High school football: Two Utah prepsters continue season in Florida

The high school football season may be over, but two of Utah's hottest players headed for Florida to play in one of the country's most impressive all-star games.

Timpview senior Xavier Su'a-Filo and Cottonwood senior John Martinez will play in the 2009 Under Armour All-American Game this Sunday, but they are already enjoying the pre-game festivities.

The two teens arrived in Florida Tuesday afternoon, along with Cottonwood head coach Cecil Thomas, who will be an assistant coach in the game.

"We arrived this afternoon," said Martinez by phone Tuesday night. "We got fitted for all of our gear, played a little X-Box and they gave us a $25 gift card for the hotel restaurant, so we're eating right now."

Martinez said the teams will get together and practice Wednesday morning.

"I think we get free time about 4 p.m.," he said as he and Su'a-Filo enjoyed pizza. "I'm way excited."

Thomas said he was honored when asked to be an assistant coach for the All-American game, which features 80 of the best high school players in the country, but Martinez said it was a nice bonus for him, also.

"It's good to have him around," he said.

Martinez may try and decide where he will play college football with LSU, USC and UCLA being his three finalists. He said he's been getting pressure to announce during the All-American game, something he's considering.

Su'a-Filo, on the other hand, has two more campus visits schedule after the first of the year, including one to BYU.

Martinez said they are just trying to enjoy the opportunity given to them and play their best.

"I feel like I fit in here," he said.

The game is scheduled for 8 p.m. EST and will be televised on ESPN. Some of the practices will be shown on other cable channels throughout the week.

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E-mail: adonaldson@desnews.com