HUTCHINSON, Kan. - For one final time, Kansas graduating seniors got to don their alma mater's colors on Saturday evening. All-Stars from all levels across the state participated in the 48th annual Kansas Shrine Bowl, with teams divided into east and west.
Representing Junction City, Quarterback Andrew Khoury lead the West squad to a 14-0 victory.
"It was such a cool experience," said Khoury. "The football game was awesome. It was cool being around a bunch of stud players and being around the best in Kansas."
Khoury delivered a touchdown pass to Ty Sides of Phillipsburg on the first possession of the game for the west team. Sides would go on to be named MVP of the west, thanks to a five catch, 126 yard performance in the charity game.
Khoury said after the fact that it reminded him of several plays as a Blue Jay where he would deliver a short pass to a teammate and they would make a move for a score.
Ironically enough, it was his own coach that drew up the play.
Junction City Head Coach Randall Zimmerman was the offensive coordinator and play-caller for the west team in the 2021 Shrine Bowl, allowing him the opportunity to call in one last TD for his star quarterback.
Highlights aside, Khoury said the best part of the whole week, was learning the reason behind the game itself.
"The best part about Hutchinson would probably be learning about the Shriners organization, and meeting some of the Shriners kids," said Khoury.
The Kansas Shrine Bowl raises money for the Shriners Hospitals for children, and the game has been played since 1974. According to the Shrine Bowl website, the organization has raised over $2.5 million for the hospital.
Khoury currently plans on attending the University of Kansas to study finance, but says its still possible he hasn't played his final game of football.
"If something comes up and I like it, I'm definitely going to look into it," he said.