John Renshaw •
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• Published: November 20. 2010 4:55AM
| SALT LAKE CITY - It was like a scene out of a bad movie. Viewers could see what was about to happen, but couldn't do anything about it. With their voices unheard and an inability to alter the outcome physically, Hurricane fans helplessly watched their football team fall to Juan Diego in heartbreaking fashion, 10-7, at Rice-Eccles Stadium on Friday. This marked the third straight season the Soaring Eagle have defeated them in the 3A championship game.
"It's a tough loss. One day we'll figure out a way to beat those guys (Juan Diego)," said team supporter Rick Yazzie. "We've been through this disappointment before, but we'll be ready to come back louder and stronger next year."
That sentiment echoed many of the fans' thoughts as the day's most thrilling contest concluded.
One didn't have to be a coach, player or trainer to feel Hurricane's significant pain.
Although there is no exact figure to judge by, it was visually apparent the Tigers drew at least half of their community to Salt Lake for the big game. With that said, there wasn't a dry eye along the Tigers' designated seating area once Juan Diego's Skyler Doran booted the game-winning field goal as regulation ended.
Those emotions intensified on the field as Hurricane huddled up near its sideline to do the customary post-game chant. Once finished, their departure to find relatives were overshadowed with grief as these gridiron warriors could no longer keep their feelings inside. Whether it was to a friend, parent or teammate, hugs and tears abounded in this football family.
Senior quarterback Adam Long couldn't bring himself to remove his helmet as he ferociously hugged his parents for 10-minutes. Like the signal caller, many of Hurricane's players couldn't grasp their emotions and talk to the media afterwards. Not that they didn't want to, rather many of them were too overwhelmed with disappointment after working tirelessly over the last three months on the field
Hurricane's title drought since 1948 will continue on as Hurricane coach Chris Homer and Co., will attempt to regroup for next season.
The task won't be easy with 28 seniors graduating this year. Yet this program has proven over the years they don't believe in taking the easy road out, which is why Hurricane's been one of the most successful programs in the state.
Homer's tenure in the Y2K era has not only transformed the football program, but the entire community as well.
There was a time when Hurricane football wasn't the talk of the town and empty seats were evident at the games. Now, they are continuously sold out and signs of support stem from local businesses with slogans like 'Go Tigers' placed in their windows.
That local support certainly helped the circumstances of Hurricane's school renovation. With a new stadium to play in next season, it's apparent the culture will survive Friday's disappointment and keep moving ahead to the future.
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