Editorial: Trojans squad brings community together

Early in the season it was crystal clear there was something special about the 2016 Whitehall/Harrison High School football team.

The team started off with five straight victories, including a gritty performance on the road against Anaconda, and a trouncing of rival Jefferson County. Following their first loss of the season against Manhattan, they would once again find themselves on a five game winning streak that would eventually take them to the semifinal round the MHSA Class B Playoffs.

While their 10-2 record was impressive, the wins and losses were not what stood out about the 2016 team.

This team played with passion and refused to quit. They played every down like the state title was on the line and it showed.

This team rallied a town. It's not a secret that people in town are divided about certain issues, but when the Trojan football team stepped onto the field, none of that mattered. Everyone came together to watch this amazing group of kids put together an incredible season.

The way the predetermined bracket unfolded in 2016 left the Whitehall squad with the daunting task of three straight road games in the playoffs. That was a challenge they not only embraced, but seemed to thrive on.

They proudly took to the road and represented our community in a way that made all of us proud.

At each and every playoff game there were a ton of Trojans fans who made the long trek to support the team. They made road games feel like home games at times.

For a few months a community and a football team became one. It was something special to see.

I know it didn't end the way you wanted it too, but be proud of what you have done.

JHS