ST. GEORGE — College football fans in Utah have one more chance to see some of their favorite players on the field as the Paradise Bowl all-star game takes place today in St. George.
The game, which is at noon at Dixie State College's Hansen Stadium, is the brainchild of local promoter Darius Alton, who calls it "perhaps the greatest collection of talent on one field ever in Utah."
Seniors from schools such as BYU, Utah and Colorado State comprise the UTCO team. They will face a group of seniors from schools like Fresno State, UCLA, Oregon and Washington State (dubbed the West States team).
The UTCO team is being coached by Bart Andrus, an offensive expert who just accepted the head coaching job for the Amsterdam Admirals in NFL Europe. Andrus was the offensive coordinator last year for the Rhein Fire, which led NFL Europe in points and yardage gained. He's also a former assistant coach at Southern Utah University.
The West team is being coached by legendary Sark Arslanian. The now-retired coach is 77 and most recently coached at Pine View High. He was head coach at Dixie College, Weber State and Colorado State, among others.
As for the players, Alton began sending out invitations in November. Sixteen players come from Utah's "Big Five," headlined by Utes running back Adam Tate.
Also from the Utes: Wide receiver Dennis Smith, tight end Michael Richardson linemen Phil Blackmon and Makai Aalona and defensive back CR Dwinell.
The Cougars sent punter Aaron Edmonds, lineman Anthony Smart and quarterback Charlie Peterson.
Aggies Tony Newsome, Jim Walker and Ed Powell will be there as well as Wildcats Johnnie Gray and Damon Greenberry. The T-Birds sent Randy Clark, Jerry Cowan and Turnbeaugh Tuliapupu.
The UTCO team also features players from Colorado State, Air Force, Idaho, Colorado U., UNLV, Montana, Wyoming and several smaller schools.
The West States team has a distinct Pac-10 flavor as eight of the 10 squads have at least one player on the roster. Only California-Berkeley and Washington are not represented on the team.
UCLA quarterback Scott McEwan and Fresno State running back Paris Gaines lead the charge for the West team, which also includes players from San Diego State, San Jose State, Portland State and Eastern Washington.
"These are some big time players," said Dixie State College coach Greg Croshaw, who is assisting with the UTCO team. "We feel honored to have this much talent on our home field."
The game will be broadcast live throughout the western United States on Fox Sports Net. "This is our Olympics," Alton said. "This game will showcase the beauty of southern Utah."