Dominance on Display: East Triumphs in 2025 East-West Shrine Bowl

The 100th East-West Shrine Bowl, held on January 30, 2025, at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, showcased a dominant performance by the East team, who blanked their West counterparts 25-0. The game highlighted exceptional defensive prowess, a powerful ground game, and timely offensive execution. In front of a crowd of 10,631, the East delivered a clinical performance that not only secured the win but also significantly boosted the draft stock of several key players.

Defensive Masterclass by the East

The East defense set the tone early, forcing turnovers and stifling the West's offensive efforts throughout the game. Three interceptions defined the defensive effort, including a pivotal 65-yard interception return for a touchdown by Omarion Fortune in the second quarter. Fortune's instincts and closing speed on that play stood out, leaving scouts with a lasting impression. His ball-hawking skills and ability to read the quarterback might have significantly improved his mid-round draft projection.

Linebacker Trevon Herring and defensive tackle Jalen Pegues both made significant contributions, each recording interceptions that halted potential scoring drives. Pegues' interception in the fourth quarter, where he skillfully undercut a route intended for tight end Caden Prieskorn, showcased his football IQ and agility for a 300-pounder. Scouts are undoubtedly taking note of Pegues' versatility as a run-stopper and occasional coverage disruptor.

The East secondary's tight coverage left little room for West receivers to operate, contributing to a meager 3.7 yards per pass attempt. Safety Ryan Mickens played a key role in patrolling the back end, delivering timely hits and displaying impressive sideline-to-sideline range.

Ground Game Leads the Way

Offensively, the East team relied heavily on its rushing attack, accumulating 203 yards on the ground. Running back Jordan Croskey-Merritt was the standout performer, rushing for 97 yards and scoring two touchdowns. His 27-yard burst in the first half set up the team's opening score, and his one-yard plunge extended the East's lead. Croskey-Merritt's vision and burst through tight running lanes were evident, potentially elevating him from a late-round sleeper to a mid-round prospect.

The East offensive line, led by tackles Garrett Christian-Lichtenhan and Jason Williams, consistently opened lanes for Croskey-Merritt and backup running back Anthony Henry, who added 68 yards on 11 carries. Williams, in particular, impressed with his ability to handle speed rushers and maintain leverage in pass protection, addressing concerns some scouts had prior to the game.

Quarterback Carson Miller, though not spectacular, managed the game efficiently, completing 10 of 17 passes for 99 yards. His decision-making and ability to evade pressure on several occasions were noteworthy, though he missed a couple of open targets that could have resulted in touchdowns.

West's Offensive Woes

The West team struggled to find any offensive rhythm against the relentless East defense. Quarterback struggles were evident, with the trio of Max Brosmer, Ethan Garbers, and Brett Cook combining for just 126 passing yards and three interceptions. Brosmer, who came into the game with mid-round aspirations, might have hurt his draft stock the most. He looked hesitant in the pocket, missed several open receivers, and failed to lead any scoring drives.

Running back Corey Kiner led the West's rushing efforts with 20 yards on three carries, but the lack of sustained drives and repeated three-and-outs hampered any comeback hopes. Kiner showed flashes of agility and burst but struggled against the East's disciplined front seven.

The West offensive line also had a rough outing, particularly tackle Trent Wedig, who was repeatedly beaten off the edge by East pass rushers. This performance may cause his draft stock to dip, especially with his technique and footwork issues now highlighted on film.

Key Moments

• Second Quarter Surge: The East scored 22 points in the second quarter, highlighted by Croskey-Merritt's two touchdowns and Fortune's interception return. The West's offense appeared shell-shocked and never recovered.
• Third Quarter Control: A methodical 72-yard drive resulted in a 21-yard field goal by kicker Andres Borregales, extending the lead to 25-0. Borregales' consistency under pressure could make him a reliable option for teams in need of a kicker.
• Defensive Standoff: The West's final drive ended with a missed 55-yard field goal attempt, sealing the East's shutout victory and punctuating the defensive dominance that defined the night.

Statistical Breakdown

• Total Yards: East 326 - West 208
• Rushing Yards: East 203 - West 65
• Passing Yards: East 123 - West 143
• Turnovers: East 1 - West 3

Draft Stock Insights

Rising:

• Jordan Croskey-Merritt (RB, East): His combination of vision, burst, and toughness could attract teams seeking a versatile, three-down back.
• Jalen Pegues (DT, East): Showed both run-stuffing prowess and surprising agility in coverage, likely elevating his status among defensive line prospects.
• Omarion Fortune (DB, East): His pick-six and lockdown coverage throughout the game showcased his playmaking ability.

Falling:

• Max Brosmer (QB, West): Struggled with accuracy and decision-making, casting doubt on his potential as an NFL starter.
• Trent Wedig (OT, West): Repeatedly exposed on the edge, which will raise concerns about his ability to handle elite pass rushers.
• Caden Prieskorn (TE, West): Failed to create separation and was involved in a costly turnover.

Looking Ahead

The 100th edition of the Shrine Bowl provided a glimpse into the potential future of some promising NFL prospects. The East team's cohesive performance, particularly on defense, underscores the importance of turnovers and a strong running game in high-stakes contests. As scouts review the film, players like Croskey-Merritt, Fortune, and Pegues have undoubtedly boosted their draft stock.

Conversely, the West team faces more questions than answers. Quarterbacks Brosmer and Garbers must show more poise and accuracy in pre-draft workouts to maintain their stock, while the offensive line will need to regroup after a disappointing performance.

The 2025 East-West Shrine Bowl not only celebrated a century of football tradition but also reinforced timeless lessons of preparation, execution, and team performance on the gridiron. For many players, this game served as either a stepping stone or a stumbling block on their journey to the next level.