Replaced can be defined as the act of furnishing an equivalent person in place of another, but some people are just irreplaceable, as that of the Senior Football Class of 2011.
Brey Cook, Ryan Luther, and Hunter Kissinger are just a few of many seniors that will be missed on both sides of the ball next season, as 20 of 22 starters were seniors.
“The greatest memory this season was getting to play with guys I’ve played with since 6th grade; Trevor Woodard, Drew Lawson, and Ryan Luther. We all played on the same 6th grade team,” said senior Matt Davis.
These seniors “only” had a 3,000 yard passer, a 1,000 yard rusher, a defense that carried them to a State Championship 2 years ago, and to the semifinals this year.
It all came to an end on Nov. 26, when Har-Ber fell to Bentonville 49-20 at Tiger Stadium in Bentonville.
Already losing once to the Tigers earlier in the season, it would be difficult to know what would be coming at them the second time around.
“During each of the Bentonville games we came out slow. The first time we came back with an urgency but came up short. But the second game it seemed like nobody had hope at all,” said junior Evan Nuessner.
In the first half, it was calm and collective as Har-Ber stayed rater close, behind a late touchdown from Jeremy Vongvone, but then grew weary in the second.
After a controversial call on a fumble by running back Gordon Welch the Bentonville offense took over and set to run it down Har-Ber’s throat with Tearris Wallace.
In the last match up at Bulldog Stadium, Har-Ber caught a break here and there, getting two on side kicks and forcing turnovers, but in this game, none could be found.
“Basically…It was a tough game. That’s all,” said junior James Kearney.
The plus side to a senior class leaving is that they have taught an up and coming junior class that has the potential to be just as good.
“I have learned (from the seniors) that quitting is not an option, and to give 100 percent every time I play,” said junior quarterback Jon Vaughn.
Throughout the season, the Wildcats trailed many times, including during the previous Bentonville game, where the Wildcats never gave up and just kept fighting.
Senior Shawn Sayarinh demonstrated this vitally to the juniors during the Fayetteville game as he ran back a 92-yard kickoff with 3 seconds left to take the lead.
“They really showed us how to be leaders, and watching them fight on the field the whole season and then seeing them cry at the Bentonville game just really pushes me and makes me want to go win a state championship for them next year,” said junior running back Jimmy Donohue.
