Page 30 - Priorities #66- Winter 2017

The 2012 undefeated team.
Football
Since 2009
When the football program began in 2009, no one knew what would be- come of the program seven years later. Now as the team prepares to move to a brand new field next year, it’s time to reflect back upon the previous seasons.
When the decision was made to start a football program, Coach Doug Sargent had some specific numbers in mind. “We made a four year commitment,” he said. “We would decide on its future after that.” The inaugural year brought out eighteen young men, six of them seniors, and most having never played tackle football before. The team would go on with a 2-5 record in the Mountain Trail Athletic League (MTAL) for the season. Sargent had some sentimental feelings towards the seniors on the team. “Those guys were the biggest risk takers. I felt bad for them because they played their hearts out and loved the game so much but only got to play one year.” As the years progressed, the team had a steady improvement. “I expected to be very competitive within four years.”
Just three years later, in 2012, they would begin a historical record-breaking season for the football program. The 2012 team, a fairly young roster, surprised everyone and went 7-0 to clinch the MTAL championship. In 2013, the now growing team of twenty-six players continued the winning streak. One of the most memorable games in Priory foot- ball history took place during that 2013 season. Sargent described the game with much excitement. “I think for everyone involved, it was the ‘Miracle in Monterey.’ We were on a twelve-game win streak playing Trinity Christian who was also undefeated and favored in the game. With about eight minutes left we were down 28-52. There were sev- eral motivating incidents that got the team going. The mood changed and no one wanted to go down easily. A lot happened in the next eight minutes and if you were there, you’ll
Head coach Doug Sargent