Seniors dwell on annual East/West game
Sunday, November 26, 2006 1:42 AM PST
Ronald Bond
Argus Observer
Eagle
More than 30 senior football players from a dozen different schools received the opportunity to play one more game.
The Council and Tri-Valley football teams both sent players to the 11th Annual East-West Shrine All Star 8-man football game Friday in Eagle.
“This was mainly to honor the top seniors, just a chance to get the top seniors and honor them one last time,” Council head coach Dan Shumway said. “The kids still like to go out there and compete. It was a fun game for both sides.”
Four players from 1A state champion Council and two from Tri-Valley represented the local teams in the event. While the East dominated the game, winning 38-14, the outcome wasn’t really what concerned the players who were involved.
“It was awesome, getting me another chance to put my football pads on again,” Council running back Jesse Paradis said. “Maybe the last time I get to, but it was worthwhile.”
Paradis had one of the two West touchdowns, scoring on a screen pass, while teammate Josh Edmunson scampered for the team’s other score of the game.
Salmon River’s big man Jake Mann also had two interceptions for the West.
After playing against each other all season long, the players had the opportunity to team up with their opponents, which was both different and exciting for them.
“(It) took some getting used to at first, but once you hang out with them you get to be pretty good friends with them,” Tri-Valley quarterback Kevin Fry said.
Many of the players felt they were fortunate to be part of the event.
“Definitely an honor. I was proud to be a part of it. It was a good experience,” Tri-Valley tight end Jake Turnbull said. “Definitely worth it, getting to play with the best players around the league.”
