Something new in Short Creek: A cross-border football rivalry

ST. GEORGE — Last week, history made its presence known in the small town of Hildale as the inaugural football team took to the field against Grand County (Moab) in a shutout loss of 50-0. The first ever Friday night lights for the once Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saint dominant society resulted in monstrous-sized support from the community to the young athletes of the Wildcats of Water Canyon High School.

Quarterback Dylan Horsley tosses off to fullback Collin Kelsch for the Wildcats of Water Canyon High School during their inaugural football game in Hildale, Utah, Aug. 12, 2022 | Photo by Nick Yamashita, St. George News

This week comes another historical moment on the campus of Water Canyon, with the new rivalry of the Wildcats against El Capitan High School/Centennial Academy of Colorado City, Ariz. It’s the birth of a new football rivalry, The Wildcats, and the Eagles.

The Battle of Short Creek.

The Eagles of El Capitan/Centennial will be traveling the whole distance of 2.8 miles across the state border for the first 8-man football game to be played on the WCHS field.

Although it does not have any real significant influence on state rankings, the new rivalry will still play a noteworthy role in local pride as friends, extended families, and even immediate families will be split by this new rivalry.

The bragging rights, the teasing of siblings and family members and the pep of the crowd all take place at 880 N. Carling Street Friday night at 7 p.m.

This will be El Capitan/ Centennial’s first game of the season. Last season, the Eagles went 6-4 under the direction of head coach Mitch Jessop.

The Eagles will be without their quarterback from last season, Isaiah Bradshaw, who graduated. Bradshaw led the team in rushing yards per game at 84.6 yards per game, as well as second in tackles per game with 7.8. Bradshaw also added in 18 touchdowns on the season.

The stands were full and the crowd stayed energetic until the end of the inaugural WCHS football game in Hildale, Utah, Aug. 12, 2022 | Photo by Nick Yamashita, St. George News

However, the Eagles will be led by junior quarterback Zed White, who last year started the season as the starting quarterback but was sidelined due to injury. Another difference will be the fact that Jessop is gone.

The Colorado City School District replaced Jessop as they desired a full-time employee as the head coach instead of a contracted employee. Assistant coach Justin Adair was promoted to head coach and will take over the reins of a very successful program.

“The important thing is they are doing what they think is best for the kids,” said former head coach Jessop.

The Eagles lost in the quarterfinals last year to Mogollon, who went on to win the Arizona 1A State Championship Title.

“I am excited for this new opportunity for our community to support our youth,” said Adair. “This community has been all about basketball and now football.”

Halfback Nick Timpson was injured during the Water Canyon High School’s inaugural football game in Hildale, Utah, Aug. 12, 2022 | Photo by Nick Yamashita, St. George News

Water Canyon has not released their game statistics from their shutout loss last week, but a large load was carried by fullback and linebacker Collin Kelsch.

Another promising turnout is the defensive play of Lester Barlow and Aaron Barlow in the defensive secondary positions. Both were prominent on tackles and pass break-ups throughout their first game.

On offense, quarterback Dylan Horsley, a two-time middle school flag football champion, had drives that almost ended in scores for the Wildcats. When he is not rushed, he passes well and has good strength to his arm. The key will be if he can maintain good form when throwing the ball.

During the three good drives by the Wildcats, Nick Timpson had 5 catches, with one being over 20 yards. Another good side is the Wildcats should have a couple of starters playing for the first time this season after recovering from injury and working through ineligibility issues.

Even though the Wildcats did not score in their inaugural game, they do have the capability to score based on the skills displayed. They mainly spread the offense out with a lot of shotgun formation, while the Eagles have been known to play more of an option-style football in the past.

Water Canyon coach Heber Horsley hopes to see the same full stands as last week.

“I don’t think they know what to expect, but it means a lot to have them there down to the end,” said Water Canyon coach Heber Horsley.

To Jessop, football is here to stay in what was once a sports taboo town.

“The biggest deal is every kid in this town can now play football,” Jessop said.

Copyright St. George News, SaintGeorgeUtah.com LLC, 2022, all rights reserved.

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