Submitted by Mike Martin
Special to the Journal
The Wolverines football team finished its non-conference schedule with a resounding 42-0 win over the Granite Falls Tigers at home on Nov. 1. The victory moved the Wolverines record to 8-1 on the season. The team’s defense has given up just 29 points on the year and has shutout six of their nine opponents.
When the sixth-ranked Friday Harbor High School Wolverine seniors take the field Friday night against LaConner it will be the final home game for 11 seniors. They will be on the mission that they have been on from day 1: To play as close to perfection as they can for 48 minutes.
Four years removed from a winless season, now in his third year at the helm, Coach Brock Hauck credits much of the remarkable turnaround this season that these seniors.
“I hope that they will be looked at as the solid pillars that turned this program around … because they are,” he said.
He added that they rally around each other and lift each other up if something goes wrong. They know life is hard and nothing is given to them.
“Things that are worth something are earned,” he said. “They have earned everything they’ve achieved so far this season.”
Here are some snippets from Coach Hauck on his 11 seniors:
#10 Jaden Jones, Captain
QB/LB 4-year letter earner
“While he doesn’t get the recognition as quarterback because we run the ball so much I don’t think that we would have made the jumps we’ve made the last two years without JJ. Every year he’s gotten bigger, faster and stronger and it shows on the field.”
#13 Kenny Hallock
WR/P 1-year letter earner
“He’s a tremendous asset to the team. I wish we could have had him for four years. He does whatever is asked of him.”
#14 Jordan Lawson, Captain
WR/DB 4-year letter earner
“Jordy is tenacious. He really bought into everything we’re doing here. Our motto on defense is ‘fast and physical’ and he definitely lives up to that motto. He’s grown as a leader of the team and is a great teammate. His maturity at receiver has helped us improve in both the passing and running game this year.”
#16 Gabriel Garcia
RB/TE/LB 1-year letter earner
“He’s contributed not only in practice but in games, as well. Despite not playing football in a few years he’s started a game as tight end this year. He’s also filled in as linebacker and running back. He’s helped make us a better football team on both sides of the ball.”
#50 Brian Wolf
TE/DB 4-year letter earner
“He’s really matured. He’s been a great tight end and an awesome defender for us. In fact, he led us with seven interceptions last year, but I’m most proud of his effort in the classroom this year. Because he’s an all-around solid player, we have been able moved to have him around on defense and he never complained. He’s a great teammate.”
#54 Gavin Mason
OL/LB 4-year letter earner
“He’s another one of those players who doesn’t get enough recognition for his contributions. Over and over again he makes great decisions and is an anchor on the offensive line. He is mentally and physically tough. He’s one of the best outside linebackers around. He shuts down that edge.”
#63 Teagan August
OL/DL 4-year letter earner
“Bigs (August’s nickname) is a fun guy to be around. He’s been injured a big part of the year. He was really coming on strong last year as a defensive lineman. He stepped up when Weston Swirtz missed two games. He’s done such a great job of leading from the sidelines so much that he’s asked us for a coach’s polo shirt.”
#65 Ty Vague
OL/DL 2-year letter earner
“He’s one of the great stories of this year because I know how much he’s persevered to play this year. What he’s overcome and the work that he’s put in to contribute the way that he is a testament to his strength as a person. His play on the offensive and defensive line is a big reason we’ve made huge strides on both sides of the ball. He’s a beast”
#68 Weston Swirtz
OL/DL 4-year letter earner
“Weston has put in as much work as anybody on this team in the offseason, in the weight room, and on the field. He’s a student of the game, a fantastic player, and a huge part of our success. His work in the weight room has helped drive the other kids to want to get in there too. Weston’s leadership has been important in establishing the culture of the high-caliber young men in this program.”
#70 Will Leeming
OL/DL 4 year letter earner
“Will is a hard worker and an outstanding young man. We moved him to the DL where we could utilize his speed. He’s been a big plus for us and has contributed throughout the season. He’s a big part of the program and what we’re building here.”
#74 Joseft Duenas
K/OL 1-year letter earner
“He has been a huge boost for our team filling in as our kicker when Milo Geiser went out. He’s improved every week as a kicker, but he’s also filled in on the offensive line when needed. On kickoffs, he’s also had some tackles too. This is his first year playing football but he’s a valuable member of the team.”
