Two BenU Football Players Participating in All American Bowl

from Benedictine University

senior football players Matt McWilliams and Andrew Taylor will participate this weekend in the All American Bowl, played at Mall of America Field at the Metrodome in Minneapolis, Minn.

Both individuals were key members of the secondary, helping Benedictine to its second consecutive NCAA Division III Playoff appearance. McWilliams tied for the Northern Athletics Conference lead in interceptions with five and was named First Team all-conference. The native of Belleville, Mich. received a Third Team All North Region nod from D3Football.com last week. Three of the five interceptions came in the final regular season contest of the year against Wisconsin Lutheran. McWilliams also recorded eight pass breakups while defending 13 and amassed 45 tackles.

Taylor was a Second Team All-Northern Athletics Conference selection. The Kalamazoo, Mich. native returned two picks for touchdowns this year, marching home a 33-yard score in the season opening victory over Eureka in addition to a 17-yard return during a victory over Maranatha. Overall, the senior picked three passes this year and recovered a fumble. Taylor broke up seven passes and defended 10 while totaling 52 tackles, sixth on the team. Benedictine forced 24 turnovers on the year, nine of which came from the tandem.

The All American Bowl was founded in 1996 to give athletes the opportunity to compete against the best at their level in an all star game setting. The All American Bowl was created to fill the void of the lack of all star games available to athletes in High School, DII, DIII, JUCO, and minor league football. In April of 1996, the first All American Bowl was played in Minnesota and has since been played at various cities across the country including Atlanta, Miami, and Las Vegas. The All American Bowl also gives athletes the potential to be scouted by colleges and professional football teams. The All American Bowl has several types of games for different levels of competition that include: DII, DIII, JUCO, Minor League Football, Free Agent, and High School. The participants in the All American Bowls have been nominated for their outstanding performances throughout their season, their accomplished career, love for the game, a chance to be noticed, and a last chance to play the game. The game kicks off at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, December 17.