Six local football players, including a father and son duo, will be competing in the upcoming Globe Bowl at the home of the Dallas Cowboys in Arlington, Texas.
Team America will square off against Team World, featuring players from countries including Canada and Mexico, in a contest scheduled for April 14 at AT&T Stadium.
Former Sarnia Imperials Right Guard Andrew Barnes, who took on an executive role with the team this upcoming season, will be suiting up with his 19-year-old son Ethan.
It's the final game of Andrew's career. He's played for over 30 years, including at the semi-pro level since 2008.
The 45-year-old said it will be very special to play with Ethan who will be joining the Imperials this year as a Defensive End.
"You have those mixed emotions of the last time you're going to tie up the cleats and touch the turf in a game situation," said Andrew. "At the same time, my son is playing on the same team and wearing the same jersey. That is helping me. And, you have the opportunity to play on an NFL field. That's a big dream of both of ours. Neither of us are Cowboys fans, but it's a really nice stadium. I can't think of a better way to go out than playing on the same team with my son in an international bowl and with my best friend joining us, too. It's a great way to reach that milestone and move onto the next chapter of my career."
Imperials players Jamie Eldridge, Darryl Ntow, Devon Laird, and Matt Goulais will also be competing in the Globe Bowl.
The Globe Bowl is the US version of MIFA Canada International Bowl, which Andrew and Ethan competed in last year.
"Ethan tore up that game," said Andrew. "He had the game of his life, and got noticed. We both actually got invited to the Globe Bowl at the same time. It was kind of cool that we both received the email and literally we both texted each other at the same time talking about it."
The MIFA Canada International Bowl, which started in 2017, is played annually in Toronto and coordinated by Liston Bates.
It consists of men’s and women’s tackle as well as youth flag football.