Grizzlies wrap middle school football season

Rocky Mountain Middle School closed out their season with real growth on display.

“Every coach wants a perfect season, but that did not happen this year,” head coach Hal Moore said. “We had highs and lows, mistakes by me as a coach and mistakes on the field, but we learned and got better. Even when we lost, we were never defeated.”

Moore praised his eighth graders: “They are packed with talent, and they are smart. If they stay tight as a group, they can accomplish greatness.”

He also tipped his cap to the B team, noting, “Last year as sixth graders they were a little goofy. What a difference a year makes. I am proud of their growth. They had just one loss, and it was by only six points.”

In their final games of the season on October 7 on their home turf the A team fell to Burlington 36-22, and the B team defeated Burlington 22-0.

Moore said in the A game Wyatt Blank scored on the opening kickoff, and Ty Samson made the two-point conversion. Hudson Moore scored on a quarterback keeper followed by another two-point conversion from Samson. The final touchdown was a pass completion from Samson to Dally Malson.

In the B game, Gus Loyning scored one touchdown and an extra point, Cody Kougl scored and Karter Miller added the extra point and Aiden Wallman scored the third TD with Miller scoring the extra point.

Athletic director Tobee Christiansen applauded Moore’s impact by saying, “Coach Moore has done awesome with our middle school program. He stresses teamwork, discipline and respect. His mentorship is producing confident, accountable athletes who will strengthen the Grizz program for years to come.”

Editor’s note: Charlee Anderson contributed to this story.