Football is the quintessential American sport, but organizations like USA Football are trying to take it worldwide. The International Bowl, held last weekend in Dallas in the Cowboys’ stadium, featured games between the best USA high schoolers as they took on youth national teams from Canada, Japan, and Mexico. Three Long Beach Poly players represented America on the U18 team that defeated Team Mexico, 50-0.
“It was a real honor to represent Long Beach, Poly, and the country,” said Poly senior Alex Austin, an Oregon State signee.
Austin was joined by Poly’s other two top players, Keon and Kejuan Markham, both of whom are signed to Arizona State.
The weekend was about much more than football, as the players participated in volunteer activities around Dallas including a morning spent feeding underprivileged families and then playing with special needs students.
“What was fun about it wasn’t just the game but getting to volunteer, I won’t ever forget that,” said Keon Markham.
As far as the game itself, the USA team took care of business against Team Mexico, going up early and staying up big in a shutout.
Keon Markham had perhaps the highlight of the day with an 85 yard punt return for a touchdown that saw him break three tackles and juke almost half the opposing team in a game shown on ESPN.
This won’t be the last opportunity for Long Beach fans to see the special trio, as all three will be competing for Long Beach Poly’s track team, with the Jackrabbits expected to compete for some championships this spring as usual.
