Hornet Football Traditions Continue

By ANGELA KELLOGG-HENRY

Cleaver Managing Editor

Josh Williams, Marion Latunski, and John Hamilton were among the 1999 crew who played on the last Harrison team to win a conference title. Twenty-five years later they cheered their sons as the varsity team clinched the title of Jackpine Conference District 2 champs last Friday. Their numbers were one less as their friend, teammate, and Marine veteran John Hamilton passed away from cancer in 2022. His presence was sorely missed by his friends as they watched their sons play and win the conference title.

In the October 21, 1999, issue of the Cleaver the front page reports the Hornets over the Clare Pioneers 24-19 to win the title. It further reports, “Defense did a great job watching the ball and making their blocks. They held the Pioneers to 224 yards. Dan Craven led the Hornets in tackles with ten. Jake Walters had eight. Joe Latunski and Mitch Nash each had six. Travis Warren, and Charlie Heath each had five. Walters had one sack. Offense totaled 303 yards. Walters caught two passes from Cornell for 54 yards Joe Cornell ran for 96 yards in 15 attempts. Craven ran for 70 in 17 attempts. Rood carried the ball 55 yards and Corp 28 yards. Clare's leading runner was Kyle Kolbe with 78 yards in 17 attempts.”

One thing that has changed since 1999 is divisions in the Jackpine Conference. In the last several years the JPC added school districts and split into two divisions. The overall JPC title will be decided next week when the Hornets play against Ogemaw Heights. See the adjacent article from Ben Murphy about last Friday’s game.

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