West Tops East 31-13 in East-West Shrine Game

West receiver Kevin Robinson flips into the end zone after scoring a touchdown. (Photo copyright by Darla Tamulitis-La Vita Loca Photography)

By Robert H. Kelly
(Copyright 2008 TexSport Publications)

HOUSTON, TEXAS (January 19, 2008) Lead by Utah State receiver Kevin Robinson, the West defeated the East 31-13 in the 83rd East-West Shrine Game at Robertson Stadium in Houston.

Displaying his talent before 15,328 fans and numerous NFL scouts, Robinson showed he is a versatile athlete by scoring a touchdown and returned a punt for another score.

Robinson scored his first touchdown with 49 seconds left in the first quarter. In addition, he returned a punt of 72 yards for his second score. He weaved his way around the East’s line of defense and outran East punter Brett Kern (Toledo) to find the endzone. He celebrated the score by flipping into the end zone, as the crowd showed their support with loud cheers.

His first touchdown came with 11 minutes left in the game on a 6-yard pass from quarterback Josh Johnson (San Diego).

While at Utah State, Robinson broke the NCAA record for career all-purpose yards per play. He averaged 16.16 yards on 6,479 yards and 401 career plays.

University of Houston standout Anthony Alridge helped in the scoring; finding the end zone on a 4-yard run in the 3rd quarter to take the score to 17-3. Aldridge finished the game with two receptions for 39 yards.

With 30 seconds left in the game, the West’s Alvin Bowen (Iowa State) found himself in the right place at the right time. Bowen snagged an errant pass by East quarterback Paul Smith (Tulsa), returning it 20-yards for the final touchdown of the game.

West kicker Garrett Hartley (Oklahoma) added to the scoring with a 23-yard field goal to end the first half. He also tallied four conversions.

The East scoring was limited to a two field goals by Taylor Mehlhaff (Wisconsin). The first came with 4:07 in the 1st quarter and the second at 13:44 in the 4th quarter.

Cory Boyd (South Carolina) scored the East’s lone touchdown on a 5-yard run with 4:18 left in the game. Mehlhaff added the conversion to close out the East scoring.

Johnson was honored at the game’s conclusion with the William M. Coffman Award as the Offensive Most Valuable Player. He finished the night 5 of 11 passing for 78 yards, 91 yards rushing, with one touchdown.

The E. Jack Spaulding Award was given to Arizona linebacker Spencer Lawson as the Defensive MVP. Lawson had one solo tackle and six assists.

This is the third year the game has been played in Texas. It was held at Reliant Stadium last year and in San Antonio in 2006.