Lufkin Panthers football player Riley Self recently competed in a high school all-star showcase game in Arlington.

The International Bowl is an annual American football game held at Cowboys Stadium in Arlington. The game pits the U.S. national team against an all-star team from another country.

The process began with Riley, an offensive lineman for the Panthers, attending one of 18 regional events held across the country. Thousands of football players attended the regionals, but only 500 were selected to continue to the second round, weeklong practices in full pads. Of these 500, only 40 were chosen to represent the United States on the national team.

Riley said the experience allowed him to gain many new friends who “share the same passion for the game as I do.” He also gained exposure to college and university coaches from around the United States, and he received the honor of playing on the iconic field at the Palace in Dallas.

Team USA, of which Riley was a member, defeated its Mexican opponents 75-0. Riley had several blocks which would wind up contributing to touchdowns for the Americans, and he had no penalties called against him.

Riley said he is talking to coaches from multiple colleges and hoping to receive some offers to extend his career at the next level.