The 2012 Army All-American football game took place at the Alamodome in San Antonio on Saturday.
A showcase of the top high school players in the country was dominated by the West in a 24-12 win. It also turned out to be a love fest for one Pac-12 school.
The live announcements are as much a part of the festivities as the play on the field.
Cal cleaned up, getting three big verbals from in-state players — two of which were from right here in Southern California.
Oaks Christian wide receiver Jordan Payton announced during the first half that he would be attending Cal. Payton was committed to USC until last June. He chose Cal over UCLA and Notre Dame.
Monrovia defensive tackle Ellis McCarthy, who many thought was headed to USC and was rumored as recently as Friday to be headed to UCLA, declared during the fourth quarter that he too would be headed north to Berkeley.
"I just really like (defensive line coach) Tosh (Lupoi). I just really like the program a lot and he's really teaching me a lot. I've built a relationship with him and the team," said McCarthy during the game broadcast on NBC.
Sacramento Grant defensive back Shaq Thompson made it a trifecta for the Golden Bears when he said he would be staying close to home. Thompson is regarded as the top safety in the nation.
He, along with Payton and McCarthy made quite a splash for Cal on Saturday.
"We just all feel comfortable there and we're going to change the game," said Thompson during the NBC's broadcast.
McCarthy added: "I just want to go in and try to get (to) a BCS bowl or Rose Bowl and just help my team out."
UCLA lost out on an Army All-American when Muir defensive back Kevon Seymour chose the Trojans over the Bruins, Cal and Oregon.
On the field, San Clemente offensive lineman, Kyle Murphy, helped open a hole for a Barry J. Sanders touchdown run in the first half. Friday night, Murphy was awarded the Glen Davis Award, given to a West player for community service, education and athletic achievement.
The West led 24-6 at halftime.
The West stars, quarterback Cyler Miles (Denver, Colo.) and wide receiver Dorial Green-Beckham (Springfield, Mo.), who is the top player in the country, took home game MVP honors.
Miles completed seven of eight passes for 155 yards and a touchdown. He also rushed for a touchdown. Green-Beckham caught two passes for 88 yards and a touchdown.
In all, there were 10 CIF Southern Section players on the West roster. Other SoCal representatives were Oaks Christian cornerback Ishmael Adams, Crespi offensive lineman Jordan Simmons, Dominguez cornerback Brandon Beaver, Downey linebacker Jabari Ruffin, Inglewood wide receiver Derrick Woods and Santa Margarita offensive lineman Max Tuerk.
