For the first time in Carterville history, a member of the CHS football team was selected to participate in the United States Army All American Bowl. This is a great honor considering only the nation’s top 90 football players are selected to compete. Luke Ford, a CHS senior, has repeatedly made his school proud with his athletic accomplishments. He is currently ranked as the top high school tight end in Illinois.

In San Antonio, Luke spent the vast majority of his time training. He has been training intensely for years, but training for the Army Bowl was one of the hardest things he has ever done. In his few free moments he spent his time with teammates Brett Walker, an Oklahoma commit, and Tanner McNee, his roommate. When Luke was asked how he felt leading up to the game he said he was nervous. “It was the biggest stage I have played on. It was live on TV and there were 45,000 people in the audience.” The game was played on January 6th 2018. Luke’s team, The West, emerged victorious with a score of 17-16.

When Luke was asked what was most memorable about the experience, he claimed “Getting to play in front of all the soldiers, considering my dad was one. The game meant more to me because I was playing for more than myself; I was playing for my dad’s service and all servicemen”.

On December 21st 2017, Luke officially signed to play football with the Georgia Bulldogs. He received offers from many schools, including Alabama and Arkansas, but chose Georgia because “I love Athens and Coach Smart and Coach Chaney”.

Luke credits his success in football not only to his years of hard work, but also to his support system. “I would like to thank my brother for helping me get so “swole” and all my friends for making me look good on the field. Also all my coaches for not giving up on me. And most importantly my mom and dad for supporting me throughout the process”. From Carterville High School, to the Army Bowl, to the University of Georgia, who knows where Luke Ford will go next.