After practicing every day for five seasons, Escambia Academy Cougar Will Hendrix finally achieved his dream of playing in the Alabama Independent School Association’s All-Star game.

Hendrix, a senior offensive lineman and linebacker for the Cougars, was selected by AISA coaches as a player worthy enough to play in the game as an offensive lineman.

For Hendrix, just to be chosen was an honor in itself because opposing coaches make the selections.

“Being able to play as an All-Star was a good experience,” he said. “I appreciate all of the coaches for recognizing me and voting me into the game.”

Hendrix had plenty of time to earn the votes to be an AISA All-Star as he was a five-year starter for the Cougars.

Hendrix said he thinks his performances during those years earned him his spot.

“I guess they chose me because of seeing me play this year and in year’s past,” he said. “I was a starter for the varsity for five years starting in eighth grade. I think that and knowing that I could play so well were big factors.”

When it came to practicing, the competitive nature of being an All-Star was seen by Hendrix, which left him with a good impression.

He said that it was a lot more competition because of the caliber of players at the All-Star game.

“It was really fun because everybody there was not just a good player, but a great player,” Hendrix said. “It was more competitive because of how talented everyone was.”

As a Cougar offensive lineman, Hendrix played tackle, but upon getting to the All-Star game, his coaches for the West team put him at center.

Hendrix said the offense was similar to what he has run at EA, but just called differently.

“Learning the offense was the biggest challenge,” he said. “It was the same offense that we run, but learning how to call it was different.”

At the game, Hendrix and the West put on a strong performance against the East as they crushed them 35-7.

Hendrix said it showed that he plays in the tougher part of the state.

“Winning by that large of a margin showed that the West is the better part of the state,” he said.

As for playing his last high school football game, the Cougar senior said he felt it was one of his better games.

“I think it was was my best game,” he said. “I think it really was and my parents and coach(Gibson) were there to watch and they agreed with me.”