Shrine Game : LSU’s Garry James Is Honored to Play, and Honored for His Play

Garry James was unable to contain his emotion.

The Louisiana State running back battled back tears when he visited the wards at the Shriners Children’s Hospital in San Francisco earlier in the week.

On Saturday, he let the tears flow after rushing 19 times for 83 yards with two touchdowns en route to winning the most valuable offensive player award in an 18-7 East victory over the West before 77,000, the largest crowd in the Shrine game’s 61-year history.

“This game was special for me,” James said. “I had a chance to go to Hawaii (for the Hula Bowl), but my mother sat me down and told me I should be here. Actually, she didn’t have to tell me to come. I wanted to be a part of this game. Visiting those kids was something special to me.”

The defensive MVP was Alabama end Jon Hand. The 6-7 275-pounder had six tackles, two sacks, batted down a pair of passes and blocked a Max Zendejas field goal.

“There is no doubt James played a great game,” said Alabama’s Ray Perkins, who was a coach for the game. “He didn’t surprise me by winning this award. He’s just as great off the field.”

James established himself on the opening drive. The East--with Indiana’s Steve Bradley at quarterback--marched 68 yards in 13 plays to set up James’ one-yard scoring dive off right tackle to make the score 7-0.

The East increased that advantage to 15-0 early in the second quarter. The drive began when East Carolina’s Kevin Walker recovered a fumble by West quarterback Mark Rypien at the East 11. Bowling Green quarterback Brian McClure directed an 89-yard, 13-play march, capped by James bolting 15 yards around right end.

On the extra point, Iowa’s Scotty Helverson couldn’t handle a high snap. He picked the ball up and ran for the two-point conversion instead.

The West finally scored in the dying moments of the first half. Brigham Young quarterback Robbie Bosco led a 74-yard, 16-play drive that he finished with a two-yard run.

The East’s final points came in the fourth quarter when Brendan Toiban of Richmond converted a 21-yard field goal.

The game, played at Stanford Stadium, benefits the Shriners Children’s Hospital in San Francisco.