Saturday, December 6, 2008            
                                         

WEST TEAM CAPTURES THRILLING LAST SECOND VICTORY OVER EAST IN INAUGURAL ALL CITY BOWL

WASHINGTON, DC — On a day when hard hitting defenses and big plays dominated the inaugural All City Bowl, the final play came down to one man – the kicker. Gonzaga’s Robbie Colas kicked a 20-yard field goal with two seconds remaining to give the West a thrilling 23-22 victory over the East in the All City Bowl Saturday at Eastern High School football stadium.

The West, consisting of players from DC’s private and charter high schools, mounted their last-minute drive behind quarterback Ed Thomas, the West’s offensive MVP from St. John’s High School. Thomas completed two key passes to wideout Kevin Gadsen of Friendship Collegiate to set up the game-winning field goal. Thomas finished with six completions for 99 yards and one touchdown, and rushed for 28 yards on 17 carries. The defensive MVP for the West was Carroll’s Dionte Holland, who had nine tackles for the game.

“What a great ending to a fun game,” said West head coach Gary Schnell of St. Alban’s. “This game meant a lot to these kids especially playing in the first-ever All City Bowl. It’s a great way to finish up the football season.”

DC City Council Chairman Vincent Gray kicked off the day’s festivities by participating in the ceremonial coin flip. City Councilman Marion Barry and DC Sports and Entertainment CEO Erik Moses were honored at halftime for their contributions to DC youth sports.
“There were no winners or losers today, the city witnessed a great game and a tremendous effort by both teams,” said Moses. “The DC Coaches Association put together an impressive event. I can’t wait until next year’s game.”

The East team, consisting of players from public high schools, took a 22-20 lead after a six-yard scoring run by H.D. Woodson’s Kayvone Spriggs with five minutes remaining. But on the next possession, the East was unable to stop the West on a crucial 4th and 16 play, keeping the game-winning drive alive.

Despite the wintery conditions, Spriggs had a highlight-reel night with 26 carries for 163 yards and a touchdown before a crowd of nearly 1,000. For his efforts, Spriggs was named the offensive MVP for the East. Anacostia’s Chris Washington earned defensive MVP honors for the East. Anacostia’s Willie Stewart was the East head coach.

2008 ALL CITY BOWL
Champion – West Team (private/charter schools)
West Offensive MVP – Ed Thomas, St. John’s
West Defensive MVP – Dionte Holland, Carroll
East Offensive MVP – Kayvone Spriggs, H.D. Woodson
East Defensive MVP – Chris Washington, Anacostia

 About the All City Bowl
The All City Bowl is hosted by the DC Coaches Association and is an all-star game featuring senior football players from high schools in Washington, D.C. The East team consists of players from public high schools and the West team is comprised of players from private and charter high schools.

About DC Sports and Entertainment Commission (DCSEC)
The DC Sports and Entertainment Commission, an independent agency of the District of Columbia government, is responsible for attracting, presenting and hosting sports, entertainment and special events in the Washington, DC area. The Commission is also responsible for the management and operation of Robert F. Kennedy Memorial Stadium and the DC Armory Complex.