HS FOOTBALL: Oaks' Payton set for US Army Bowl

A four-year football standout at one of California's top programs, Jordan Payton makes one last hurrah on Saturday.

After reaching a Southern Section final at Oaks Christian every season - winning two -- the Oaks Christian High receiver is playing Saturday in the U.S. Army All-American Bowl in San Antonio, televised by NBC beginning at 10 a.m.

The event is the nation's most prestigious All-Star showcase, and Payton says he can hardly wait.

"I'm excited. It's always fun to play against the best players in the country," Payton said. "I'm out here, and I'm working hard. I'm excited for Saturday. It's going to be a pleasure to represent Oaks Christian one last time, plus represent California and the whole west coast."

Payton, a 6-foot-3, 200-pounder who caught 61 passes and scored 11 touchdowns this past season, is among the game's few marquee players who've yet to announce their college choice. Payton has narrowed it down to three universities - Cal, Notre Dame and newcomer UCLA - and he'll make the choice Saturday as part of the national broadcast.

"I'm still considering all three," Payton said. "I'm going to decide Monday morning, and the only people I'm going to tell is my family and Oaks Christian coach Bill Redell. I'm going to call Redell in the morning before the game but I'm going to swear him to secrecy."