(KS BROOKS/Chewelah Independent)

Avery Matherly (88), Wyatt Edwards (9), Avery Kitt (23), Lucas Buche (66) and Braden Parker have been a strong senior core for the Springdale Chargers. (K.S. Brooks photo)

FOUR YEARS IN THE TRENCHES: Springdale seniors have seen big transitions for football program and have forged a family…

Senior night is a special night for those students who will be moving on come graduation. Springdale football players were very much looking forward to their game versus Hunters on their Senior Night, but unfortunately, it was cancelled because their opponents didn’t have enough players. That means their last home game as seniors on the football team won’t be happening.

The Chewelah Independent sat down with seniors Avery Matherly, Avery Kitt, Wyatt Edwards, Lucas Buche and Braden Parker to talk a little bit about how the football program has impacted them. They all agreed that football brought them closer together as a family.

There have been some changes throughout their years, going from 11-man football to an 8-man game, and going from a 2B classification to 1B.
Edwards said that both of those changes were for the better.

“In 11-man, the starters played the whole game,” he explained, and now the 8-man game benefits them in that way. And going to 1B “gives us the chance to compete against other teams” that they wouldn’t have otherwise.

Springdale has already garnered three wins this season and been in the thick of the NE 1B North standings despite officially being an independent. Current trends show that Springdale will eventually drop to a 1B enrollment number, but that’s out of the realm and scope of what these seniors have to worry about. They’re out on the field because they enjoy football

But why football?

“It’s the greatest sport,” Parker responded without hesitation.

“Football is the most like a brotherhood,” they agreed.

“The hype,” Edwards said, “the lights and getting to hit people.”

Buche said he really appreciated and enjoyed the community showing up for the games: that their brotherhood extended into the community.

When asked about the team identity, Edwards answered that it was, “Run first, get three to four yards with every play, and tie you up.”

Under Coach Mark Edwards, the Chargers have bucked trends that see teams spread out and pass the ball downfield constantly. Springdale is an offensive system that is more Mac Truck that Stealth Bomber. Last year, the Chargers had a stable of running backs with impressive stats, and it looks like the trend will continue this year.

The team has done a lot of running, but they’ve got some other great memories they wanted to share. For Kitt, his favorite part of his four years with the football program is the friends he’s made. For Edwards, his favorite part was his freshman and sophomore years – before he tore his ACLs.

But even still, he said that the game and the team, “Changed our character, and brought us closer together.”

Kitt stepped in at quarterback last year for Edwards and did an admirable job. He found himself in that position again recently as freshman QB Austin Paladin went down with an injury in their recent game at Selkirk.

It’s hard to miss Kitt out on the field; he’s shifty, fast and versatile. Then there is Parker and Buche. The line for Springdale has been gaining some notice in the league and even league-undefeated Selkirk had to make adjustments to deal with the pressure the Chargers were bringing.

It’s hard to miss how much football means to the town of Springdale and how people enjoy seeing the Chargers play. During homecoming, there was a sea of pickup trucks in the parking lot. Springdale may have had more fans up at Northport for KREM’s Tom Tailgate than Northport, and the new Charger mascot might be the best mascot in eastern Washington.

These seniors can take pride in the way they’ve helped continue the tradition of Springdale football with their dedication in changing environments for Mary Walker School athletics.

“It brought out our true personalities,” Kitt said.