Mason Middleton, 11, of Clayton was named an Offense-Defense All-American and invited to participate in the 2012-2013 Offense-Defense Bowl Week in Houston, Dec. 26-Jan. 1.

Mason, who attends Riverwood Middle School was selected during Offense-Defense Football Camp last summer. The offense and defensive lineman for Clayton Civitan Pee Wee Blue was selected for this honor from a group of young athletes numbering in the thousands across the country. He plays well when representing Clayton, easily validating the Bowl Selection Committee’s choice in tapping Mason.

The Offense-Defense Youth All-American Bowl is part of a weeklong series of events that includes the televised Offense-Defense All-American Bowl. This All-Star football game showcases 88 of the top high school seniors in the country. It has featured current NFL pros such as Cam Newton, Carlos Dunlap and Dez Bryant before they were collegiate stars.

Mason’s parents are Rick and Karen Middleton of Clayton.