Some of the top Native American football players from around the nation are gathering in Lawrence, Kan., this week and a Sallisaw standout is among them.

Sam Tehee will represent the Black Diamonds on Saturday when the East takes on the West at the fourth-annual Native American All-Star Football Game.

The players reported to Haskell Indian Nations University on Sunday and had a week's worth of activities and practices leading up to Saturday's 7:30 p.m. kickoff at Haskell Stadium.

Tehee was an all-district performer as a senior at Sallisaw. He's listed as a wide receiver/defensive back for the all-star game and is one of 37 Oklahomans invited to participate in the elite contest.

The Native American All-Star Game was first played in 2002. Organizers select high school seniors who are enrolled members of a federally or state recognized tribe and who are looking for exposure to continue their football careers at the collegiate level.

The West won the first two meetings of the all-star series, but Tulsa Washington head coach Antwain Jimmerson led the East to a 34-7 victory in 2004. Jimmerson is coaching again this year and will be joined on the staff by three other Oklahomans: Bryan Raymond of Bartlesville, Burgess Navarro of Stratford and Chase Kime of Dewey.