The local area was well-represented on Saturday, June 27th in Emporia. From Great Bend High School, quarterback Daxton Minton, linebacker Trenton Kern, and head coach Erin Beck, who was there as an offensive assistant, all were in action with the West team. Also playing for the West squad was Hoisington's Taylen Morales.
In a defensive slugfest, the East downed the West 14-7, with the West's only points scored by its defense off a scoop and score forced by Trenton Kern.
The East scored first, with St. James Academy's Alec Jett catching a 20 yard pass from Shawnee Height's Aden Scott in the first quarter. A botched extra point attempt failed, and the lead stayed 6-0.
The West answered with a defensive score, as Kern forced a fumble in the end zone, which was recovered by Derby's Houston Bowlin late in the first quarter. A successful kick from Augusta's Brady Haskell gave the West its only lead of the day, 7-6.
The East would answer back late in the first half, as Washington's Savion Stone threw a 27-yard pass to Mill Valley's Blake Jay. A successful rush from Stone made it 14-7, and that score would hold until the final whistle.
As far as individual stats, Daxton Minton had an efficient day, completing 8 of his 12 pass attempts for 76 yards, but was responsible for two interceptions. He also added 22 yards on 5 carries. Trenton Kern also made an impact, logging three tackles and a forced fumble. Taylen Morales also logged a tackle at the outside linebacker position.
After the game, speaking to Sports in Kansas, Daxton Minton gave flowers to both defenses for making it tough on their opponents.
"You know, both defenses, they dominated today. Both offenses, neither of us could get anything going really. We'd have one bad play. We'd get down the field and then we'd have a holding, or my interceptions, or just a bad snap. Something like that. It just wasn't our day today."
He'll remember more from the experience than just the final score though.
"This was one of the most fun weeks of my life. Our group came together so well and it was awesome. Every day was just so much fun."
As far as how it feels to be hanging up a football helmet for the last time.
"It's a bittersweet thing. I'm excited to go to Barton and get my baseball stuff going. But then again, you know, football is my first love. I've loved playing every second since 7th grade year. It's really been a blast."
Taylen Morlaes talked about being a smaller guy from a smaller school taking on the best that the state has to offer.
"It was electric. Being able to play against some big teams and bigger people than me it was just fun. I've always been known as undersized, so it was fun to get in there and play with all the big guys."
About his experience as a member of the Shrine Bowl team.
"It's been fun getting to meet a bunch of new people that have been from a bunch of talent I would've never known. It was pretty hard too, having a bunch of practices and everything, but mostly it was fun. I enjoyed it, had a lot of new friends that I made."
As far as his plans after high school?
"Yeah, this was my last football game. We're looking, might go walk on somewhere for track, but if not then I'm planning on going to the Marines. Go serve six years."