West takes inaugural Semper Fi Bowl

PHOENIX, Ariz. - In the inaugural Semper Fidelis All-American Bowl, it was the East that jumped out to the first lead of the night, but the West won the game, 17-14.

Jaydon Mickens was named the Semper Fidelis All-American Bowl's Most Valuable Player.

Minnesota-bound quarterback Phillip Nelson threw a 48-yard touchdown strike to Auburn wide receiver commitment JaQuay Williams to give the East a 7-0 lead to open scoring on the evening.

And that was the score as the first quarter came to a close.

It didn't take long for the West to answer back, however.

Washington quarterback commitment Jeff Lindquist found former-USC wide receiver commitment Jaydon Mickens alone in the corner of the endzone for the game-tying touchdown.

Lindquist stayed hot on his next possession, hitting local product, Saguaro athlete D.J. Foster for a 30-yard gain.

Three plays later, the West scored again when Lindquist connected on a touchdown strike to Cory Batey, who was defended by Virginia Tech defensive back commitment, Donaldven Manning.

With 2:08 to go in the first half, the West led the East, 14-7.

Manning, who had a great week of practice leading up to Tuesday night's game, dusted himself off and set up the game-tying touchdown with his explosive return for the East on the West's ensuing kick-off.

With time dwindling in the game's opening half, Boise State commitment Nick Patti hit Minnesota committed tight end Maxx Williams to tie the game once again for the East.

At the halftime, the East and West were tied at 14.

After a scoreless third quarter, the West edged ahead again.

Plantation (Fla.) American Heritage kicker Marshall Morgan hit a 46-yard field goal with 5:30 remaining in the 4th quarter to give the West a 17-14 lead.

Notre Dame commitment Deontay Greenberry picked off a East quarterback Wes Lunt pass after it went off the hands of wide receiver Malik Gilmore.

Greenberry returned the interception 37 yards to the East 36-yard line with 2:12 to play in the 4th quarter, sealing the victory of the West.

Los Angeles (Calif.) Dorsey wide receiver Jaydon Mickens was named the Semper Fidelis All-American Bowl MVP.

"Clearly, it's not about me, it's about the team," said Mickens. "I wish they would give out a MVT; Most Valuable Team."