BUTLER TWP — Whether Jake Alston plays football next season remains in question.

His last game this year will be as a representative of country.

The Butler senior is one of 35 high school players selected to play for the American Football Worldwide Elite team against the national Under-19 team of France on March 30 in Paris.

“It’s an incredible opportunity. I thank God for it every day,” Alston said.

A free safety and wide receiver for the Golden Tornado, Alston made 25 tackles — including 15 solos — and caught six passes for 38 yards.

“He played a big role in our getting to the playoffs last season,” Butler coach Clyde Conti said. “He told me about this trip to France. I’m excited for him.”

This game will mark the first time a scholastic team from the United States has traveled overseas to play another country’s national team that has previously qualified for the World Championships of American Football.

It’s also the first time a U.S, scholastic team will play football on French soil.

Jim Barnes, whose 25 years of football coaching experience include collegiate stops at Marietta, Ohio Wesleyan, Wooster (Ohio) and Augustana (Ill.), is coaching the United States squad.

“I’ve developed a number of contacts in the sport over the years and assembled some players through them,” Barnes said. “Besides that, I posted the information with the National Collegiate Scouting Association (NCSA).

Alston joined NCSA, an online recruiting service, prior to his senior season.

“I saw they were looking for players, so I inquired about it,” Alston said. “I needed to send in a letter of recommendation which Mr. (Butler athletic director Bill) Mylan did for me and they wanted a copy of my highlight tape.

“Next thing I knew, I was on the team.”

The 35 players on the AFW Elite team come from 14 states. They will meet in Chicago March 23 or in Paris the morning of March 24. A few practices will be followed by a scrimmage against a club team from Normandy, followed by the March 30 game.

“It will be a unique challenge getting these guys melded together as a team, getting everybody on the same page functioning as a unit in such a short time,” Barnes said. “But these are intelligent kids who are passionate about football.

“They all want to work together and represent their country. All of them will get plenty of playing time.”

This could be Alston’s final organized football game. He is considering an option to play for Division III Misericordia University in Dallas, Pa., and has contacted Division III powerhouse Mount Union (Ohio) about a chance to play this fall.

The University of Kentucky has asked Alston to walk on as a decathlete. He runs sprint events and does the long jump for Butler’s track and field team.

Alston plans to major in sports management or sports business, with a minor in psychology, wherever he attends college.

“We’re going to do some touring, see the Eiffel Tower and things, but I’m not taking this game as a chance to see France,” Alston said. “I’m going over there to win.

“I’m treating this as an Olympic football game and I’m wearing my country’s colors.”

Alston is friends with Butler and Penn State graduate Tyrell Sales, who played pro football in Italy last year.

“European football is an option not many know about,” Alston said. “This is a world experience for me, something that could open some doors in my life.”

While playing for Butler, Alston wore bright green shoes on the field.

It was all by design — and the green shoes, along with green socks, will accompany him to France.

“When I attended a national underclassmen camp at the University of Oklahoma, they said to wear something to get you noticed,” Alston said.

“I want to stand out on the football field, so people can see the good things I do and the mistakes I make. When I look at the film, it’s easy for me to watch my footwork, too.”

Barnes was impressed with Alston when he spoke to him over the phone.

“He’s a good kid and we invited him to join us right away,” Barnes said. “We’ve assembled a group of outstanding young men and we’re looking forward to this.

“France has a number of outstanding athletes and they’ve been playing together. We don’t expect this to be easy.”