Written by: Anastasia L. and Hazel S.
The bleachers at Jacob Hespler were packed with fans as the annual KLASH football game between KCI and Huron Heights took to the field. KLASH is a yearly football game that has been a staple of high school sports in the school community for decades. This year, despite their efforts, the KCI senior football team lost 20-1 to Huron Heights, breaking a winning streak that had lasted for a few years. Despite the loss, the team is staying positive and focusing on what’s ahead, coming together and showing resilience.
An interview with senior football coach Mr. Horn showcased challenges early on in terms of growing as a team, learning a lot, and getting better every day. Even though the team lost the KLASH game, they are coming together and looking to the coaches and senior players for leadership. For their first official game -against a very tough team- the senior boys did very well and showed their grit, drive, and skill. In the words of Ben Dryland, a grade twelve student on the team, “We had some challenges early on, but I think we’re growing and we’re learning a lot, and we're getting better everyday.”
KLASH was extremely competitive for most of the game, with KCI trailing 7-1 at the end of the third quarter. Despite the loss, the Raiders are proud of their effort on the field. Coach Horn emphasized the leadership of the older players and a clear sense of team unity. While some players had football experience, other players had never played football before. But, the whole team was fully immersed in the game and looked forward to the rest of their games ahead.
The senior football team also struggled to get enough players on their roster early on in the season, even having to forfeit their first exhibition game. Once the team got enough players, it ultimately resulted in a very diverse team with many different ages, grades, and identities. This is another example of one of the many challenges that they have overcome.
Overall, even though the senior football team lost the KLASH game, they still exemplified great resilience and teamwork. This year's team has evidently gone through some tough challenges, but they have persevered, which just shows how committed the team is. Congratulations to the senior football team on their accomplishments!