From the Goal Line

Mercer Island’s Jeff Linquist played for the West team in the first ever Semper Fi Bowl, featuring the top 100 high school players from around the country. The game, played in Phoenix on Jan. 3 finished with the West team winning 17-14.

Lindquist was also selected as the MVP of the game by Scout.com. Lindquist will play for the University of Washington next fall.

Here’s a release about the game:

Inaugural All-American Bowl Proves Why It Belongs
Semper Fidelis All-American Bowl displayed talent, pageantry rivaling established bowls

The inaugural Semper Fidelis All-American Bowl had as much enthusiasm and intensity on the sidelines as the players and coaches did on the field. The Marine Corps pageantry was on exhibit inside and outside of Chase Field in Phoenix from the time the players took the field to the time the West squad hoisted the championship trophy at midfield. From Master Sargent’s giving locker room speeches and an F-16 flyover during the national anthem, there was no question which branch of the armed forces was behind the game.

•  The East squad took the early lead when Phillip Nelson connected with JaQuay Williams for a 47 yard touchdown pass after Williams got behind prolific Notre Dame bound wide receiver Deontay Greenberry, who was playing both ways for the West.

• With 8:40 remaining in the second quarter, Washington Husky commit Jeff Lindquist hooked up with Jaydon Mickens on a 14 yard TD pass to tie things up at 7.

• The West was able take the lead when Jeff Lindquist once again was able to find an open receiver down the field. This time Lindquist connected on a 26 yard TD pass to Corey Batey which put the West up 14-7.

• Nick Patti, a versatile QB from Dr. Phillips High School in Orlando hooked up with Maxx Williams for a nine yard TD leaving the score tied 14-14 heading into the half.

•  Set up by a 53 yard kickoff return by Virginia Tech commit Donaldven Manning

•  The score remained tied until Marshall Morgan trotted onto the field with five minutes remaining in the fourth. Morgan hit a 46 yard field goal which in the end gave the West a 17-14 victory over the East.