By: Morgan Pauley

At the last game of the season, the Bears stood up against cancer and played to raise money for the nonprofit organization Not By Choice. The players and their moms put in countless hours preparing for this game. Lenora Prichard and Lisa Pauley, both football moms that have battled cancer, took the lead to make sure the cancer game happened. Lisa Pauley said, “I was honored that I got the opportunity to work with Lenora and raise money for other cancer patients. It was overall a very emotional night.”

It all started when Trent Prichard, senior football player, had the idea to play for those with cancer. Trent said, “I wanted to help the ladies who have this disease. We have had the Volley For The Cure for years and I thought it was time the football team stepped up.”

It took a lot of people and time to get the job done, and it wasn’t easy. They had to make plans, get donations, and design and get the jerseys approved. After many stressful months of planning, the game was ready to go. Many local businesses helped out and donated either money or a raffle item. The Hardin Northern fans also helped out by pitching in and buying raffle tickets or 50/50 tickets.

The cancer game was the last game for our seniors. Both the football players and cheerleaders were all overwhelmed with emotions after the game. Most of them were crying. Senior Logan Pauley said, “I was upset knowing it was my last football game as a Polar Bear.”