HILLSBORO - A senior class that accomplished more than any other for West Albany football finished the final chapter in its impressive three-year run.

The Bulldogs were represented by three recent graduates and coaches Randy Nyquist and Rich Engel on the South team in Saturday's Les Schwab Bowl at Hillsboro Stadium.

John Braun, Matt McHenry and Elliott O'Bryan all started on offense in the game, which includes many of the state's top 6A and 5A seniors. The three helped West to consecutive state titles after a runner-up finish in 2006.

McHenry, the 5A state defensive player of year at linebacker, played fullback and on special teams.

His only carry of the game was a 1-yard second quarter touchdown run that helped the South close within 12-7. The North won the game 32-14.

McHenry also had three catches for 32 yards and two special teams tackles. He's headed for a small California college this fall.

Braun, who will bejoining the Oregon State program, was a first team all-state lineman on both sides of the ball the last two seasons. O'Bryan was a second team all-state receiver.

The teams practiced at Portland State University for a week, isolated from their opponents until the night before the game.

O'Bryan said the first day is spent getting to know your teammates. But by the third day, everyone is spending time in each other's dorm rooms hanging out.

"It's been a great experience and I'm sure I'll keep in touch with a lot of these guys for a long time," said O'Bryan, who will walk on at Texas-El Paso.

O'Bryan's uncle, former Oregon State player and coach Osia Lewis, is the Miners' defensive coordinator. O'Bryan will head to El Paso in early July for freshman orientation. Fall practice begins Aug. 5.

Nyquist, West Albany's head coach, was also the South's head coach. Engel, an assistant to Nyquist the past six years, was a South assistant.

Nyquist got emotional when talking about the last game for his seniors.

"It's a really tough night because those kids have meant a lot to me," he said. "My kids … they've done everything I've ever asked of them. You never like to see those kind of kids leave your program, but I'm proud of them."

Nyquist's staff Saturday also included Thurston's Justin Starck and Mountain View's Steven Turner, coaches he has competed against in state playoff games in the past two seasons.

"You develop friendships and you learn a lot from each other," Nyquist said. "It's just a really good refreshing time and being around good guys and learning about the game of football and just learning about being a better person."