In high school football, special teams don’t see a lot of limelight.
However, Happy Valley junior kicker Michael Harrah changed that last year as he made a big impact on the Warriors’ 11-2 run and is expected to be a big part of HV’s offense in 2017.
“We are looking for him to have another great year,” said Happy Valley head coach Jason Jarrett. “Last year was the first time he had ever kicked a football. He and his dad (Joe Harrah) just worked relentlessly. Just practice, practice. practice. And obviously, it just paid off. He has had a great off season going to camps. I think he won some competitions in the off season as well. So we are looking forward to him giving us some big kicks this time around.”
Last year, Harrah accounted for 64 points for the Warriors as he knocked through 49 points after touchdown and five fields goals. His biggest moment, however, came during the Warriors’ conference showdown with the Bulldogs at J.C. Campbell Stadium. With the region title in contention, Harrah booted a 21-yard field goal with 11.8 seconds left to help Happy Valley escape Hampton with a 17-16 win.
“Michael is a great kid that works extremely hard,” said Jarrett. “Last year he a had a big, big year for us. He made one of the biggest kicks in Happy Valley history.”
Harrah would also have two more high-pressure field goals against a tough Austin-East team during the Warriors’ heartbreaking state quarterfinal loss.
With first year jitters out of the way, the junior said he feels more confident heading into 2017.
“My nerves have done been shot,” said Harrah. “So I can’t be nervous anymore. I am just able to relax more this season. I am just more comfortable doing stuff this year.”
Heading into the 2017 season, the Warriors will be facing the graduation of a slew of seniors who played at crucial positions. However, Harrah said he feels this year’s group of Warriors will be just as stout as last year’s.
“We have been putting in a lot of work, and I feel we will be just as good as last season,” he said.
The Warriors open the season on the road this Friday as they head over to Volunteer. Kickoff is slated for 7:30 p.m.