Seniors showcase talent in bowl game
Posted by The Skyliner on April 14th, 2010Billy Cannada
Staff Writer
North Greenville senior football players Johnell Bell, defensive line, Joe Novotasky, linebacker, and Justin Jones, kicker/punter, wrapped up their careers on the gridiron by competing in the All-American Bowl on March 27 in Charleston, W. Va.
“The experience was great,” said Bell. “We had an opportunity to meet and network with a lot of different people that are involved in the football industry, as well as competing with different players from across the nation.”
Bell, who had an impressive two sacks in the all-star game, was awarded the Jim Marshall Award for being the most outstanding defensive lineman on his team.
Novotasky was able to record one unassisted tackle in the game and Jones punted twice with distances of 42 and 47 yards respectively.
“It was a good experience to be able to travel to West Virginia and play with some of the better Division II football players,” said Novotasky. “It was a once-in-a-lifetime thing that I will never forget.”
The All-American seniors admitted that their bowl experience was even better with a couple of teammates by their side.
“It felt like old times having those guys out there,” said Bell. “It was good to have the opportunity to compete with former teammates one last time.”
For the North Greenville seniors, the bowl game was not only a celebration of their football careers, but hopefully a chance to earn a spot on a professional team. Novotasky and Bell both intend to follow their football dreams after graduation and showcasing their talent for scouts at the All-American Bowl was a step in the right direction.
“I plan on trying to play football somewhere after graduation,” said Novotasky. “There is a chance I could play overseas and I’m probably going to try out for some arena teams.”
Bell also expressed his eagerness to continue his football career, but said he has a back-up plan as well.
“I am going to briefly pursue football, but if nothing works out, I will begin my career in sales,” said Bell.
No matter what the future may hold for these seniors, they will always be able to say they ended their college careers as All-Americans
“It meant everything to me because God has blessed me far more than I could have ever imagined,” said Jones. “This may or may not be the last football game I will ever play and I just wanted to do my best. And I think I did.”
Tags: Spring 2010, Vol. 110 - Issue 11