| Mont Harmon quarterback, Joey Keller looks for an open receiver. |
October 4 was a big night for local junior high football players. This was the night that both local junior high teams played on the Carbon High field underneath the bright lights. For these young athletes, the opportunity to play on the high school field was priceless.
According to Helper football coach, Phil Howa, the game was conducted in order to unite both junior high teams on a common field. Next year, several of the junior high athletes will move on to high school and will unite as one team.
“After the game, we united both teams and let them come together as one,” explained Howa.
To further the efforts of combining both teams in preparation for next year, the Mont Harmon team and coaching staff has invited the 9th grade Helper athletes to compete on their team this Thursday as they travel north to take on Juan Diego in the final game of the season.
“I think that both teams have shown a lot of character this year,” continued Howa. “By Mont Harmon asking us to play with them, I think that we can show these kids that they are no longer rivals, but teammates for next year.”
The Mont Harmon Pirates entered the final region game against Helper with an 8-0 record. By defeating the Helper Rams, 38-8, the Pirates finished with an undefeated season.
“Mont Harmon is a tough team,” Howa commented. “But I think that we really gave them a run for their money. We played hard and every kid got to get on the field.”
By losing to the Pirates, Helper completed the season with a 2-4 record. Both wins came against the San Rafael Junior High team.
Howa explained that his team improved throughout the year which was all due to hard work. Mont Harmon coach Tim Tiller agreed with Howa’s comments earlier in the week when he praised his team for their successful season.
Although Helper lost to the Pirates, the Rams coach explained that most of the Helper athletes were satisfied with their play.
“I think that every kid out their on the field was successful for just competing,” concluded the Helper coach.