San Angelo Central, Wall Players Compete in Blue vs. Grey All-American Bowl

ARLINGTON, TX — While the official 2025 high school football season came to a close the week before Christmas, two Central Bobcats and a Wall Hawk had the opportunity to compete for a final time in the Blue-Grey All-American Bowl at AT&T Stadium in Arlington. 

Held on Monday, Jan. 5, the two all-star teams went through a two-day practice period before squaring off in a game on Monday. 

Safety Jaekob Jackson and linebacker Mason Van Sickle represented San Angelo Central, and offensive lineman Baine Jenschke represented the state-champion Wall Hawks. 

The three had to be nominated to be selected for this unique opportunity. Jackson found out about his nomination from his father.

"I was having a conversation about it with my dad casually. He sent in my application, and the All-American Bowl accepted me the very next morning," Jackson said. "My dad surprised me with the news the next morning."

The East (Grey) won matchup over the West (Blue) 22-14.

Jackson continued his impressive senior campaign with two interceptions in the contest, while Van Sickle and Jenschke received valuable playing time against all-star competition as the two continue to prepare to play college ball.

"It was pretty cool knowing that only players that the coaches consider the top of the top get accepted into the All-American Bowl," Jackson continued. "I feel very humble about it. I've always considered myself to be a very performative player, but it just feels and hits differently when other people recognize it as well. Being accepted is definitely a confidence booster as much as it is exciting."

Jackson was a first-team all-district player for the Bobcats with 82 tackles, six tackles for loss, one sack, five pass breakups and an INT.

Van Sickle was the undisputed leader of the Central Bobcats’ rejuvenated defense with 138 tackles, 22 tackles for loss, five sacks, four forced fumbles, and four pass breakups. It marked his third straight 100-tackle season.

The 6-foot-3, 280-pound Jenschke has received four college offers and was named to Dave Campbell's Texas Football All-State Championship Team. He didn’t allow a sack all season, graded out at 96% and was the Co-Offensive Lineman of the Year in his district.

All three athletes have received college offers so far, but none of them have announced a commitment.

The athletes' coaches at our local high schools continue to be a force for good in our community. Not only do they prepare these young men to compete at the highest level, but they also prepare them for what comes after football is done.

"Coach (Jacob) Martin and Coach (Darrian) Forge have definitely been the biggest impact for me personally," Jackson said of his coaches. "Of course every coach does their job on our staff and works with every player, but those two have really helped shape me into a football player who just puts his head down and works. They changed my mindset to put in work to receive the outcome you want instead of waiting for it, and the invitation to the Blue-Grey game is a response to my hard work and effort."