A year to remember for Whitehall Trojan football

There was one sporting story that stood above the rest in 2016.

It was a special year for the Whitehall/Harrison High School football team.

A talented and hungry team came together for a magical run and made it to the all the way MHSA Class B Semifinals.

The amazing season came to an end November 12 against Eureka. After taking a 7-6 lead into halftime, they were outscored 30-0 in the second half by the eventual state champions.

The Trojans finished the season with an impressive 10-2 record.

Head Coach Dan Lacey praised the team, stating they were able to do great things with a great group of players and teammates.

"I want to tank all of them for their hard work and dedication to the program," he said.

Braden Larsen, Andrew Simon, Wyatt Alexander, and Dawson Hoerauf all earned All-State honors. Colton Noyes, Sawyer Keener, Braden Smith, and Connor Johnson all earned all conference honors.

The Trojans had advanced to the semi finals with a 40-26 road quarterfinal win over Ronan. Whitehall started the game on fire, taking a 28-6 lead. Ronan would pull to within two points before the Trojans sealed the game with two late touchdowns.

Whitehall played their most memorable game of the season in late October, when they traveled to Cut Bank for the opening round of the playoffs. The Trojans rallied from 7-0 and 14-6 deficits to tie the game late on a three yard run by Smith.

Whitehall won it in over time on a field goal by Simon.

Other highlights form the season included a 59-7 over Libby October 16 at Washington-Grizzly Stadium in Missoula, and huge wins over rivals Jefferson and Townsend. The Trojans secured a spot in the playoffs with the 56-12 rout of Townsend.

FLYNN

Whitehall senior Hunter Flynn wrapped up an incredible high school career with a fourth place finish at the Class B State Cross Country Meet in Kalispell. Flynn earned all state honors at the State Track Meet in May with a fifth place finish in the 1,600 meters.

HALL OF FAME

The 2017 Whitehall Athletic Hall of Fame class was announced in early October. The class includes Hiney P. Lund, Rick Shaw, Patty Patacini, T.J. Nelson, Mike Hedegaard, Roger Sacry, Mark Joy, Nathan Reiff, Darby Jones, Trenna Loomis, the 1940 football team, the 1976 girl's basketball team, the 1980 and 1984 wrestling teams, the 1997 girl's volleyball team and longtime supporter of Whitehall athletics Erv Hedegaard.

The inaugural 2016 class was inducted into the hall at a special ceremony in February. The class included Jim Loomis, Mark Nelson, Mike Battaiola, Steve Sacry, Gene Lutey, Jeanne McNulty-King, Ray Hunt, the 1982 football team, the 1983 girl's basketball team and the 1983 boy's cross country team.

RODEO

The future of rodeo looks bright in Whitehall. Three local competitors made the long trip in June to compete at the National Junior High School rodeo in Tennessee. Evan Wagner, Garris Robertson, and Jacy Johnson all qualified for and competed at the prestigious event.

BASKETBALL

The Whitehall High School boy's basketball team shook off a shaky start to the 2015-16 season on their way to a share of the Class 5B League title.

The season came to an end at the 5B District Tournament in Belgrade. The Trojans opened up the tournament as the two seed, but were defeated in the opening round 50-45 by rival Jefferson County. Whitehall was eliminated from the postseason the following day after a 63-58 loss Townsend.

Braden Larsen was named to both the All-State and All-Conference team. Andrew Simon was named first-team All-Conference, and Max Feight was named second team All-Conference.

The Whitehall High School girl's basketball team also ended their 2015-16 season at the 5B District Tournament. They were eliminated after a 68-29 loss to Townsend. While the Lady Trojans won just one game in 2015-16, they have already started the 2016 season 3-1.

WRESTLING

It was a very successful season for the Whitehall High School wrestling team. Senior Brock Johnson ended his high school career with a third place finish at the state meet in Billings. Connor Johnson finished the March event in fifth place. Wyatt Powers, Braxtyn Armstrong, Kayden Howser, Dillon Hoerauf and Dawson Hoerauf also competed at state.

The Trojans had five individual champions at the Southern B-C Divisional Tournament in Whitehall. Connor Johnson, Brock Johnson, Braxtyn Armstrong, Dillon Hoerauf and Dawson Hoerauf all placed first.

VOLLEYBALL

Whitehall High School volleyball had a new coach during the 2015-16 season. Lauren McDonald took over the program and had several wins during her first year with the program.