A youth football player from Bridgeport is a quarterfinalist in a national competition to win $25,000 for college and appear in a Sports Illustrated ad.

Eleven-year-old Noah Whitley plays football, basketball, baseball, and is also a competitive swimmer.

"He's very deserving," said his father Roland Whitley, noting Noah's academic success and character.

"I like to be active," Noah said. "I don't like to just be staying in the house lying down."