Storm move to 1-2 with win over East Butler
Homecoming Fun 2022 It was a homecoming celebration to remember at High Plains this past week. From the annual homecoming parade to the football game and dance on Friday, fun was all around. Top Photo, Front row: junior attendant Samuel Molt, King Nathan Ertzner, Queen Yessica Barrios, and junior attendant Averianna Archer. Back row: attendants Kenzie Wruble, Austin Van Housen, Mario Lesiak, Roberta Hines posed for a photo once out of the wind on the football field. The same field where Gage Friesen (29) and the Storm ran over the Tigers of East Butler 57-14 for a big homecoming victory.
For the High Plains Community Storm football team, the season did not get off to the start they had hoped for, but that was all behind them as they regrouped for a big homecoming battle with East Butler. This time around the Storm came ready to play in this one and quickly set the tone.
Perhaps there was a little homecoming magic in the air as High Plains was firing on all cylinders while they built a 31-8 halftime lead and didn’t look back. In the end it was a 57-14 victory for the Storm who now advance to 1-2 on the season.
“It was a great team win,” says Storm head coach Greg Wood. “Our energy was high, our effort was great and most of all the kids played as one unit. Everyone doing their job and not getting caught trying to do someone else’s job. I thought Mario on offense, Raul on special teams and Wyatt on defense were just a few of the standouts from the game.”
In the passing game for the Storm bot Gavin Morris and Haden Helgoth completed one pass on one attempt, each for a touchdown. Mario Lesiak was a man on a mission as he carried the ball 14 times for 154 yards and two touchdowns while Wyatt Urkoski carried the ball five times for 53 yards and a touchdown of his own. Gage Friesen added a touchdown while rushing for 47 yards and Hudson Urkoski, Haden Helgoth and Raul Marino all seen carries. Gage Friesen hauled in both pass receptions as he finished the game with two receptions for 59 yards and two touchdowns.
On the defensive side of the ball, it certainly was a special night for Wyatt Urkoski as he recorded 13 tackles including two for a loss to lead the team. Gage Friesen was close behind with 12 tackles while Lesiak finished the game with 8 tackles and Raul Marino recorded six tackles of his own including a sack.
The Storm will now turn their attention to a Friday night battle with 2-1 Giltner who will be a new opponent and a tough one at that as they appear to be trending in the right direction.
“This Friday’s game is going to be an interesting game,” says Coach Wood. “This is going on my 15th year here at HPC and this will be the first time we have faced each other on a Friday night under the lights. It should be a physical game with a lot of energy. We are excited to get to play them. I know they are coming off a big win as well. They have some big kids out and do a lot of great things. Should be a great game.”