Every November, as the sun sets over El Capitan High School’s football field, a warm glow typically welcomes the cherished rivalry game between Arizona’s El Capitan Eagles and Utah’s Water Canyon Wildcats. This event unites the border towns of Short Creek, offering a brief respite from daily challenges. However, this year, the sunset revealed empty seats, a stark reminder of the ongoing measles outbreak that has gripped Mohave County, Arizona.
The measles outbreak, one of the largest in the nation, led to the cancellation of several games, including the much-anticipated showdown with Water Canyon. With a strong playoff history, El Capitan’s football season was cut short due to several players contracting the virus, marking a disappointing end to their efforts to compete.
Coach Stephen Campbell reflected on the season, stating, “With hard times come hard people. And hard people, they get through hard times. With being down so many players, we came through and did the best we absolutely could.” Despite the setbacks, the team’s resilience exemplified their determination in the face of adversity.
El Capitan’s small roster, part of the eight-man 1A conference, struggled significantly against larger teams. This was evident in their final game against Williams High School, where they faced a 36-player roster with only 10 players on their side, resulting in a 55-20 loss. Such challenges underscored the impact of the measles outbreak on the community and the football team.
‘A lot of growth’
Colorado City has undergone significant change over the past two decades, transitioning from a polygamist community to a growing tourist destination near Zion National Park. Despite these changes, the town now faces the challenge of a measles outbreak, exacerbated by low vaccination rates. Only 8% of students at Cottonwood Elementary, which feeds into El Capitan, are vaccinated against measles, with many citing personal belief exemptions.
Dr. Scott Steingard urged residents to prioritize vaccinations, stating, “To me, the vaccine has proven effective to the point where, at one point, the CDC (U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) said this was eradicated in the United States.” He strongly opposed the practice of “measles parties,” emphasizing the dangers to at-risk children.
Rebecca Bradshaw, a local resident, highlighted the community’s skepticism towards government mandates, saying, “I almost think that it’s not a religious thing as much as it is a government thing, that they don’t want the government telling them what they can and can’t do.” This sentiment reflects the ongoing struggle between personal freedom and public health measures.
‘Enjoy every moment’
Stephen Campbell, El Capitan’s football coach, adapted to the tight-knit community and the unique challenges of coaching an eight-man team. Despite initial roster limitations, the team grew, and players like junior Riley Barlow expressed hope for future success under Campbell’s leadership. Barlow emphasized the importance of cherishing every moment, noting, “You don’t know how long it’s going to last. At the beginning of the season, I didn’t even honestly think we’d have a football team.”
The rivalry with Water Canyon remains a community highlight, fostering unity and camaraderie. The two schools, although divided by state lines and funding disparities, share a deep connection. Last year’s victory over Water Canyon was a memorable moment for Barlow and his teammates. Coach Luke Merideth from Water Canyon acknowledged, “I think that sports has brought the community together in a way that nothing else does. It’s a universal language.”
Despite the season’s challenges, El Capitan’s football team and the Short Creek community continue to exemplify resilience and unity. As they navigate the aftermath of past controversies and current health crises, the community remains committed to forging a brighter future.
This article first appeared on Cronkite News and is republished here under a Creative Commons Attribution-NoDerivatives 4.0 International License.
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