HERMISTON, Ore.-The Hermiston Varsity football team celebrated Senior Night against Pasco on October 24.
“Playing under those Friday night lights has always been a passion of mine,” said Keegan Harshberger, who plays on both the offensive and defensive lines for the Bulldogs. “Playing football for Hermiston has meant commitment, putting in the grind, and creating a brotherhood.”
For the 18 Seniors on the Hermiston roster, the game was one last opportunity to suit up and take to the Kennison Field turf in front of the hometown crowd.
Senior Night was also “Glow for Hope” Night, an opportunity for students, staff and the community to come together to raise awareness about cancer and offer support. Neon Hermiston High School logo T-shirts featuring a glowing cancer ribbon were sold at the game.
Representatives from the Good Shepherd Community Health Foundation were also at the game, providing resources and educational materials concerning cancer, and throwing pink breast cancer awareness shirts into the stands.
“I’ve been lucky enough to play varsity all four years,” said Maxem Shilhanek, who plays on both the offensive and defensive lines, and is also the punter for the Bulldogs. “I’ve seen what it means when you really love the people next to you and you commit to the program.”
Many of the Hermiston Seniors have been playing together since elementary school, and the sentiments of commitment, brotherhood, and gratitude to the coaching staff were echoed by several players.
“I’ve been involved in football since second grade,” said Tanner Wicks, who plays receiver and cornerback for the Bulldogs. “I love it and the relationships it’s created.”
That shared bond and commitment to the game enabled the Bulldogs to shrug off a slow start against Pasco and play well in the second half.
“What I will remember the most about being part of Hermiston football is being able to play with friends that I’ve known my whole life,” said Brody Adams, a tight end for the Bulldogs. “I’ll never forget my touchdown against Cheney, either.”
After being shut out 9-0 in the first half, Hermiston responded with a few touchdowns in the second half, before ultimately falling 23-13 to Pasco. While the Bulldogs came up short on the scoreboard, football memories and life lessons will endure for the seniors who played their last home game.
“I will always remember teaming up with my brother to make a tackle on a sweep against West Valley my sophomore year,” said Shilhanek. “I’ll always be grateful to the coaches for helping us develop as men off the field too.”
For Francisco Carrillo, a receiver and defensive back for the Bulldogs, who the Hermiston coaching staff and the game of football have helped him become, is far more valuable than mere wins and losses.
“What will stand out the most for me is the person I’ve been able to grow into because of Hermiston football,” said Carrillo, who wasn’t involved in football until his freshman year. “I was timid and shy, but I made the commitment and put in the hard work, and it helped me become the outspoken man I am today.”
Seniors on the 2025-26 Hermiston High School Varsity Football Roster
- Tanner Wicks, RB/DB
- Tabor Mills, WR/DB
- Camden Venoy, H/TE/OLB
- Hunter Hansell, WR/DB
- Brody Adams, H/TE/LB
- Xavior Hartsteen, WR/DB
- Francisco Carrillo, WR/DB
- Malaqie Covarrubias, RB/DL
- Hayden Larson, RB/LB
- Mathew Hill, RB/DB
- Seth Reeve, OL/DL
- Keegan Harshberger, OL/DL
- Damian Douglas, OL/DL
- Angel Ordaze-Garcia, OL/DL
- Isaiah Sparks, OL/DL
- Landon Keller Foreman, OL/DL
- Mykah Zwald, OL/DL
- Maxem Shilhanek, OL/DL
Hermiston’s next game is October 31 against Kennewick with kickoff set for 7 p.m. from Lampson Stadium.
