Panthers represented by Schoon at Shrine Bowl

Each year, 92 of the best high school football players in Iowa are selected to play in the Iowa Shrine Bowl All-Star Classic. The players are selected for their talent and character, regardless of school size.

Creston’s 6-3 lineman Brayden Schoon will be representing the Panthers and Southwest Iowa in the 2025 Shrine Bowl on July 19. Kickoff is at 4 p.m. at UNI.

Schoon earned a first team all-district spot as an offensive lineman as a senior.

Schoon’s protection on the line helped the offense rush nearly 2,000 yards on the season and score 21 touchdowns from the ground. They also protected the quarterback, allowing him to throw for 14 touchdowns.

Schoon is playing as a member of the South Team, coached by Matt Straight of Logan Magnolia.

Funds raised during the Iowa Shrine Bowl are distributed to the Shriners’ Children orthopedic hospitals and burn centers in the Midwest and to each Shrine Center’s Transportation fund to transport patients to and from hospitals and clinics.

During camp week, the players and cheer leaders prepare for the game, build lasting friendships and have opportunities to learn about the impact they can have on less fortunate children.

“The highlight of Shrine Bowl week is the Shriners’ Children Mini-Camp,” the website states. “Hospital patients from across the Midwest join the players on the UNI Dome field and interact, play games and share stories. On the eve of the Shrine Bowl game, we celebrate all of the game participants and their families at an honors banquet.”

The Shriners have 18 orthopedic hospitals nationwide and serve children from birth to 18.

In the 51-year history of the Shrine Bowl, 24 Creston (as well as Creston/O-M) Panthers have played in the Shrine Bowl, starting with Rod Sears in 1974. Schoon marks four consecutive years of Creston representation.

All-time list:

Rod Sears, 1974; Kevin Downey, 1977; Doug Lang, 1978; Kean Richard, 1979; Todd Baralou, 1981; Craig Allard, 1986; Scott Driskell, 1990; B.J. Hellyer, 1993; Matt Chapman, 1994; Ethan Owens, 1995; Ken Fogelsong, 1996; Kyle McCann, 1997; Michael Buck, 2004; Dane Wardenburg, 2006; Nick Neitzel, 2010; Collin Bevins, 2012; Luke Neitzel, 2013; Trevor Frain, 2014; Alex Nielsen, 2015; Chase Shiltz, 2017; Avery Fuller, 2022; Gavin Greenwalt 2023; Quinten Fuller 2024, Brayden Schoon 2025.