Area senior student-athletes have special moments at San Antonio All-Star Football Game

(San Antonio) — It was a big night for four area student-athletes at the San Antonio Sports All-Star Football Game at the Alamodome on Saturday night.

Seguin’s Nik Henry and David Barron along with Marion’s Garrett Mann and Navarro’s Kade Pugh were among 117 San Antonio area players invited to participate in the 47th edition of the game featuring the area’s top seniors playing in their final high school game. All four seniors were members of Team White.

Henry, a UTEP commit, started at wide receiver and scored the first touchdown of the game for Team White when he caught a wide receiver screen from Pieper quarterback Cayden Keeth and meandered through the defense on the right side for a 21-yard score.

“It’s awesome,” Henry said of his experience. “In the past, (former Matador) Devin Matthews was here and he was a real good football player. It was always just a goal to get here and he scored a touchdown in the game, so I wanted to get one too.”

Henry finished the game with three receptions for 32 yards.

Seguin All-District 13-5A First Team offensive lineman David Barron started the game at guard and received extensive playing time up front. Moving inside from his usual tackle position, Barron made some key blocks and did not allow a sack.

“This is definitely a special moment for me,” Barron said after the game. “Just to make it to the all-star game and play in the Alamodome is very special.”

Navarro’s Kade Pugh, an All-District 13-4A member on the offensive and defensive lines for the Panthers this past season, played at defensive end. He was credited with a tackle in the game. Pugh reveled in the opportunity to play as an all-star.

“It was super fun playing with the best talent in San Antonio. Practice was super cold, but it was super fun, the whole experience was.”

Marion’s Garrett Mann, the Offensive Lineman of the Year in District 13-3A, rotated in and out with Barron at left guard. He compared his experience on Saturday night with scoring his one career touchdown at Senior Night for the Bulldogs this past season.

“I don’t know, those are kind of neck and neck. Not many offensive linemen can say that they got to put six points up on the board. So I don’t know, they’re kinda neck and neck. They’re both pretty special.”

Team Blue won the game, 24-14.