West All-Stars dominate East 26-8 in 52nd Kansas Shrine Bowl
DODGE CITY, Kan. — The West All-Stars dominated the East All-Stars 26-8 Saturday night in the 52nd Kansas Shrine Bowl presented by Mammoth at Memorial Stadium, extending their series lead in the annual high school all-star game.
Josh Burdick, a Cheney native and Emporia State University signee, earned Most Valuable Player honors for the West team in the decisive victory. The West's commanding performance marked another chapter in their historical dominance of the series, which began in 1974.
The game, which kicked off at 7 p.m. following gates opening at 5 p.m., showcased 88 of Kansas' top high school senior football players selected from across the state's six classifications. The initial invitations resulted from a selection process combining statewide media votes and Kansas Shrine Bowl coaching staff selections from 447 nominees.
Saturday's contest was part of Dodge City's second time hosting the Kansas Shrine Bowl, with the southwestern Kansas community previously welcoming the event in 2019. The game took place at the renovated Memorial Stadium, which provided an enhanced venue for the charitable showcase.
The Kansas Shrine Bowl serves as a fundraiser for Shriners Children's, with the nonprofit organization having sent nearly $4 million to Shriners Hospitals for Children since the game's inception. All proceeds from the event and its associated activities benefit the healthcare system that provides pediatric specialty care regardless of families' ability to pay.
Game officials announced a multi-year partnership with Emporia State University to host future Kansas Shrine Bowl games in 2026, 2027 and 2028, continuing the tradition of moving the event across Kansas communities.
The West coaching staff was led by head coach Dominick Dingle of Wichita Heights, while the East team was guided by head coach Garrett Michael of Sabetha. Each coaching staff included representatives from all six Kansas high school classifications.
The victory improved the West's historical advantage in the series. Prior to Saturday's game, the West held a 31-18-2 record against the East since the inaugural contest in 1974.
The weekend's festivities included multiple events supporting the charitable mission, including hospital experience sessions, a golf tournament, cheer camp, band camp and a downtown parade Saturday morning. Friday night featured a charity carnival at the Dodge City Civic Center with food trucks, games and player autograph sessions.
The Kansas Shrine Bowl continues as the state's premier high school all-star football game, providing graduating seniors a final opportunity to compete while supporting children's medical care across the region.
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