The Record Newspapers - Hometown News For Orange County, Texas

Orange native Earl Thomas III will be playing in his second consecutive Super Bowl. His family, likewise, is making it possible for 400 fellow residents to watch him play.

The Thomas family is paying for a Super Bowl watch party starting at 4 p.m. on February 1 at the Student Center at Lamar State College-Orange, according to Thereze Sichko, secretary for the athletic department at West Orange-Stark High School.

It's on a first come, first serve basis. Slava Foods will provide finger foods and soft drinks for the event. No alcohol is allowed. There will also be door prizes including memorabilia autographed by Earl Thomas III. Sichko said Earl's mother, Debbie Thomas, contacted her and got the ball rolling. “It's about Earl giving back to Orange,” Sichko said. “All of his glories, the keys to his success is all because of Orange. He always remembers.” She added even though Thomas is playing far away, the people of Orange can still be a part of the game.

Cindy Wyles, director of publi information for LSC-O said there will also be two Orange police officers and security officers patrolling the campus.

Earl Thomas III is a graduate of WO-S High School, the University of Texas at Austin, and a member of the Seattle Seahawks.