Most of the team looks on as Oakley receives the state championship trophy while several of the starters couldn't hide their disappointment.

Dear Editor,
Wow!  To say that the Prairie Pirate football team had quite a ride is an understatement.  These coaches and this team have done what no others have done in the history of the program.  To go undefeated in 23 games is astounding and to be in the playoffs for two state titles in a row is amazing.  To know the commitment, dedication and talent that all involved had to offer, is itself a testament to what the football program has become.  We have coaches who are dedicated to each and every player on that team.  We have coaches who have dedicated (at minimum) the last 10 years to a group of kids who began playing together in Pee Wee Football and who have remained influential and dedicated to these kids, for years and years, and have led them to become the team they are today.  Coming from a program, who for some years weren’t sure if they would have enough athletes to man the field, to a team that boasts approximately 40 athletes per season is phenomenal in its own right.  The coaches have dedicated hours upon hours of personal time to see that these kids learned to play the game and to be so successful that they were unable to even play a full game in the White Pine League.  We all know they dominated their league which unfortunately meant that the varsity players often had less playing time because the coaches didn’t want to run up the score, just because they could.  That itself, speaks volumes about our coaches.  As hard as it was for the starting line to be pulled out of the game because “they were just too good” also shows the character of the kids involved because they didn’t complain.  They supported the 2nd and 3rd lines knowing that they are the kids who will become the “starters” down the road.  We know that winning teams can often become “full of themselves” but not this team.  They played with dignity, confidence and pride.  They were as sure of their skills as the coaches were of them.  This team has a camaraderie often lacking in teams of this caliber.  They played together knowing that each one of them had a purpose and a job on the team.  They have respect for each other that is deeply embedded, just as we the community, have respect for the coaches and players.
I followed the team to Pocatello with absolute confidence that they would be returning with their second state title.  They’ve learned much, worked hard, and deserved to bring the title home again.  Unfortunately, we know what the ending brought.  You could read it on every face in our crowd; from the coaches, the players and the parents who just watched a dream go down the tubes.  Are we disappointed to have lost the game?  Certainly!  Are we disappointed in the team or the coaches?  Absolutely not!!  They played their hearts out and went down fighting.  My son is 18 years old and I have never seen that much sadness, tears and disappointment on his face until now.  As parents and coaches our hearts break for this team.  Putting aside the “State Title and Trophy” they would have brought home, we wanted this win for them because they deserved the win.   This is a team with many seniors and finishing the year with the trophy would have been the cherry on top of all their successes and literally years of hard work.  We also know that talented athletes remain on the team and will continue to join the team and they too, will be supported like these kids have been supported.  With that said, I guess we can all imagine how Oakley must have felt last year.  We all know that one side comes in first and one side comes in second.  But in our minds and hearts our 2009 Prairie Football Team will always be first.  In our eyes they didn’t “lose” the title.  They played the game.  To think how this team has brought so much pride to our small community is incredible.  Unless you live in our town you can never imagine what this journey has meant to all of us.  Boys and coaches, we are so proud to have had you represent us the way you did. 
As my husband and I were driving home from Pocatello the song “The Dance” (by Garth Brooks) came on the radio.  No truer words could have been spoken at that exact moment and so I will end this with the verse that says it all:
“And now I'm glad I didn't know, 
The way it all would end, the way it all would go.
Our lives are better left to chance, 
I could have missed the pain, 
But I'd have had to miss the dance.”
Well, Prairie Football Coaches, Players, Parents and Fans, we felt the pain but no one would have wanted to miss the dance.  Good luck to the future teams of Pirate Football and to those graduating this year.  We’ve watched you since you were little boys playing in every game on many teams, in many different sports.  You are a group that will be spoken of and remembered for many, many years to come.  You can hold your heads up high and be very proud of your accomplishments.  I know I am so proud of everyone who has built this program from the coaches to the players; parents to the fans, and anyone who has been a part of the program’s success.
Hold your heads up high boys and know that by “missing the pain you would have had to miss the dance” and not one of us would have wanted to miss that dance. You are champions in every sense of the word. 
I am so proud of you!!
Thanks for the ride!!
Cindy Schumacher

Dear Editor,
We would like to let the young men of our beloved football team know how proud we are of them.  Even though the outcome of the game on Saturday was not what we all hoped for, the boys should remember to hold their heads high.  The Prairie football team is an inspiration to not only our community, they are inspiration to many of the surrounding communities.  After all of the years of adversity they faced, to have their current record is a stellar accomplishment. 
We would like to wish our Senior boys all of the best in their future endeavors.  You have done a terrific job over the span of your high school careers.  Each and every one of you will be remembered for years to come for ALL of your accomplishments.  We will miss seeing you out on the field next year.
Thank you to our wonderful coaching staff for all the work you put in each day.  Your dedication to these young men shows at each and every game.  We are fortunate to have such devoted and caring coaches.
The 2009 Prairie Pirate football team will always remain champions in our hearts, as well as the hearts of our community.  Stand proud boys and remember, you are all winners!
AJ and Jackye Roeper

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