Friday night at the Trop, a defensive Clinique was put on by team Nitro and Highlight at the Under Armor All-American Bowl. In the end, team Highlight, powered by some of Tampa’s finest athletes prevailed 16-3.

There was only one offensive touchdown in the game; hence defense was a vital component and Tampa’s Vernon Hargreaves and Leon McQuay both played vital roles in Highlights defensive success. Hargreaves would earn MVP honors for his performance which included 5 tackles and a game clinching interception. Hargreaves proved to a national audience that he is unquestionably one of the top High School Football players in the nation. Florida Gator fans should look forward to him helping establish a “No Fly Zone” in the swamp for years to come. McQuay, who committed to USC during the broadcast, had several timely pass break-ups and came close to having an interception of his own.

Game Notes:
** Alvin Bailey was the other Bay area athlete selected to participate in the game and the future Florida Gator demonstrated his explosive play making ability on huge kick-off and punt returns. The Gator’s could have certainly used his playmaking ability this week during the Sugar Bowl.
** Vernon Hargreaves demonstrated his dominance early by shutting down Laquon Treadwell on back to back throws during Team Nitro’s first offensive position. Treadwell, who is from Illinois, is one of the best receivers in the nation but Hargreaves shut him down for much of the night.
** Robert Nkemdiche (Grayson High School, GA) is rated by numerous publications as the best High School player in the nation. He certainly passed the eyeball test. The 6’5 and 265lb defensive end was chiseled and extremely explosive; however, coaches kept getting on to him on the sidelines about taking plays off.
** Florida running back commit Kelvin Taylor (Glades Day High School) did not get a ton of opportunities to carry the rock; however, he had two big special teams’ tackles. It was very refreshing to see a star athlete giving it his all on special teams.
** Ethan Pocic (Lemont High School, Illinois) was easily the largest player on the field. The 6’6 and 285lb offensive tackle is verbally committed to LSU.
** Mathew Thomas (Booker T. Washington) was very impressive and deserved to be mentioned as a possible MVP candidate. He had a key early interception and three brutal tackles.
** Alabama fans should expect to see a lot of tight ends used in the upcoming years. The Tide had two tight end prospects playing in the game. Josh McNeil caught the games only offensive touchdown and O.J. Howard was a physical specimen.
** Finally Clemson is getting a great linebacker in Ben Boulware (T.L. Hana High School, S.C.). Boulware was all over the field during the game and demonstrated some nifty dance moves after a big tackle for loss.

– Anthony Peace