By Don Ketchum

Colorado and a college football career at Adams State are on the mind of Brennan Bowen.

But the center from Avondale Westview first must focus his attention on California, Southern California, and a group of players from there who will challenge Arizona players in the inaugural Arizona-Southern California All-Star Game on Saturday at Surprise Stadium.

Kickoff is 7 p.m. for the event, sponsored by the Arizona Football Coaches Association.

Bowen’s participation in the game is a bit more special than normal because his father, Jeff, the Westview head coach, will be head coach of the Arizona team.

“It makes the experience even better. Things like this don’t happen very often,’’ said the 6-foot-1, 285-pound Bowen.

Bowen is looking forward to playing the Californians.

“It starts with the center and the offensive line,’’ he said. “We haven’t had a lot of practice time, but you have to make sure you are as prepared as you can be. You have to make sure you stay on your blocks, and move the opponent back inch by inch if that’s what it takes.’’

Jeff Bowen is ready to see his son play one last time at the high school level.

“As a dad, it is really exciting. As a coach, it is exciting to have helped him develop as a football player and reach this point,’’ Jeff Bowen said.

Westview will have two other players in Saturday’s game, Zack Nolte and Jordan Champion.

“We want to represent our school well,’’ Brennan Bowen said. “As an all-star team, we want to show that we can play well against a top-caliber team.’’

Bowen will report for camp on Aug. 5, with practice starting shortly thereafter.

“They say I have a good chance to start, but I’m not going to take anything for granted. I have to continue to work hard to get ready,’’ he said.