From Wildfire Ashes to Friday Night Lights: This High School Team's Comeback Story Is Unbelievable

A Season Up in Smoke

Last fall, the Tongue River Eagles football team faced an opponent they couldn't block or tackle. It wasn't another team; it was a raging inferno. The Elk Fire, a devastating wildfire, crept to within six miles of their school, forcing an entire week of cancellations—no classes, no practice, and certainly no Friday night lights. The chaos ultimately led to the one thing no team ever wants: a forfeit loss on their record.

Their 2-6 season, which saw them miss the playoffs, was defined not just by what happened on the field, but by the disaster that threatened their community and stole a piece of their season. It was a year marked by disruption and uncertainty, a far cry from the disciplined routine of high school football.

Rising From the Ashes

But as the first practices for the 2025 season kicked off this week, a new energy is crackling in the air. While the mythical phoenix may not be real, the Eagles are determined to embody its spirit, rising from the ashes of a season derailed. The sounds of whistles and conditioning drills have returned, signaling a fresh start for a team hungry for redemption and, more importantly, a return to normalcy.

Players are back on the field, though they'll have to wait until Thursday to don their full pads and unleash the full force of their comeback ambitions. For now, it's about rebuilding the foundation, one play at a time.

The Coach's Surprising Goal

When asked about his goals for the year, you might expect Head Coach Steve Hanson to talk about championships or revenge. Instead, his answer reveals the deep impact of last year's turmoil. His primary objective? To have, at the very least, a normal season.

After everything the team went through, just being able to have a regular week of practice and play games on schedule is a victory in itself. It’s a powerful reminder that sometimes the greatest triumphs aren't found on the scoreboard, but in the simple consistency of a season uninterrupted by disaster.

The Road Ahead

The Eagles will get their first taste of action in a scrimmage against one of Sheridan's JV squads in just under two weeks. However, all eyes are on their home opener on Friday, September 5th, when they host Thermopolis. That night will be more than just a game; it will be a celebration of resilience for the players, the school, and the entire community that stood together when the smoke cleared.