Arlee Warriors overcoming learning curve
Carrie Pichler
The Arlee Warrior football team gathers around for instruction during their homecoming game against Drummond. Head coach Mike Rogers doesn’t let the inexperience of his young team daunt him, but continually encourages them as they improve.
Carrie Pichler
Carrie Pichler
Josh Reed and Alexis Shick were crowned King and Queen during halftime of their homecoming game.
Carrie Pichler
Carrie Pichler
Warriors’ quarterback Riley Rogers looks for an open receiver.
Carrie Pichler
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While Arlee may have fallen in Friday’s 22-44 game against Drummond, they will continue the fight and learn something along the way.
Without a JV program, the Warriors have to learn their lessons and gain experience under the Friday night lights. The Warriors roster holds only one senior and four juniors, so for such a young team varsity level play proves its obstacles.
Head coach Mike Rogers won’t let the age of the team deter them and is right now focusing on placing the kids in the positions that work.
“Some weeks it works and some it doesn’t,” Rogers said. “This year’s been tough at times.”
Though they didn’t get the win on Friday, Rogers is pleased to see the improvements. “They played three excellent quarters,” he said. “They just made a couple of young mental mistakes and Drummond capitalized on it.”
Junior PJ Haynes put some grass under his cleats rushing 23 times for 122 yards with a touchdown. Arlee sophomore Patrick Big Sam brought down 13 solo tackles.
Rogers is seeing improvements from all his kids. “It’s like they woke up and are starting to figure it out,” he said. “They’re good athletes.”
With playoffs and state looming, Coach Rogers is “working it out.”
“So much on the line with winning varsity,” Coach Rogers said. “The kids get up every Monday morning and go after it.”
It was loud in the stands as Arlee’s fans came in droves to the Homecoming game. Through thick and thin the Warriors have heart on their side.
The Warriors will continue their fight in Noxon Friday, Sept. 27.
Arlee 0 8 8 6 – 22
Drummond 0 14 8 22 - 44
