Springtown football banquet celebrates team unity

The annual football banquet held Jan. 16 could have taken a more somber tone, but Hulett and his coaching staff stressed how proud they were of their team for fighting through adversity.

The preseason began with eight varsity starters sidelined by injuries. By the time the games began, the number of starters out with injury had climbed to 12. The Porcupines relied on freshmen and sophomores to fill in the cracks, and the youngsters were forced to adapt to a faster, rougher game quickly.

Assistant coach Brad Legan recalled riding the team bus to Alvarado for the season opener and thinking the next few months might be a slog, considering the large number of freshmen and sophomores being relied upon to carry the Pines through the rough-and-tumble District 4-4A.

“To their credit, it was not,” he said, praising the kids’ attitude, work ethic and resolve to improve.

“For all the circumstances that we fought through, a lot of kids got a lot of playing time that they otherwise wouldn’t,” he said. “They played a lot of different roles. They played bigger roles. They got a lot better through the year. That is something that is really going to pay off for us down the road.”

Hulett reminisced about several highlights, such as the homecoming game against Creekview on Sept. 16, 2022. Fans and alumni packed Pojo Stadium — more than at any other game Hulett had witnessed.

Springtown won 39-14.

“Homecoming is for people coming home,” Hulett said. “For some of those people, that is more than likely the only time they saw us all year.”

He liked seeing his team provide the fans with a fun night and good memories.

Another favorite highlight was winning the district opener against Mineral Wells 56-22.

“It was a big one because it got us to the playoffs,” Hulett said. “To perform and be able to get into the playoffs is a big thing.”

His joy carried over to the evening of the banquet. Hulett stood at a lectern in the cafeteria addressing players and their parents, who were sitting at long tables.

“We’re really proud of our kids for being here — the way they dress, the way they act,” he said.

Three awards were presented during the evening.

The Chase Harms Award was created to honor the best team player, the guy who supports and encourages teammates in every situation and puts the needs and goals of the Porcupines above his personal expectations.

Just 15 of 254 seniors at the school had stuck with the football program until their final year, and the coaching staff wanted to honor all 15. Some were starters, some weren’t, but even the reserves played a pivotal role in helping prepare the team for games, Hulett said.

Each of the 15 seniors received his own plaque inscribed with his name.

Assistant coach Tye Adams presented the Defensive MVP Award to junior Ridge Westendorf. He was the team’s second leading tackler from the unlikely nose guard position, proving his athleticism and versatility while holding down one of the toughest positions on defense.

“This young man not only did the dirty work, but he also got his name called a whole lot,” Adams said.

Offensive MVP honors went to quarterback Hudson Hulett for his preparation and work ethic.

“It’s really hard to play the position that he plays,” said assistant coach Taylor Jones. “I know. I’ve done it. It’s really hard to carry a town, a school and a community on your shoulders and try to do right. This young man does that.”