POWERS

 Corbin eighth grade running back, Tanner Powers, has been selected to the play in the 2011 Eastbay All-American Bowl at the Alamo dome in San Antonio, Texas, Sunday, Jan. 9.

It’s a big honor for eighth graders around the United States. Powers was chosen to compete in the All-Star game after being seen the last two years as Corbin Middle School battled its way to back-to-back state championships. However, he wasn’t given the honor until appearing in the Kentucky East-West Middle School game where he was named the offensive MVP.

“It really means a lot,” said Powers. “I thank God and I am blessed. This is a rare opportunity. I will get the opportunity to experience a lot with the coaches and players from all over the United States.”

Hopefully, I will have fun with it,”

The game is scheduled for Jan. 9, but Powers will leave for Texas, Tuesday, Jan. 4, where he will be a part of a week-long festivities. The activities include practice, skills competition and breakout session with NFL stars and celebrities such as legendary high school football coach Herman Boone.

Boone was the head coach of the Virginia High School portrayed in the movie “Remember the Titans.”

Powers gave thanks to God, his coaches and teammates that led to this honor. “First of all, God, without him nothing is possible, second the coaches put you in the position to win games and an honor like this. Third, my teammates, to me all of my teammates deserve this honor,” said Powers.

It was Powers’ efforts in the East-West game that drew the attention of the selection committee. “I didn’t score in the game, but they told me I had 110 yards in the game,” he said.

Corbin Middle School Coach Brent Jackson is extremely proud of Powers. “It’s an awesome opportunity for Tanner and his family and our program as a whole.

What an honor to be selected one of 24 players East of the Mississippi River and Tanner being one of those is a huge compliment.”

“Tanner is a special player, a very coach able kid and will do anything you ask of him,” said Jackson. “He is very unselfish and would rather block and free up somebody to score a touchdown. That is just something special about his character and his personality.”

Powers is one of three Kentucky players to be selected. It is the third year Kentucky has sent players to the All-American Bowl. Two other Kentuckians were selected to play in the game, Ryan Reece of Lexington Catholic and Joshua Crotts of Fort Knox.

Powers was originally selected to play in the unlimited game as a defensive player, but after being seen in the Kentucky East-West game he was asked to play as a running back in the 185-and-under game.

He is the son of David and Renee Powers “He has had to go on a little diet and is running everyday,” said his mother, Renee.

The Powers are seeking donations to help with the expenses of the trip. For more information about making a donation for the trip to Texas, call Renee Powers at 261-1183.