Tonganoxie’s Cody Snyder and McLouth’s Nick McAferty played their final game as high school athletes at Pittsburg State University’s Carnie Smith Stadium. The area duo suited up for the East team, which dropped a 21-6 decision to the West in the 41st edition of the annual summer clash.

Snyder, a Butler Community College signee, started at left tackle and helped the East rack up 219 yards of total offense. Snyder also started at the same position in the GKCFCA Kansas vs. Missouri All-Star Game last month in Blue Springs, Mo.

McAferty, who will continue his career at Fort Scott Community College, lined up at receiver for the East. He finished with just one catch for four yards, but was thrown to multiple times in the contest. He had an 82-yard touchdown reception negated by a holding penalty late in the second quarter.

The East, led by McLouth head coach Chris Stewart, took a 6-5 lead into the locker room at halftime, but the West scored 16 unanswered points in the second half for its eighth Shrine Bowl victory in the last nine years. Stewart was also an assistant coach in last year’s game.

Mike Lavieri

The East team spent several days before the game practicing in Emporia. Players and coaches arrived Thursday in Pittsburg and met with patients from the Shriners Hospital for Children. The organization has 22 hospitals across the country.