By DAREN DUNN
Hutch Post
HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The 48th Annual Kansas Shrine Bowl began at a fast and furious pace.
Fittingly, the ninth installment of that movie franchise (F9) dropped in theaters this weekend. The West All Stars struck early on a Ty Sides 59-yard reception courtesy of Andrew Khoury. The 3-play, 61-yard drive took just 50 seconds and came less than three minutes into the game.
That touchdown was the only score for either squad for the next 40 minutes and 31 seconds of game time. In that span, both kickers missed 32-yard field goal opportunities in the same direction.
Shortly after the early strike from the West, the East was poised to tie the game. The East All Stars drove to the West 6 before being pushed back to the 28 yard line on negative plays. The East eventually turned the ball over on downs.
The West went into halftime with a 7-0 lead thanks to Andrew Khoury's 6-of-11 passing for 128 yards and a TD. He would finish the game 9 of 18 for 157 yards.
The East still had an opportunity late to drive the field for a tie, but Trevor Erickson picked off Jackson Miller and put the West back in position for points.
Tanner Cash took advantage of the turnover on a 6-yard TD run with 4:36 left. The 4-play drive covered just 15 yards in 1:50.
Branden Martin was named MVP for the East with his 10 tackles from the linebacker spot.
Ty Sides was named MVP for the West for his 5 receptions for 126 yards and a touchdown.
FINAL: West 14 East 0
Andrew Schwinn led the East with 31 yards rushing. Jackson Miller threw for 91 yards. Max Close caught 4 passes for 78 yards. MVP Branden Martin led the defense with 10 tackles.
The West squad was led by Andrew Khoury's 157 passing yards. The rushing attack was led by Tanner Cash's 44 yards. MVP Ty Sides caught 5 balls for 126 yards. Cade Gatschet led the way with 9 tackles, all but one were solo efforts.
The 49th Annual Kansas Shrine Bowl will be played in Pittsburg July 23, 2022.
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