REISTERSTOWN, Maryland — Patrick Allen, a standout offensive lineman for the Franklin High School football team, was officially recognized for being selected to play for the Marine Corps’ Semper Fidelis All-American Bowl during a presentation ceremony Oct. 24.
Sgt. Evan A. Page, the local Marine Corps recruiter for the Reisterstown, Maryland area, presented Allen with his SFAAB jersey prior to Franklin’s matchup against Millford Mill Academy.
The Semper Fidelis Bowl is an annual football game hosted by the Marine Corps. It involves approximately 90 high school student athletes that are chosen based on their athletic and scholastic achievements as well as their own personal character. Based on geographic region, players represent East Coast and West Coast teams and will compete against each other in the bowl, which will be held in Carson, California, Jan. 4, 2015.
Allen, a 6-foot-5, 286-pounder, is ranked as the No. 17 offensive lineman in the nation by Rivals.com and is the 6th best overall prospect in Maryland. He has a 2.7 GPA and is actively involved in assisting senior citizens in his community. Allen is currently committed to playing college football for the University of Georgia.
Allen was anxious to play in a high school All-American bowl, but when he did not receive a call to play in the Army All-American Bowl or the Under Armour All-American Bowl, he began to think it was because of his size.
“I didn’t receive any invites to any other All-American bowls,” said Allen. “I didn’t think anyone would recognize me. I was really happy when (the Marine Corps) called.”
“I’m looking forward to playing in the game. I get to represent my high school team and Reisterstown to the best of my ability. I get to show my family what I can do.”
Coach Anthony Burgos, who is the head coach for the Franklin High School football team, is proud that one of his players gets the opportunity to represent the school on the national stage.
“I think it’s a tremendous accomplishment for him,” said Burgos. “Every senior’s dream is to play in an elite bowl.”
Burgos believes that Allen’s leadership and drive is what has contributed to success and to him being selected to play in the SFAAB.
“One of his greatest qualities is his personality,” said Burgos. “You talk about tough guys, but Patrick is very intellectual. He loves to talk to people, have everyone on the same page. That’s what really separates Patrick. He’s a well-mannered kid, he works hard, and he’s very likable. His mother did a tremendous job raising him.”