Peterson, Sexton to Play in Shrine Bowl

Mike Hammett - Thu 09:39 AM 07/26/2012

Salina South's Darius Peterson and Abilene's Collin Sexton will end their high school football careers on Saturday with one of the highest honors.

The area duo will play in the 39th annual Kansas Shrine Bowl at Emporia State University's Welch Stadium. Kickoff is scheduled for 7pm, with pregame coverage beginning at 6:45 on SportsRadio 1150 KSAL.

Peterson and Sexton spent the past week training for the game with the West team at St. John's Military School in Salina.

Even while in Salina, Peterson, an offensive tackle at Salina South, said it's been a week to remember.

"Definitely life changing," Peterson said. "I'm enjoying it. I'm out here with a bunch of top athletes, keeping me grounded. I like to compete."

The week has also helped prepare Peterson for the collegiate game. Peterson will join the football team at Hutchinson Community College this season.

"I've learned a lot of new stuff." Peterson said. "Not stuff that I can't handle. I have linemen to help me get through that."

The heat played a role in the practices leading up to the game, with temperatures routinely hitting the 100s in Salina. Sexton said he's adjusted to the temperatures thanks to working out at Kansas State, where he'll join the football team next week.

"At one point on the turf it was about 125 degrees at K-State, so that was a little rough," Sexton said. "Other than that, I've kind of acclimated myself to the hot weather. It's not bad any more."

The team heads to Emporia today to finish preparation for the game, which includes getting a chance to meet kids who are in Shriners' Hospitals.

"I'm really looking forward to seeing the kids," Sexton said. "They say what you expect is nothing what is really going to happen. I'm really excited to see the kids, and just to play the game. I haven't played a game for a year now so it'll be exciting to get back on the field."

The West has won six straight games in the Shrine Bowl series, and leads the overall series 24-13-1.

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