Emporia ? Bob Lisher still remembers the elementary school football games – the ones where his son, Brett, Scott Penny and Nick Ayre began to learn the game.

“I’ve seen these guys grow up forever, they’ve been friends forever,” Bob said. “It’s just kind of nice to be able to have all three of them playing together one last time and to be a part of it.”

After 10 years and hundreds of memories, the three will play their final game together at 7 tonight in the 33rd Annual Shrine Bowl at Pittsburg State University.

They will also be guided one more time by Bob Lisher, who is head coach for the East squad.

The game will be especially significant for Brett Lisher and Penny. That’s because it will most likely be the last time the two high school standouts suit up in a football game.

Lisher will continue playing baseball next year at Allen County Community College.

“When I get to things like these games, it’s really kind of hard,” Lisher said. “I think about not being able to strap it on with my friends any more, not being able to come out and hear the sound of pads.”

Penny, meanwhile, will pursue his throwing career on Oregon’s track and field squad, though he hasn’t given up on football just yet.

“I’ve actually talked to the coaches up at Oregon to see if they needed a long snapper,” Penny said, “but I don’t know if that will be anything.”

Ayre signed with Baker University and will battle for a wide receiver position in the fall.

Both Ayre and Lisher have reaped the benefits of a familiar system in practice. The offensive sets and spread formation are the same coach Lisher has implemented at Free State.

Penny also should be comfortable in his surroundings, as he will play linebacker in the same 5-2 formation utilized at Lawrence High.

“It’s definitely a blessing for us Lawrence kids to come in here,” Ayre said, “because we know what we’re doing.”

It has also been a curse in some ways, as the three have been under the watchful eye of Lisher all week.

“There’s not too much slacking off,” Ayre said with a smile. “I’m still scared of coach Lish. I wouldn’t mess with him.”

The East enters having won the last two matchups. The squad has never won three in a row, which means the teammates have a chance to be a part of history.

Coach Lisher expects his players to give their all even with the exhibition format.

“These kids don’t want to play Tiddly Winks unless they’re competing to win,” Lisher said. “That’s the way they are, or they wouldn’t be all-stars.”

The game will be telecast live on KTWU – channel 11 on Sunflower Broadband cable for Lawrence residents.