Serving Whitman County since 1877
Serving Whitman County since 1877
The St. John/Endicott bus heaved through the storm, east to Odessa for the team's opening football game of the season.
“The rain came down so hard, the road looked like a river,” said Eagles coach Ken Gering.
They got there and the sun was out, but the field lights did not work.
In view was an Avista bucket truck parked in a driveway.
Odessa officials went over and knocked on the door. The man was not home.
“In the end, there was nothing they could do,” Gering said.
The Eagles were suited up to play.
“We were ready for the coin flip,” said Gering.
But the referees called the game on account of no working lights.
The St. John/Endicott team walked back to the locker rooms, took off their pads, boarded the bus and drove back home.
They now prepare for their season opener, which will be this week's home game against Wellpinit, Friday at 7 p.m. It will be the Redskins' first game as well – their August practices delayed due to wildfires.
S.J.E. – with three LaCrosse players – will take the field, a total of 13 boys on the roster, led by senior Reagan Harrison, a returning starter at quarterback/linebacker. Other returners include Terrell Webb, Hunter Gingras, Chase Schluneger, Levi Bailey and Wyatt Willson, a former center who will now see time carrying the ball.
“He's really turning into a beast,” said Gering.
Four freshmen join the team, including a captain, Trey Fleming of LaCrosse.
Junior Dustin Fox returns to football to join the boys he played with in junior high, a receiver/tight end/defensive back.
“He's got some serious skills,” Gering said. “I wish I had him as a freshman.”
Two freshmen he does have are lineman Jonathan Logen and center Brady Pitts.
Junior defensive end Zach Williams is injured and will not play this week.
The Eagles return for the 2016 season after last year's 0-10 finish.
“The parents and support from last year was absolutely incredible,” Gering said. “And we're looking forward to it again this year.”
Garth Meyer is a former Whitman County Gazette reporter.
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