Bears Overpowered by Fair Grove in Districts

The 2024 football season came to an end Friday night as the Bears fell to the Fair Grove Eagles, 59-13.  Fair Grove, ranked #1 in Class 2 in the state and top ranked in the district, had more than enough fire power to vanquish any hope of an upset.  And the Bears did nothing to help themselves, fumbling two kick-off returns which were recovered by the Eagles, and throwing two interceptions, all in the first quarter.  Fair Grove scored on every possession and led 45-0 at the end of the first.  Midway through the second quarter, Fair Grove pulled their starters to rest them for their state playoff run.  The half ended with a score of 59-0.  The third quarter heralded a more balanced attack.  With a few big plays by Brayden Scarbrough, Logan Bryan, and Anthony Shortridge, Scarbrough was set up to scamper in from the two yard-line for a touchdown, putting the Bears on the board. In the fourth, the Bears were mixing it up.  Chris McKune came in to play quarterback for the first time this season and was able to drop the ball in to John Baugh in the endzone for another score. Willow Springs was able to hold the Eagles scoreless in the second half, for a final of 59-13.  Although, the season was not what Bear players, coaches, and fans hoped for, there were signs of improvement.  Here are some observations:

 

Ten Takeaways of the Season

1. The final score of a game or a W-L record does not always accurately reflect effort, energy, or spirit.

2. Team turn-arounds don’t happen overnight.

3. The SCA is an enormously talented, well-coached conference.

4. Winning graciously and losing graciously are life skills. It’s good to know how to do both, but winning graciously would be more fun.

5. The Bears kept showing up, no matter the score, snap after snap after snap.

6. To the Seniors, those who were there for every game since Mighty Mites and those who joined later - your efforts were appreciated and you will be missed.

7. To the younger players – you are a talented group. Stay focused and stay together.  We look forward to seeing what you can do.

8. To the coaches – when things went wrong, a lot of eyes were looking for your reaction. Time after time, you showed that building a team with discipline, commitment and perseverance was your main focus.

9. To the band, cheerleaders, and pep club – you are an awesome part of a football season and your contributions did not go unnoticed.

10. To the Bear Fans – stick around with these Willow Bears.  Better days are coming!