BAKERSFIELD, Calif. — The Gold Squad took the 18th Annual U.S. Army All-Star Bowl with a close 20-19 victory led by effort from Ridgeview senior Tahj Wright.

The Black Squad would get out to an early lead behind Liberty's Sam Stewart Jr. and Hunter Riley early scores and some defense would hold Gold scoreless until a Jacob Lightner short touchdown run in the second quarter.

But the first half would be capitalized from a late Alex Aguilar pass to Wright in the end zone, as the game MVP would hold onto the pass in coverage as he bounced off the boards.

A special moment was during halftime as Lightner along with many future soldiers from around Kern County were sworn into the U.S. Army.

Another highlight during a night filled with many final highlights from some of Kern County's best football players to hit the gridiron, capping their football careers here in town.