KEARNEY, Neb. - It's more than a game. That's the slogan of the annual Shrine Bowl taking place this weekend in Kearney.

Nebraska's top seniors are here this entire week preparing for the annual event.

For many of the players on the South team, they say it's a moment that they'll never forget.

"It's my last time playing football because I'm playing baseball next year, so just one last chance to play football with great guys, great coaches and it's for a great cause," said Hastings player Chance Vertin.

"I was really surprised to get selected honestly, but it's been fun. I've had a really good time with the guys, and there's good people out here," said Crete's Everette Heath.

The South team is led by head coach Chris Nizzi of Boys Town, and several of the players are representing their communities at the Shrine Bowl after their schools haven't had any players selected in the last several years. The players say they're savoring every second of the experience.

"Just representing Auburn one more time in my hometown, so that's really what it's all about for me in this game," said Nixon Ligouri of Auburn.

"It's pretty awesome honestly, I mean there hasn't been a guy for three or four years that went from Hastings, so to be able to come out here, it's really an honor to play in this game and represent the Shriners," said Vertin.

Players added that in addition to the friendly competition, it's also about developing new friendships and memories made off of the field, supporting the Shriners and the children that they serve.

News Channel Nebraska will broadcast the Shrine Bowl live this Saturday at 4 p.m. from UNK's Cope Stadium.