By Sheila Anderson
Valley City Times-Record

When the Hi-Liner football team journeys to Saturday’s state football championship, they’ll leave behind a town of windows lined with posters and blue and white ribbons waving on the light poles. 
For the first time since 1936, the Valley City High School Hi-Liner football team is playing in the state championship game. And the community is excited about it.
According to Al Cruchet, Valley City High School activities director, the coaches and players are impressed by the support of the town.
“We have had some lean years in our sports activities the last few years, so to have this success and to have the community embrace it is very satisfying,” Cruchet said.
Cruchet said crowds at the home football games throughout the season were impressive, with many community members turning out to watch the team.
“We have had some excellent home crowds all year long, not just in the playoffs,” Cruchet said. High school principal Kim Knodle said the football team’s success has even affected the school atmosphere.
“Although we have a very good and positive student body at Valley City High School, the success of all of our fall teams -- in particular an undefeated football team playing in a state championship game -- has a dramatic impact on the atmosphere of the high school,” Knodle said.
Knodle thinks the positive atmosphere will continue throughout the year.
“I believe that this positive attitude will carry over into our activities for the remainder of the year and into the future,” Knodle said. “Everyone has worked very hard and they deserve the success that has come to them.”
The Valley City High School football team is coached by former Hi-Liner Scott Roerich. 

For full story, see Thursday's edition of the Valley City Times-Record.