East dominates West in 2011 Shrine Game

Associated Press

ORLANDO, Fla.

Syracuse running back Delone Carter ran for a touchdown and was selected the offensive MVP in the East’s 25-8 victory over the West on Saturday in the East-West Shrine Game.

The East dominated the yearly showcase for college seniors looking to impress NFL scouts, scoring 19 points in the first half and recovering three fumbles.

Richmond defensive tackle Martin Parker had a pair of sacks and a forced fumble to take defensive MVP honors for the East. The East had two defensive scores, a team safety and North Carolina defensive tackle Marvin Austin’s fumble recovery in the end zone.

Carter finished with 54 yards on 11 carries, while Virginia Tech’s Tyrod Taylor had the best passing day for the East, going 4 of 5 passes for 59 yards.

Mount Union receiver Cecil Shorts played in the game, but didn’t have any receptions.

Austin, projected as a first-round pick entering his senior season, sat out in 2010 as the key figure in wide-ranging agent scandal. His highlight came with 3:41 left in the fourth quarter when West quarterback Jerrod Johnson of Texas A&M was sacked by Tennessee’s Chris Walker inside the 2. The ball trickled into the end zone and was recovered by Austin.

The West managed just 14 yards rushing yards and had just eight first downs. Its lone score came on a 5-yard touchdown pass from Idaho’s Nathan Enderle to Portland State tight end Julius Thomas with 2:44 left in the second quarter. The pair also hooked up for a two-point conversion pass. Enderle was 6 of 12 for 45 yards.

The East led 19-8 at halftime, dominating the time of possession in the opening 30 minutes and riding the play of a stingy defense that had a pair of fumble recoveries.

Auburn kicker Wes Byrum, who had the winning kick in the Tigers’ national championship game win over Oregon, connected on one of three field goal attempts in the first half. He hit from 25 yards and had misses from 27 and 44 yards.