Senior staff writer
Center Grove High School All-American linemen Jovan Swann and Cameron Tidd will play in nationally televised bowl games in January.
Swann, a senior defensive tackle, was one of 92 athletes selected nationwide to play in the prestigious Semper Fidelis All-American Bowl Jan. 3 at the StubHub Center in Carson, Calif. (Fox Sports 1, 9 p.m.)
He was honored by bowl representatives earlier this month at Center Grove. His parents, Mario and Jo Swann, along with Trojans coach Eric Moore took part in the ceremonies.
He received his All-American jersey and was praised by bowl organizers for his character, academic performance and leadership.
“This is a great honor,” said Swann, who has yet to announce his college selection. “I’m thankful to be recognized for the work that I’ve put in and the morals that my parents have instilled in me. It’s a blessing.”
He praised the school and community for his athletic and academic motivation.
Tidd, also a defensive tackle, received All-American honors with his selection to the Blue-Grey North-South game on Jan. 9 at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Fla.
He will continue his student-athlete career at Vanderbilt after graduation. “I am thankful for the coaches that have helped me get to this level,” Tidd said. “I am also thankful for the support I was given from the community and I wouldn’t have wanted to play anywhere else.”
His father, Brock Tidd, acknowledged that his son and the Trojans were focused on one goal – the Class 6A state championship – which meant more to his son than any individual award.
Swann and Tidd helped lead the Trojans to the school’s second state football title, but their first in 6A, first undisputed Metropolitan Interscholastic Conference championship and undefeated season.
Tidd and Swan had 66 and 65 tackles, respectively, this season. They also were inserted into the offensive line for key touchdowns against Avon in a double overtime thriller and against Penn in the state championship game.
State honors
Swann and Tidd also were among 21 Southside players who earned top 50 All-State honors and class honors from the Indiana Football Coaches Association.
Center Grove’s John Richardson, a senior offensive lineman, and Titus McCoy, a junior running back, were named top 50 All-State players along with Roncalli senior defensive back Justin Saylor.
Area players honored by the state coaches:
• 6A Senior All-State, Center Grove: Jackson Sodrel, linebacker; Tyler Pence, D-back.
• Perry Meridian: Kyle Ball, O-line; Dylan Roth, D-line.
• Southport: Matt Garrett, O-line; Evan Higgs, tight end; Kyle Williams, D-line; Eli Walton, D-back.
• Junior All-State, Center Grove: Clay Hadley, O-line.
• Perry Meridian: Alec Patch, linebacker.
• Southport: Blake Evans, wide receiver; Jalen Williams, linebacker.
• 4A Senior All-State, Greenwood: Jackson Daugherty, D-back.
• Roncalli, Nate Fries, running back.
• 4A Junior All-State, Beech Grove: Montrez Hearon, wide receiver.
• Greenwood, Dylan Rosado, D-back.
• Roncalli, Christian Brueggemann, linebacker.
• 1A Senior All-State: Lutheran, Jake Reid, quarterback.
• 1A Junior All-State: Lutheran, John Pasch, O-line; Andre Jones, running back.