Because of hard work and perseverance, Hermistons Alex Ortiz and David Barnett will etch their names in Oregon football lore.

Today, both will play at Hillsboro Stadium in the 66th-annual Les Schwab Bowl, which features the top graduating seniors from the states 6A and 5A high schools. Ortiz and Barnett will play for the South team.

Both headed to Hillsboro earlier this week to participate in practice and team-bonding activities. Barnett and Ortiz both said they were humbled at the opportunity to play in the All-Star game.  

Im honored to be there, Barnett said. All the best athletes are here, and to be able to think Im (one of) the top (athletes) in Oregon is a big deal for me.

The two are the first Hermiston teammates to participate in the game since 2005, when Eric Lindley, Trevor Hoofard and Justin Ramirez were selected to play.

Hermiston head coach Mark Hodges credited the duo for their determination on and off the field.

Our philosophy in our program is players win games and not coaches, Hodges said. I think its reflective of the effort they put in and the effort their teammates put in. Its the young men that have to put the effort in and embrace the challenge. Im proud of them.

Barnett had quite the candidacy for the All-Star selection. As a defensive lineman, he racked up 77 tackles ranking second on the team, with eight tackles for loss and a team-high seven sacks.

His senior campaign earned him Columbia River Conference Defensive Player of the Year, as well as first-team defensive line. Barnett is continuing his football career at Carroll College next year.

Barnett, who stands at 6 feet 3 inches, said he was captivated by the size of the defensive lineman during practice, adding he was the smallest of the group.

Youre able to size yourself up and knowing that this guy was this good of an athlete, Barnett said. Say you beat him one time its saying something for yourself. Its just really fun to be here.

Barnett will have many of chances to prove himself on Saturday using his speed to get after the quarterback. Barnett said he hopes to get at least one sack, and any more would mark a great game.

Hodges knows Barnett is capable of getting after the quarterback, but said thats not the only thing he provides.

He made everyone else around him better, Hodges said. He set such a shining example of what an athlete does. He just set an example in every aspect of his life in that school. I cant think of any better example of what it takes to be successful at Hermiston High School than David Barnett.

Both players are surrounded by the top football players in the state this week, and the duo realizes increased talent breeds competition.

These guys have learned to compete, Barnett said. Theyve learned everything is a competition and thats how theyve gotten there.

Barnett said he and Ortiz have been in different position groups during practice, so they havent had extensive contact, although they have talked about the magnitude of their opportunity.

Ortiz was selected to play in the game after a prolific senior season as a wide receiver, where he led the Bulldogs in nearly every receiving category amassing 47 catches for 672 yards and eight touchdowns. His 1080 all-purpose yards were second to only Trenton Anteaus.

Ortiz will play mostly special teams and defensive back in the game, although he may get some snaps at receiver. Ortiz said the week of preparation was similar to practices for a college team, which he liked.

Its a big honor. When you get here you dont really know how big of a deal it is, Ortiz said. We always have the best behavior when we go out. Its a big opportunity to me.

With increased competition, Ortiz said players must rise to the occasion, whether it is during practice or on game day.

You see what youre made out of when someone else is just as fast and just as athletic (as you), Ortiz said. Its just who wants it more.

Hodges credited Ortiz with his versatility in embracing different roles on the field.

The thing with Alex is he gives you luxuries, Hodges said. The luxuries are when youre in a bad situation and you need to be bailed out, you get the ball into the hands of an athlete.

The Les Schwab Bowl kicks off at 6 p.m. and can be heard on 1080 The FAN.