Westgate lineman Josh Boutte tries on a U.S. Army All-American Bowl jersey Friday. - Neal McClelland / The Daily Iberian

Friday afternoon, Josh Boutte had one dream come true when he became an All-American football player.

Not just any type of All-American, but one who will get a chance to play on national television against the best high school players in the nation.

Boutte was selected to play in the 2013 U.S. Army All-American Bowl which will be held Saturday, Jan. 5 at noon at the Alamodome in San Antonio, which will be broadcast on NBC.

“It was unbelievable. It was a dream come true,” said Boutte. “I never thought that I would be an All-American and play in that game. 

“I’m looking forward to it.”

The game features the nation’s top 90 high school football players in an East vs. West showdown.

He was selected by the U.S. Army All-American Bowl selection committee, which consists of All-American Games network of regional directors and Rivals.com. 

“I did really well over last summer in the Rivals 100 challenge,” said Boutte. “I was one of the last guys selected. I was called the following week after the Rivals 100 challenge.”

Boutte said that the Rivals camp was the best camp that he had ever been too and that he had the opportunity to go against some the best players in the nation.

“It is a great opportunity for me,” said the WHS senior, who committed to play at LSU during the summer. “It’s a great honor to represent the school, the city and Louisiana in the game.

“I want to be everybody’s role model.”

Westgate head football coach Ryan Antoine was pleased his star player was chosen for the game.

“Josh is an incredible kid,” said Antoine. “Just being around him, you’d never know that he was 6-foot-6 and an All-American. He loves everybody and everybody loves him.

“For Josh to get that honor and to be the first in New Iberia to get that honor, I’m glad to be a part of it but it is also a credit to the coaches that have been here before me.”

Antoine coached Boutte his freshman year before moving to West St. Mary for two years and then returning to Westgate this summer.

In addition to Boutte  selection, Antoine also gets to travel to San Antonio for bowl festivities to participate in the U.S. Army Coaches Academy, which is an elite three-day learning experience featuring NFL coaches.

“It’s an honor,” said Antoine. “I really wasn’t expecting it. But I get a chance to get better as a coach so I can come back and give to the community.”