Friday, July 18, 2025
A formidable offense and stout defense led the West squad to a 72-0 rout of the East in the Division I 8-Man All-Star game Saturday afternoon.
The West, led by Head Coach Aaron Sramek of Rawlins County, scored on its initial possession and led 22-0 after a quarter on the way to the dominating win.
Rawlins County’s Ryan Sramek returned the opening kickoff to around the West 25. Wichita County’s Kris Hermisillo-Lopez completed the drive with an eight-yard touchdown run. Sramek’s PAT run gave the West an 8-0 lead.
Caleb Noble, Ellis, sent the ensuing kickoff to past the goal line for a touchback. Noble’s kickoffs throughout the afternoon continued to produce touchbacks.
After the defense shut down the East for three plays, its fourth-down punt went to the West 27. Numerous plays later, South Gray’s Damien Loewen finished the drive with a touchdown reception to increase the edge to 14-0 midway through the first quarter.
The red team’s next quick drive resulted in Sramek’s five-yard touchdown run, which he followed with a run for the PAT to push the edge to 22-0.
The blue team’s futility continued in the second quarter, as Hoxie’s Sam Watkins added a 47-yard touchdown reception. Duncan Bell, Hoxie, ran for the two-point conversion to extend the lead to 30-0.
Later in the second, Watkins recovered a West fumble in the end zone for another touchdown. Sramek’s PAT run increased the advantage to 38-0.
In the last minute of the half, Hermisillo-Lopez’s one-yard touchdown run was followed by Watkins’ reception for the two-point conversion. The West led, 46-0, at the break.
The East team included area players Cade Brokes, Sylvan-Lucas, and Cooper McDill, Rock Hills. Also, Lincoln’s Colby Hamel was an assistant coach for the East.
Early in the third quarter, the East, under Head Coach Derick Budke, Chase County, gained two first downs before it lost a fumble. Hermisillo-Lopez’s 30-yard touchdown reception pushed the lead to 52-0.
Later in the quarter, the East’s offense advanced to past the West 10 before being denied again. Another quick West drive resulted in Hermisillo-Lopez’s 56-yard touchdown reception. Sramek’s run for the PAT increased the edge to 60-0.
The large lead prompted the clock to run continuously in the fourth quarter. Hermisillo-Lopez finished the West offense’s final drive with his fifth touchdown to increase the lead to 66-0. This score tied the record set in 2002 by Tyler Martin, Midway-Denton.
After another touchback, Hoxie’s Easton Nickelson returned an interception for a touchdown to push the lead to 72-0. Following the final kickoff, time expired, concluding the shutout and the 40th annual All-Star games.
The West shattered the record for largest margin of victory in the history of the series, just hours after the Division II East broke the previous record in the day’s first contest
