The Missouri Lions All-Star Football Game features some of the state's best high school talent

Jul 28, 2008, 2:52 PM

The All-Stars of Missouri high school football met on the UCM football field on Saturday night, but the game was cut short because of lightning. (All photos by Garrad Mathews)

WARRENSBURG, Mo. -- The 32nd annual Missouri Lions All-Star Football Game was held over the weekend at UCM's Walton Stadium/Vernon Kennedy Field, with the East All-Stars defeating the West All-Stars 47-17 in a lightning-shortened game.

Frank Williams receives the kick.

The game featured some of the best recent high school graduates from across the state.

The East and West All-Stars were evenly matched through the first quarter at 14-14. The West responded to a 6-yard touchdown run by Ethan Harris with their own 61-yard touchdown pass to Sean Middleton from Ronald Herda. With the game tied at one score a piece, the East matched the West yard for yard with a 61-yard touchdown pass, as Joseph Gilliam through a strike to Matt Angell.

The remaining quarters were dominated by the East defense, allowing just three points in two quarters. The only score from the West was a 50-yard field goal by Sean Middleton.

Angell caught another long pass for a touchdown, a 55-yard pass in the second quarter from Caleb Lewis, who followed with a 6-yard touchdown pass to Allen Hemphill, making the score 34-14.

In the third quarter, Gilliam found Caleb Walker for his second touchdown pass of the day, which was followed by a Frank Williams 22-yard touchdown run.

With both teams doing everything they could to please the fans and showcasing why they were chosen as All-Stars, the game was called because of lightning in the area.

Bransen Ireland shows off his mobility in the pocket.

Frank Williams goes in for a touchdown.

Bransen Ireland practices his throws.

Bransen Ireland is tackled just past the 20-yard line.

Payton Harris

The East All-Stars huddle up and discuss the subsequent play.

Two of the East All-Stars, Steve Dieckhaus and Chris Kool, hydrate themselves during the hot and humid evening.

The towel boys for the West All-Stars were busy during the humid evening.