The Bangor football team ended the 20-year home game losing streak in the Bangor Pen Argyl rivalry with the help of two standout players, Garrett DeBoer and Haakon Mathewson.

Speedy sophomore DeBoer was able to dodge Pen Argyl’s defense as he scored two touchdowns and ran for over 225 yards, bringing his total yards over 1,000 for the year. He also contributed heavily on defense with multiple tackles to stop the Green Knight offense.

DeBoer’s stats and performance were reflected with the awarding of MVP, which is given to the most game changing and impactful player.

“I was extremely happy after I won the MVP award,” DeBoer said. “It’s something I’ve been dreaming about ever since I was a little kid.”

Winning this award does not come easy; there must be discipline, long practices, and goals MUST be made.

“My goal was to obviously beat Pen Argyl, but also to break the home losing streak and somehow make a play that changed the game.” DeBoer said.

Although DeBoer isn’t the biggest football player out there, he has determination pumping through his veins thanks to his close family and friends.

“Other than my friends and family, what motivates me the most are the people that have told me I’m not big enough, strong enough, or fast enough,” DeBoer said. “I use that as a way to push myself even harder.”

DeBoer has a strong mindset going into next year as he plans on getting stronger and quicker with the help of our athletic trainer Zach Glagliola and the rest of the football team.”

Another award winning standout player was senior defensive tackle Haakon Mathewson.

With a total of ten tackles, four of them being on consecutive plays, Mathewson was awarded the Outstanding Lineman Award.

This award was given to a skillful player on the winning team.

“I was very happy a Bangor player was given this award, and it’s an honor that I was the one receiving it,” Mathewson said.

This fall was Mathewson’s last time playing football at Bangor, therefore he made sure to give it his all, not only for himself, but for his teammates.

On and off the field, everyone can see the tight-knit bond the Slater football team has with each other; Mathewson was able to guide the team as he was also awarded Captain.

“During the game, I was extremely focused on making plays for my team to get the win,” Mathewson said. “Knowing that the Bangor vs. Pen Argyl game could be the last time playing with my teammates really motivated me.”

Mathewson will represent the Slaters in wrestling this winter.

Even though DeBoer and Mathewson will no longer be playing together, they will most definitely be a part of the Slater community’s fondest memories as they were essential in the win against Pen Argyl.