Grant Union JV gridders gain lessons on field

Published 4:18 am Wednesday, November 19, 2014

JOHN DAY – Grant Union’s junior varsity football squad had a short season this year, with just three-and-a-half games, but lessons learned in practice and in game action will be helpful as the junior varsity and varsity teams build on experience.

The team had its only win against Heppner, 12-6, on the road in the first game of the season.

It was the junior varsity Pros’ only two-quarter contest.

They lost a close game to Crane, and also played Enterprise and Baker.

“The kids worked hard and got to participate in games and gain experience,” said Jason Miller, Grant Union’s athletic director and head coach of the school’s football program. “Unfortunately, there weren’t as many games as we would have liked. Hopefully in the future, with better participation numbers, in all classes, we’ll be able to have a full schedule.”

Miller said underclassmen filled in several varsity spots due to the low numbers – the varsity team’s main quarterback was freshman Wade Reimers, with freshman Brady Burch filling the spot at times.

Last year’s junior varsity and junior high teams went undefeated.

This year’s junior high team, made up of seventh- and eighth-graders, had 4-2 record, losing a couple close games, Miller said.

“They had a good season,” he added.

Miller has assistance from Casey Hallgarth, coaching the junior varsity team and Joe Hittle and Brent Smith who coached the junior high team. Varsity defensive coordinator Andy Lusco also assists the teams.