Whitehorse football to open season

The Whitehorse High School football team is looking forward to a good year. The Raiders open the season this Friday, August 23 when they host the Monticello Buckaroos at 7 p.m.

Head Coach Elliott Benn reports that the Raiders have 40 student athletes on the roster, the largest team in several years.

“We had a great start, with 17 kids starting conditioning on the first day,” said Benn. “We generally have five or six come out.”

Benn served as head coach in 2016 and is back for another year at the helm. In one capacity or another, Benn has been coaching the Raiders for six years.

“We have seven seniors on the squad and a great group of juniors and sophomores who look strong,” said Benn. He is also excited about a large group of freshmen players who have had pee-wee football experience.

Senior leadership includes quarterback Hugh Pelt, tight end and linebacker Deondro Benn, and running back Tyjuandro Benally.

“Our offense will rely on team speed,” said Coach Benn, who said that Benally has built strength and speed as a running back.

“The defense looks good,” said the coach, adding that the defensive line is young but big. Four of our five linemen are over six feet tall and 250 pounds,” said the coach.

The Raiders open at home against the Buckaroos on August 23.

They travel to Tuba City, AZ to play Grayhills Academy on August 30.

Two home games in a row include Tohatchie on September 6 and Dolores on September 13.

Other home games include the San Juan JV on October 5 and homecoming against Providence Hall on October 11.

Other away games include Navajo Prep on September 27 and Kirtland JV on October 14.

The final game of the season is the annual Battle of the Drum on October 25 at Monument Valley.