Lawrence High's Anthony Buffalomeat (24) fights for yards after a catch close to the end zone in the first half against Olathe North on Friday, Oct. 14, 2011 at ODAC.

It has been a while since Lawrence High was represented at the Shrine Bowl, but the four-year streak will end tonight when 2012 LHS graduate Anthony Buffalomeat suits up for the East squad.

A summer football staple in the Sunflower State since 1974, the Shrine Bowl has long been a showcase for the Lions, and the 2012 game — kickoff scheduled for 7 p.m. tonight at Emporia State University’s Welch Stadium — will be no different. Buffalomeat will be the 43rd Lawrence High product to play in the annual bowl, and the first to do so since 2007 (Nathan Padia).

A regular contributor on offense, defense and special teams for LHS, Buffalomeat should get plenty of chances to make plays for the East team tonight as a starting defensive back.

“There’s only two corners, and I’m one of them. I guess I won’t be coming out the whole game,” said Buffalomeat, who is expected to get some snaps at receiver and with coverage on the punt team, as well. “I’m really looking forward to it. It’ll be a great experience.”

His Shrine Bowl adventure began when he arrived in Emporia just over a week ago, on July 20.

“It was pretty cool meeting all the all-stars and everything,” Buffalomeat said.

There have been countless activities since the players arrived for pre-bowl camps, but the focus has been football, with a lot of workouts.

“We’ve been doing two-a-days,” Buffalomeat said. “It’s been crazy.”

The highlight of the bowl experience, he added, came Thursday when the players got to meet and visit with a number of hospitalized youths.

Joining Buffalomeat on the East roster are area football players Greg Snell, of Eudora, and Zach Callahan, of Mill Valley.

Free State’s Callaway Schmidt was selected to the all-star team, but decided to withdraw from participating.

The West has won the last six Shrine Bowl games.