Community celebrates state champs
Black and gold colors blazed in on a clear, blue Saturday afternoon as a crowd gathered at Pleasant Grove High School Hawks Field to salute the 4A Division II State Champion football team, who had come away the victors at their third run in a row at the state championship. Two times, 2017 and 2019, they had won the victory. That kind of championship performance is not an accident, as the coaching staff was ready to admit.
“We’ve had good teams and talent for many years,” said Coach Steve Morris, who manages the defensive line. “We’ve beaten good teams along the way. But to do this, this consistently, it requires a culture, a belief carried by the team, the coaching staff, the students, families, everyone, that whomever they play doesn’t matter. They are going to play to win, no matter what.”
Morris says that it takes serious work to develop this kind of culture. The team does pack serious football, talent, and according to Morris, some of the seniors will be going on to play football in college.
“Coach (Josh) Gibson led the way in helping everyone achieve this culture, this mindset,” he said. “Lots of people talk about this, but we really have it. Our players, coaches, support groups, school administration, school board, student body, community, everyone, they are all part of this.”
After the rally, football players circulated among the gathered throng, taking in the praise and signing footballs for fans.
“I’ve been playing this game as long as I can remember,” said Jackson Cartright, junior and center. “I’ve grown up with it, played it with my friends, it is something I’ve always loved.”
Cartright says the team came together.
“We’re tighter than any other team I’ve seen, and have an amazing work ethic,” he said.
Nick Martin, junior and running back, has been playing for the school district since the seventh grade.
“We all play a part in this,” he said. “Coaches, staff, community, support and the players. No one solos at this.”
Martin, who was injured in the playoffs on the run up to the championship game, still was there for his team and will be playing next year.
Joshua Porchia, senior and inside linebacker, says it is about his teammates and his family.
“You have to lean on your teammates,” he said. “They are going to be there for you, fight for you. My family is proud.”
Grayson Taylor, junior and receiver, will be taking on an entirely new role. With the encouragement of the coaching staff and with an eye on his professional future, he will be joining the student coaching staff in his senior year.
“I do want to coach professionally,” he said. “Coach Gibson has been a big influence on this decision. Our quarterback, (Ben) Harmon is a big leader. The seniors were a big part of getting us over the hump when it got tough. I hope to leave a mark on the younger kids in the coaching role.”
Elija Jackson, Sr., was there with his supportive sister, Jakyla Jackson.
“I’m supporting my brother,” she said. “It is all about family and our support for our team.”
“Relationships and work, that’s how we get it done,” said Elija. “Family is central, and they support like crazy.”