On Saturday East plays West in the U.S. Army All-American Bowl in San Antonio, Texas.

In the days before the game, the nation’s top high school football players and marching band members united in serving the community, led by soldier-mentors such as Army Staff Sgt. Eric Scott of Bigfork.

Scott, 31, has been in the Army for 12 years and has worked as a recruiter in Kalispell for more than a year.

Familiar with outreach and working with high school students, Scott volunteered and was selected to become one of more 25 mentors from around the country for the All-American Bowl. Some of the mentors include standouts such as soldier of the year, recruiter of the year and noncommissioned officer of the year, according to Scott.

“This is a really a singular experience. It’s something that I would never have been able to do otherwise, so that’s one reason I volunteered,” Scott said.

The U.S. Army All-American Selection Tour heralded the start of the bowl as mentors traveled to high schools around the nation to celebrate, pep-rally style, the selection of 90 elite football players and 125 top marching band musicians who went through a rigorous process to be selected. Scott said the students also are standouts in their communities.

“It’s been a great time traveling to all the high schools meeting all the great athletes and band members,” Scott said.

What drew Scott to volunteer as a mentor was that participants are expected to go beyond the end zone and into the community while sharing the experience of military life from the platform of one of America’s favorite pastimes.

 “That’s what we’re really trying to do is build future leaders and show ways they can help out in their community while they’re here,” Scott said.

This year, student-athletes had the opportunity to interact with children at places such as Boys and Girls clubs, hospitals and children’s homes.

For most of the student-athletes, the U.S. Army All-American Bowl is the first time in the national spotlight replete with media interviews, photo ops, recruiters and pageantry.

“This is their debut on a national level,” Scott said.

When it’s game time, mentors will on the sidelines and in the stands and friends will become opponents.

“I’m going to root for the West,” Scott said.

Last year the West squad defeated the East 39-36.

The  U.S. Army All-American Bowl will be televised live Saturday on NBC Sports at 11 a.m. Mountain time from the Alamodome.

Whichever team wins, Scott said he has had a great time.

“Win or lose, they’re going to have a really fantastic day,” Scott said.

For more information about the All-American Bowl, visit www.usarmyallamericanbowl.com.

Hilary Matheson is a reporter for The Daily Inter Lake. She may be reached at 758-4431 or [email protected].