Huntingdon’s Anthony named Defensive Player of the Game in All American Bowl

MINNEAPOLIS, Minn. – Huntingdon safety Keith Anthony stepped on to Mall of America Field on Saturday, appreciative of one more opportunity to play football.

Playing in the All American Bowl at the Metrodome, the Eclectic native tried to soak in the atmosphere with Huntingdon receivers Willie McDowell and Cody Pearcy. A few hours later, Anthony was being congratulated for being named Defensive Player of the Game for the Stripes team.

"This is big for me," Anthony said. "It's exciting and I really don't know what to say. I'm glad I had this opportunity to represent my teammates and my school."

For Anthony, the all-star experience has been a bit surreal. A month ago, Anthony did not know he would be playing in the all-star game. Although invitations had been sent out earlier in the season, Anthony did not receive his info packet. The snafu was not discovered until after Huntingdon's football season ended.

"This was definitely a blessing," Anthony said. "It's been crazy, not knowing I was going to play three or four weeks ago and then being able to have this experience. I just tried to go out and play like I normally would and things just worked out."

Huntingdon head coach Mike Turk was excited for Anthony. He said Saturday was the kind of performance the Hawks came to expect from Anthony.

"That's the kind of player he has been for us since he got here," Turk said. "He's worked so hard for everything he has accomplished. I'm proud of him.

"I'm proud of Cody and Willie too. It doesn't matter what they're doing, those three guys are always going to represent Huntingdon as well as anyone can. I'm glad they had this opportunity and I know it was a great experience for all of them."

Official stats for the All American Bowl were not available Saturday night. All three Huntingdon players earned starting positions for the Stripes team. The Stars team won 17-13, but that didn't diminish the experience for the three Hawks.

"It was great to be able play another game with Willie and Keith," Pearcy said. "We're all very thankful to everyone at Huntingdon for being behind us. People have been posting on Facebook and just being so supportive of us. It's been a great experience."

McDowell could not be reached after the game on Saturday.

Anthony made his presence known early in the game. In the first quarter, Huntingdon's career interceptions leader picked off a pass near midfield and returned it for the Stripes' first touchdown.

"That was a big play," Pearcy said. "Willie and I weren't on the field with the defense, but we ran down the field and dog-piled on Keith in the end zone. It was awesome to be there and celebrate it with him."

Pearcy made the first reception of the game for the Stripes on the team's first offensive play.

"They threw a little bubble screen to me and I was able to pick up the first down," Pearcy said. "I was feeling a little antsy at the start of the game. I think my eyes got big when I realized the ball was coming to me.

"But after the first play, the nerves were gone and it was just football. It was awesome to be able to come up here and play with and against so many great guys from around the country."