All-American Bowl

Two members of the Aledo Bearcats will be among the 100 top high school football players from across the country playing on national TV when they participate in the All-American Bowl on Saturday, Jan. 6.

Hauss Hejny and Devhon Keys

Representing Aledo will be linebacker Davhon Keys and quarterback Hauss Hejny. The duo led the Bearcats to their 12th state championship and second straight on Dec. 15 with a 51-8 win over Comal Smithson Valley to cap a 16-0 season.

Both players have also graduated early and will begin their college careers at LSU for Keys and TCU for Hejny in the first semester of 2024.

The All-American Bowl, which will be played at the Alamodome, will be broadcast on NBC television. Kickoff is noon.

"It's an honor, something I've been dreaming about since I was a kid," Hejny said, paying homage to several Aledo athletes who played in the game previously.

"I'll get to foresee what it'll be like on the field with them. I may be going up against some of them in the future."

Defensive MVP Davhon Keys works past a Smithson Valley defender during the State championship game.

Keys added, "I'm extremely excited. It's another chance to showcase my abilities, and this time on national TV. I'm familiar with very few of the other players, but I look forward to playing with them and against them."

Keys was named the Defensive MVP of the state championship game after posting a dozen tackles and a sack. For the season, he finished with 110.5 tackles, 19 for a loss, four sacks, three interceptions (one returned for a TD) and two blocked kicks (one returned for two points).

Keys also often came into the offense on short-yardage and goal-line situations. He rushed for 226 yards and 16 touchdowns.

Hauss Hejny carries the ball during the State championship game.

Hejny passed for 2,709 yards with 27 touchdowns and nine interceptions. He also ran for 1,026 yards and 13 TD.

"Those two guys deserve everything they get. They are the hardest working and most talented players," Aledo coach Robby Jones said. "Again, it shows you how talented our team was.

"These guys are examples of what dedication and hard work can bring you. I'm so proud of them, the top 100 players in the country. That tells you a lot."