Trojans help lead South to victory

Under a bright spotlight, five members of the Whitehall/Harrison High School football team put on quite the performance at last Saturday's Class B All-Star game in Billings.

Seniors Wyatt Alexander, Lane Buus, Dawson Hoerauf, Kayden Howser and Braden Smith all played key roles for the South team in the 25-12 victory over the North squad. Smith was named the Defensive MVP for the South, and finished the game with an interception, fumble recovery, and blocked punt. Alexander also had a huge game for the South. He had two touchdown catches including a phenomenal one-handed catch in the third quarter with his squad trailing 12-6. With the South up 13-12, he would catch his second touchdown in the fourth quarter on a five-yard pass from Tylan Croy of Huntley Project.

Senior Dawson Hoerauf once again showed he is one of the best linemen in the state with a strong game for the South, and was also the recipient of a $500 scholarship.

Trojans head football coach Dan Lacey said having his players be recognized and playing so strong speaks volumes of the level of athletes in Whitehall.

"They are great athletes, but great people as well. It was awesome to see the other coaches take notice to the preparation and attention to detail that our kids put in. It once again goes back to the saying hard work pays off. These boys work very hard and their futures are very bright. They will have a lasting impact on everything they do and that's all you can ask for as a coach," he said.

Lacey and Assistant Brennan Hayes were both members of the South Staff. Lacey said it was an awesome experience to be able to coach his kids one more time.

"I was so proud of how Whitehall represented not only our football program but the community and their families as well," he said. "It was such a great experience for everyone involved and I was happy to be able to be a part of it."

After missing part of the 2017 season due to injury, Lacey said it was awesome to see Buus to be able to play at 100 percent.

"He is a very dynamic football player who has given so much to our program and it showed Friday night. I was so proud of the way he competed and played with confidence," Lacey said.

The Trojans head coach also lauded the play of Howser who played at center.

"Kayden did a great job of making sure the entire offensive line understood what they needed to do each and every play," he said. "He picked up the offense quickly and you could tell just by how fast he played that he knew his assignments every play. His energy throughout the game really helped us and got the run game rolling. I was very proud of his efforts and his representation of Whitehall football."