Siuslaw Vikings wide receiver Braydon Thornton will be lining up with the state's best Saturday when the 73rd Les Schwab Bowl all-star football game kicks off at Linfield University in McMinnville.

Thornton, a 6-foot-2 senior-to-be, will play for the South.

"Braydon playing in this game is also the first time ever a player from Siuslaw will compete in this game," Siuslaw coach Sam Johnson said. "A lot of players have played in the Shrine Game which is the Bowl Game for 4A-1A, and Elijah (Blankenship) will represent us this year.

"But the Les Schwab Bowl has always been a big school opportunity only. So for Braydon to make this bowl game speaks to the absolute talent he is. He will represent Siuslaw football well while he is there!

"It's fitting that the most talented player to ever put on the gold helmet in our rich 92-year history as a football program will represent us for the first time ever in the Les Schwab Bowl."

Gates open at 4 p.m. and kickoff is 6 p.m. Admission is $20.

Tickets can be purchased at Linfield Stadium after 2 p.m. Friday. Advance tickets, all available at will call, are available by calling the Les Schwab Bowl info line, 503-592-3469.

This is the first year that seniors-to-be (aka juniors from last season) are being added to the roster.

The all-star game has showcased Oregon's top football talent since 1948, and has been known as the Shrine Game, City vs. State, State vs. Metro, the Oregon Bowl and, now, the Les Schwab Bowl.

After 72 years, the series is even at 34-34 with four ties.

Saturday's event will offer food trucks, a beer garden and a wine garden, according to event director John McCallum.