More than a dozen members of the 1974 Douglas High football team were recognized Friday for their 1974 state title, which remains the only title in program history.
Photo by Ron Harpin.
Even 50 years later, the 1974 Douglas High football team still has the only state title in program history.
At halftime Friday against Reed, about 18 members from the team were recognized for their performance 50 years ago.
“When we did it, it was a first and now here we are 50 years later. It’s a big deal. It’s a group of people who came together,” said Russ Burnum, who was the team’s senior running back. “It’s a special group that makes that state championship team. For us to be the only ones is unbelievable.”
DEFENSE WINS CHAMPIONSHIPS
In 1974, Douglas went 8-1-1 and slugged out a 6-0 win over Fallon for the state title in the season’s final contest.
“It wasn’t two field goals. It was a TD and no extra point. It tells you what kind of game it was,” said David Snow, who was one of the team’s lineman. “We stopped them three times in the red zone for zero yards.”
The Tigers averaged 37 points per game in 1974, but weather played a big factor in the season’s final contest.
One of the most vivid memories, aside from the title itself, was the process of trying to dry out Dressler Field from rain and mud prior to kickoff.
Red Roberts of Harvey’s Canyon Ranch hovered his helicopter over the field for hours in an attempt to clear the excess water.
Some physical education classes went out during the school day with towels to move some of the water off the grass.
“It was a mud war and it was a very rainy night. Harvey brought his helicopter over the field and blew the water off the field,” said Snow, who was a first team all-state lineman.
Multiple members of the team were all-state selections and several went on to play college football all over the United States.
REMINISCING ON THE LONE TITLE
Being back in Douglas County allowed several members of the state championship team to reconnect for the first time in years.
Many said it was like nothing had changed.
“These guys were my brothers. We haven’t talked in many, many years but we fall right back into that same mindset that we had 50 years ago,” said Snow. “That’s a blessing.”
“We’ve been talking about the state championship game and the big plays we had,” said Burnum. “We had the goal line stand. Russ had a big play at the goal line and we all contributed.”
Being able to have a homecoming of sorts won’t be soon forgotten by anyone.
“It’s good to be back. This valley, greatest place in the world,” said Snow.