All-Star battle
Area football players compete in Shrine All-Star game at Eagle High
By Ray Rodriguez
Argus Observer
Saturday, November 29, 2008 10:29 PM PST
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| Ray Rodriguez | Argus Observer
East-West Shrine Game teammates Sylas Gaskins (55) and Kieran Riley (78) discuss defensive strategy moments before a goalline snap during the second half of the 13th annual District III East-West Shrine game at Thunder Stadium in Eagle. Eight local players and two coaches participated in the event where two teams representing the eastern and western part of the state from the 2A through the 5A divisions went to battle. |
Eagle—Sworn enemies from rival schools Fruitland, Weiser, Parma and New Plymouth became teammates for one last day Saturday during the 13th annual District III East-West Shrine game at Thunder Stadium in Eagle.
In the event, the best players from 36 high schools hit the gridiron for one showcase game.
Eight local players and two coaches participated in the event where two teams representing the eastern and western part of the state from the 2A through the 5A divisions.
Sylas Gaskins, a four-year starter and a 2008 first-team all-conference selection on both the offensive and defensive line, said the opportunity to team up with opponents, was both different and exciting.
“You’re playing with your rivals and stuff now, so it’s pretty sweet. I am on the line with two Parma guys, and I never thought that would happen,” Gaskins said.
Gaskins has been courted by a few east coast schools for wrestling and is also thinking of enlisting in the armed forces.
Weiser’s Gavin Eisenbarth and Trent Winegar along with veteran head coach John Srholec Jr. were on hand, with Eisenbarth manning the quarterback position, Winegar at running back and Srholec coaching the defensive line.
Eisenbarth is unsure where he wants to continue his education, and said he is willing to go to any program that requests his services. The three-year varsity player said he wants to remember football as a joyful time in his life.
“It’s football, it’s fun,” Eisenbarth said. “Whether you are winning or losing it is still fun. Weiser football is the best. We’re tough and we play other teams tough. My teammates are like my family, we are all friends and we’re so close.”
State-runner up Fruitland was well-represented with all-league representatives Tommy Macfarlane (LB), Tyson Flannery (OL) and Jesse Aguilar (OL) participating.
Aguilar, a three-year varsity starter, plans on attending Carroll College, Montana, where he wants to switch sides and play on the defensive line.
He remembers too vividly the disappointment he felt just a week ago, when the Grizzlies lost the state championship game 37-26 to Salmon at Bronco Stadium in Boise.
Aguilar was a varsity member on all three state championship game qualifying squads.
“I think all of our guys played to the best of their abilities,” he said. “They left everything out there. Making it to the state championship for three years shows how tough we are and how proficient we are. I think we have established a tradition here at Fruitland, so hopefully the younger guys can keep it going.”
Payette head coach Troy Gleave was directing the special teams unit and running back-turned-offensive lineman Alex Mackey dug deep in the trenches across from mammoth defensive tackles from the eastern side of the state.
“It’s a lot of fun seeing him out here for one last time,” Gleave said. “Alex is out here playing offensive line against some monsters. Some Capital (High School) kids that are absolute beasts, and he is out there battling no questions asked. No hopes, no worries, he’s just out there having a good time and that is fun to see.”
Gleave was appreciative of the unselfish act Mackey displayed this season, where he gave up his role as running back for a spot on the offensive line.
“He’s exemplifies everything you’re looking for in a team member in your program. He’s a running back kid, always has been a running back kid. We were short a lineman and there wasn’t even any hesitation on his part going on the line. Whatever was good for the team he went out there no questions asked,” Gleave said “It sends a big message throughout the program.”
Representing the local 2A ranks were Parma’s Kieran Riley and teammate Cesar Navarette, and Gaskins, who was selected as a defensive lineman.
Navarette’s future plans are up in the air, but admits he would love to walk out on the field again at the next level, especially after representing Parma in the Shrine Game.
“I am excited to strap it on and play one last weekend. It’s the last time,” Navarette said. “I don’t know if this is the last time I will ever play football, but I am trying to find a team to play for. I am just looking right now for wherever I can play.”
