FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
GJCVIII-notes 08
January 21, 2004
www.NFLHS.com

Texans quarterback joins Team USA at practice; Houston-Harris County all-stars taking shape

HOUSTON TEXANS quarterback MIKE QUINN joined the coaching staff of Team USA to pass on some advice to the Houston-Harris County all-stars competing in the NFL Global Junior Championship VIII.

Quinn assisted Team USA head coach MIKE JOHNSTON of Katy High School at Rice University Stadium on Tuesday, throwing passes to receivers before addressing the group of scholar athletes.

“Their high school careers are over and they're about to begin a new chapter in their lives,” said Quinn. “This is kind of in-between time. To have an opportunity to do this - the Super Bowl hasn't been here in 30 years and I know this program has only been around for seven years - it's a great opportunity for them to be a part of it. I think it's something that they'll always remember."

The seven-year NFL veteran also worked with the two quarterbacks on the 36-man Team USA roster, giving them the benefit of his experience from time spent with the Pittsburgh Steelers, Dallas Cowboys, Miami Dolphins and the Texans.

Quarterbacks Brian Johnson (Baytown Lee HS) and Jason Phillips (Waller HS) have impressed coach Johnston during Team USA’s five practices to date. "Brian is very knowledgeable in the passing game," Johnston said. "Of course he came from coach Dick Olin's offense down there at Baytown Lee. He knows how to read coverages and he has a very good arm.

"Also, there is no doubt in my mind we have three, of what I would consider, legendary coaches from the Houston area. Ray Seals from Madison is working with our quarterbacks, coach Neil Quillan from Humble is working with our defensive ends and coach Oscar Cripps, a state champion at Stratford, works with our offensive line."

The NFL Global Junior Championship VIII action begins at 1:00 p.m. on Wednesday, January 28. USA first plays Russia (2.40pm), then Canada (4.20pm), Japan (6.50pm) and Mexico (8.30pm), all at Tully Stadium over two seven-minute halves. The top two teams from the round robin shootout will meet in the Championship Game at 4:00 p.m. on the eve of Super Bowl XXXVIII, Saturday, January 31.

Team USA roster:

QB: Brian Johnson, Baytown Lee; Jason Phillips, Waller
WR: Daniel Goetz, Bellaire; Terrance Nunn, Cy Falls; Justin Perry, Langham Creek; Jeremy Haynes, Waller
RB: Brandon Jackson, Booker T. Washington; RB, Brandon Roberson, Pearland
FB: Vernon Moore, C.E. King
TE: Huston Mgbemena, Alief Hastings; Tate Stewart, Katy
OL: Reggie Ballard, Alief Elsik; Joe Longacre, Katy; Caleb Morris, Klein; Chris Herold, Klein Forest; David Accardo, Mayde Creek; Chris Simon, Waller
C: Stephen Ray, Stratford
K / P: Jason Bondzio, Humble
DE: Shane Richburg, North Shore; Chris Bocard, North Shore; Michael Wagner, Waltrip
DT Todd Mohr, Cy Creek; Avery Williams, Lamar; Eric Mikolajchak, Mayde Creek
LB: Larry Coleman, Aldine; Patrick Robinson, Baytown Lee; Zach Kenney, Memorial; Charles Robinson, North Shore; Daniel Adamek, Sam Rayburn
DB: Charles Godfrey, Baytown Lee; Russell Schober, Clear Lake; Shane Cassey, Cy Fair; Shaun Irchirl, Humble; Michael Parker, Katy; Frank Jones, Wheatley

Ends.

Photo of Mike Quinn at Team USA practice available upon request

Michael Preston
781-363-0305
michaelp67@aol.com