Boerne High School senior Ryan Vinall talks to one of the West All-Star coaches during Saturday’s all-star game at Gustafson Stadium. Vinall, one of 60 area players selected, came through with a 3-yard touchdown pass from Warren quarterback Ross Dausin while finishing with four catches for 41 yards. Photo by John Albright

Clark linebackers Barry Pillow and Desmond Anthony and Boerne wide receiver Ryan Vinall made the most of their opportunity.

Getting a chance to play in the H-E-B High School All-Star Football Game this past Saturday at Gustafson Stadium, the trio did their part in helping the West to a 15-13 victory.

Pillow and Anthony’s contributions came on defense with key stops throughout the contest. Vinall came through with a 3-yard touchdown pass from Warren quarterback Ross Dausin, while finishing with four catches for 41 yards.

“This was a great way to end,” said Pillow, who is planning to attend Mary Hardin Baylor. “The defense played together. We were trying to be aggressive and doing what the coaches taught us. We all came together and had fun.”

The defense had its challenges throughout the contest.

After the West took a 6-0 lead on its first possession, the East came back for a 7-6 advantage on Judson running back Mitchel Swan’s 10-yard run.

The defense got the West back in gear.

Lanier’s Josh Gamez’ 38-yard punt put the East at its 4, and the West ended up using Warren’s Marcus Waddell’s sack for a safety and an 8-7 lead.

In the second half, the West defense continued to come up with plays, and the Clark duo ended up doing their part.

During that time, the West offense started moving and the Boerne receiver played a key role.

He came up with catches throughout the second half, but the biggest came early in the third period when he hauled in a 3-yard toss from Dausin for a 15-7 lead.

Vinall’s catches also had the West on the right track for delivering a knockout punch in the fourth period, but the East changed that situation when St. Anthony’s Adam Rohach picked up a fumble at the 2-yard line and raced 98 yards for a touchdown, cutting the West lead to 15-13.

The East had a final chance to pull off a comeback victory, but the West’s pressurized defense prevented further damage.

“We were playing well together,” Anthony said. “We all learned how to trust each other and played hard. I wanted to play hard and leave everything on the field. I want to go out and play Clark football. I enjoyed playing here (at Gustafson). It was like a homefield advantage.”