For the most part, the annual Shrine Bowl, which features the best high school football players from across state, is the same every year.

Sure, the names and faces change, but the game almost always is highlighted by top talent surrounding a central theme that emphasizes the importance of supporting the Shriners Hospitals for Children.

Throughout the years, Lawrence High and Free State High have been well represented. This year, Free State graduates Chucky Hunter and Grahm Saunders were named to the East roster. Only Hunter will play in today’s game at Cessna Stadium in Wichita, however. Saunders isn’t participating because of another commitment.

Standing with Hunter on the East sideline will be a familiar face — FSHS defensive coordinator Brett Oberzan, who was added to the coaching staff as a replacement a couple of weeks ago. But his role figures to go well beyond the idea of him as an afterthought.

“This year was the first year they’ve let us open it up offensively and defensively,” Oberzan said. “We’re kind of playing the same defense we play at Free State, so it should be fun.”

Oberzan will be in charge of the front six, the defensive linemen and linebackers. He will also help call defensive assignments.

While Oberzan said the objective always is to win, this game and the eight to 10 days of practices and philanthropic events leading up to it have a different focus.

“When the kids go up to the Shriners Hospital and meet with all of those kids, it kind of puts a different perspective on the game, and it reminds you what it’s all about,” Oberzan said. “It’s great.”

Added Free State head coach Bob Lisher, who was an assistant for the East squad in 2005: “It’s great for the program and, certainly, it does get Free State some more exposure, but the main thing is that it’s for a great cause. It’s great for the players to play in, and it’s great for the coaches to coach in, but that’s because of what the Shriners Hospital is all about and what they do for kids.”

Still, Oberzan stressed there were plenty of football tidbits to pick up along the way.

“It’s a learning process all the way around,” he said. “You can always learn something and pick some things up anytime you’re around other football guys. And it’s really great for the kids. Some of them have played together or against each other before, and they really make some great relationships.”

The Shrine Bowl dates to 1974, when the East defeated the West, 16-14, in the inaugural game. The West squad brings a 21-13 overall advantage into today’s showdown, which includes a three-game winning streak, including last year’s 29-28 victory.

Other area players who will join Hunter and Oberzan on the East sideline tonight are Shane Gimzo and Joel Gantz of Perry-Lecompton; Mike Sprowl of De Soto; David Tuley of Baldwin; and Nicholas Woods of Mill Valley.

Kickoff is slated for 7:10 p.m. Metro Sports (Sunflower Broadband 37) will televise.