four district champions and has also lettered in wrestling, and lacrosse. Will is been involved in both church and community initiatives. 

 57 ▪ Jon Harms       C / NG          Graves County           Mayfield, KY
Senior Jonathan Harms started four years of varsity football at Graves County High School in Mayfield, Kentucky. From 2005 to 2007, Harms was named First team All Western Kentucky Conference. He was also named to the first ever Pepsi Mid-America All-Star Team.  

58 ▪ John Earl        C / DT       Evangel Christian         Shreveport, LA
John Earl, a senior at Evangel Christian High School, played left tackle on offense and defense. In the 2007 season, he led his team to the semi-finals. The same season he received all-district and all-state honors for his performances at offensive left tackle. John also made the academic all-state team. 

65 ▪ Rob Moran     OL / DL      Sacred Heart Prep       Portola Valley, CA
Senior captain Rob Moran led Sacred Heart Prep to its first-ever Northern California playoff berth. His performances in his junior and senior year were recognized by him being named First Team All-Bay Football League. His senior year, starting as offensive and defensive tackle, he was named MVP lineman, First team All-Peninsula, First Team All-County. 

66 ▪ James Hanson        C / DT          Catalina Foothills         Tucson, AZ
James weighs in at 185 pounds and stands 6-2 tall. In addition to playing at center on the offensive side of the ball and at defensive tackle, he also performs long-snapping duties. He has been selected as a Kino Region Honorable Mention Offensive lineman. 

70 ▪ Billy Deane          OG / DE            Adams Friendship           Adams, WI
In the 2007 season, Senior Billy Deane, a four-year starter at Adams Friendship High School, received First Team All-Conference Offensive Lineman and Defensive outside Linebacker, All-region award for Offensive Lineman, and school award of Outstanding Lineman. His junior year, Deane received First Team All-Conference Offensive Lineman and second team All-Conference Defensive-Lineman. Deane also played four years of basketball. He volunteers at a local aging center, coaches middle school children, and joined the Knights of Columbus.   

71 ▪ Burt Geurkink     OL / DE        Somerset High        Somerset, WI 
Burt enjoys playing several sports, including football, and will attend Eau Claire next year and play football. He was the conference player of the year at Somerset High School, named all-conference both on the offensive line and defensive line, and was all-region and all-state playing both ways. Burt likes to work hard and weight-lift and plays basketball, baseball, and runs track. 

72 ▪ Adam Rogers         C           Santa Rita High             Tucson, AZ
Adam was born in Tucson, Arizona but moved to Texas while young. He played football in Texas for three years and in Indiana for four years. In Indiana he was also a member of the Noblesville Middle School swim Team and excelled in the butterfly. He returned to Tucson in 2006 and made Gila Region Honorable Mention for the offensive line in 2006 and 2007. Currently he is on the Santa Rita High School track team throwing discus and shot-put. He plans to attend the University of Arizona, majoring in Electrical Engineering.  Adam enjoys weightlifting, racquetball, video games, and tinkering with his car. 

73 ▪ Alex McGillivray         OL          Salpointe Catholic        Tucson, AZ
Alex is a lineman who stands 6′4 and weighs in at 295lbs. He plays as a defensive tackle and nose guard for Salpointe Catholic High School. He has played two years of varsity football and next year will be going to Adam’s State University in Alamosa, Colorado to major in wildlife biology and coaching.  

74 ▪ John Kredit       OL / DL           Valley Christian             Phoenix, AZ
John was an all-region selection both his junior and senior year and was selected first team all-state as a senior. His Valley Christian team won the state title once and was runner up twice, in addition to a semifinal loss, during his four years playing football. John played in the Sonoran Bowl against an all-star team from Mexico in January. He also participates in track and won a state title in shot put and discus his junior year and hopes to defend both titles this year.

 75 ▪ Paul Perez           OL / DL              Santa Rita High             Tucson, AZ
In the 2007 season Paul Perez, offensive and defensive line captain of Santa Rita High School, led his team to the regional championship with an overall record of 11-2, the best record in school history. Perez was named All Region Offensive-Line, honorable Mention Defensive-line, and second team All Southern Arizona Offensive-Line. With a 3.96 GPA, he also participates in other extra-curricular activities, such as; National Honor Society, DECA Chapter President, wrestling, and track. Perez was also the recipient of the National Football Foundation and College Hall of Fame Scholar Athlete award. 

77 ▪ Blaine Russ  OL / LG / LT   Evangel Christian    Shreveport, LA 
Senior Blaine Russ was a two-year starter at Evangel Christian High School in Daytona Beach, Florida. Russ has led the very successful football team to three consecutive state championship wins. Russ won his freshman, sophomore, and junior years. Russ has also received the honors of all-district, all-city, and all-state. 

84 ▪ Jon Hobbs    TE / DE     Daytona Mainland    Daytona Beach, FL
Jonathan began playing football at the age of 14 as an eighth grade junior varsity quarterback at Coral Springs Christian Academy. He transferred to JP Taravella high were he spent two seasons playing defensive end and tight end for the Trojans. Jon was relocated to Hollywood, FL were he won a state championship with the Chaminade Madonna Lions. Finishing his high school career, he transferred to Mainland high school, where he played defensive line and offensive line on an undefeated district championship team. In his final season Jonathan was awarded with the Brian Brokaw animal award, the Ironman award, the Honor Roll award, and was selected to play as a first team All-County offensive lineman in the Volusia County All-Star game. He aims to play for a division one school.

A 40-strong roster of high school football players ages 19 and under will take on a Japanese national all-star team in the inaugural GE Global Challenge Bowl in Kawasaki, Japan. Led by head coach Jeff Scurran of Santa Rita High School (Tucson, AZ), Team USA is selected from 12 states and 27 high schools and will line up at the Kawasaki Stadium in front of an anticipated crowd of 5,000 passionate Japanese fans on Saturday, March 22 (kickoff 2pm). 

While in Japan, the 40 players will cross cultural and language barriers as they live with local host families. Away from the football field, the team will enjoy a Toshiba factory tour, visit a local high school, observe Sumo and Kendo club practices and watch the Boston Red Sox complete their Major League Baseball preseason against the Yomiuri Giants at the Tokyo Dome.

“This will be a unique and exciting experience for all concerned,” said organizer Patrick Steenberge, whose company Global Football accepted an invitation from the Japan American Football Association (JAFA) to take a US-representative team to Kawasaki for the game. They are eager to continue their American football development and see how they measure up against a traveling US team. We are also delighted to welcome GE as a valued event sponsor.” 

Coach Scurran’s record as a high school and college coach is 231-75. In 2007 he was named state’s Large School Coach of the Year by the Arizona Republic for taking the Santa Rita Eagles from 0-10 to 11-2, the biggest turnaround in state history. Scurran has been State Coach of the Year four times and 14 times at the district or local level. 

“This is one of the greatest assignments I have ever had,” said coach Scurran, “I have won a lot of football games over the years, but this really is a great privilege and honor to be asked to coach Team USA in the GE Global Challenge Bowl. 

“We are anticipating a great challenge because we know that Japan will be disciplined and talented. I have picked players to be ambassadors and to represent their school and country with pride. We will represent the United States from dairy country all the way up to the big cities.” 

Among the players aiming to lead Team USA to victory are Southern Arizona player of the year quarterback Daniel Nicholas (Canyon Del Oro High School, AZ), diminutive and explosive running back Aubura Taylor (Santa Rita, AZ), tight end Jon Hobbs (Daytona Mainland, FL) and First Team All-State RB/DB Akeen Satterfield (Erie Cathedral Prep, PA).  

Team USA GE Global Challenge Bowl Media Schedule in Kawasaki: 

Mon March 17    
3.05pm          Team USA due to arrive at Tokyo Narita Airport  

Tue March 18     
11am             Practice at Kawasaki Stadium (ends 1pm)  
1.30pm Visits to Tachibana High School / Tokyo Agriculture University   
7pm-9pm       Welcome Banquet for teams, host families, invited guests and media at the Kawasaki Nikko Hotel
1 Nisshin-cho, Kawasaki-ku, Kawasaki-shi, Kanagawa

Wed March19     
11am & 3pm  Practices at Kawasaki Stadium (two-hour duration each)

Thu March 20     
9.30am         Practice at Kawasaki Stadium (ends 11.30am)  
1pm-5pm       Coaching Clinic with Coach Scurran at Kawasaki Stadium  
3pm-5pm       Players to Toshiba Factory tour

Fri March 21       
11am             Practice at Kawasaki Stadium (ends 1pm)

Sat March 22      
2pm              GE Global Challenge Bowl, Kawasaki Stadium                                               
Team Japan vs. Team USA

Sun March 23     
6pm               Attend Boston Red Sox vs. Yomiuri Giants, Tokyo Dome

Mon March 24                          Return travel to the United States

We are all working hard to make sure all is prepared for the team in San Diego so they can focus and get the most out of the 2 days of training there. We will be staying in Hotel Circle area, Mission Valley Resort, practicing at University of San Diego, and trying to get this group of 40 players into a TEAM. Japan had over 400 young men at their first tryout…so we better be ready.