The 65th Annual Nebraska Shrine Bowl Game is Saturday at 6:00 p.m. central time. Pregame coverage starts at 5:38 on News Channel Nebraska TV.

KEARNEY, Neb. — Their helmets show their hometowns are separated by great distances, but it hasn’t taken long for members of the Nebraska Shrine Bowl North Team to become close.

Quarterback Abram Scholting of Pierce says his squad clicked right away.

“I like the team, you know, we all have fun," Scholting said. "We sit in the lobby telling stories, cracking jokes.”

Running back Karter Kerkman of Norfolk Catholic says that’s what happens when you put 45 football players in the same dorm.

“It’s kind of rowdy," Kerkman said. "We talk a lot, we kind of sit around between practices, get to know each other. We come from everywhere all over the state so it’s fun just being able to sit around and meet new guys."

Linebacker Liam Blaser of Columbus says the similarities between the players run deep.

“We’re all great kids, which is the amazing thing about the Shrine Bowl," Blaser said. "We’re all great people, we all have the same values and we all love to play football.”

The players say it’s apparent their coaching staff is also full of all-stars, including head coach Michael Huffman of Bellevue West.

“He’s exciting, energetic and a little bit crazy once in a while," Blaser said. "But I love it, he’s a great coach.”

Scholting, who comes from a traditionally run-heavy program, is enjoying a new perspective.

“Coach Huffman, he’s more spread so just to learn from him has been really awesome," Scholting said. "Just seeing what a spread offense is like is really cool.”

Does the spread offense mean the North will be throwing it around the yard on Saturday?

“I’d say there’s a chance. I’d say there’s a chance we’re going to be throwing it,” Scholting said.

Whatever the play calls, the North team says it’s all about the experience.

“You’re playing with some of the best in the state, the best in the state," Scholting said. "It’s going to be fun, just try to have fun, enjoy it and embrace the moment.”