By JONATHAN ZWEYGARDT
Hays Post

Western and central Kansas will once again be well represented at the 42nd annual Kansas Shrine Bowl this weekend in Hays.

Five area players will take part in Saturday’s game at Fort Hays State University’s Lewis Field.

La Crosse’s Sheldon Schmidt, Layne Bieberle of Central Plains, Luke Jacobs from Phillipsburg, Oakley’s Ryan Kuhn and Seth Owen from Hoisington will represent the West squad.

Schmidt was a member of one of the most successful 2A program in recent years as La Crosse amassed a record of 44-5, with two appearances in the state championship game – finishing runner-up both times.

Schmidt recorded 23 sacks over his career, collecting a team-high 12 sacks in his senior season. Schmidt also moved into the backfield as the Leopards starting fullback and had a team-high 871 yards and 14 touchdowns.

Sheldon Schmidt interview

Schmidt is headed to Fort Hays State University to play football in the fall and will be joined by fellow participants Layne Bieberle and St. Thomas Aquinas’ Ben Ewing who will represent the East squad.

Bieberle was a member of the Central Plains 2015 1A-D1 state championship team and finished his high school career with a record of 35-9. He also led the team in receiving in both his junior and senior seasons, going over 1,000 yards in both season with 51 total touchdowns.

Meade’s Scott Moshier is the West’s head coach.

The West is going for its second straight win and have won eight of the last night meetings. Saturday’s game will kick off at 7:05 at Lewis Field.

The Kansas Shrine benefits the Shriners Hospitals for Children.