This week's Replays is a recap of the 1984 Helena High grid team, and the play of Ron Herrera, a hard-nosed outside linebacker for the Bengals that year.

Now this may seem like an odd time for an article on football, but I felt it might be appropriate considering the circumstances involving Herrera's family.

Herrera was an under-sized over achiever, standing 5-feet-7 and weighing 176-pounds. Outweighed by 10-15 pounds on most plays, what he lacked in size he made up for with determination and hard work.

Under first-year coach Bill Sprinkle, the Bengals opened the 1984 season with a 14-7 win over Anaconda. Scoring for HHS were Jason Troglia, on a 13-yard run, and quarterback Paul McKerrow, on a 1-yard plunge, which was set-up by a key 20-yard pass reception by Brad Quist, after the ball bounced off a defender. Ken Leaf kicked both extra points.

The Independent Record praised Helena's defense, which "came to life in the fourth quarter, led by linebackers Kevin Bartsch and Joe Boyd, and down linemen Brett Dearing, Doug Johnson, Shawn Clark and Ron Herrera."

HHS moved to 2-0 with a 23-6 victory over Columbia Falls, behind the scoring of Jason and Jon Troglia, Mike Burk's 70-yard punt return, and a field goal by Leaf. The defense allowed only eight first downs and 131 total yards, holding the Wildcats to minus-two yards rushing.

In a 37-6 loss to CMR, Russell quarterback Tony Arnston passed for 152 yards and directed two long scoring drives. The locals points came on a 19-yard pass from McKerrow to Quist.

Next came a 19-0 homecoming shutout over Bozeman, as the defense produced five quarterback sacks, while limiting the Hawks to minus 13-yards rushing and seven first downs. The 58 total yards allowed is the eighth lowest in team history. Clark and Dearing posted two sacks apiece. Reaching pay-dirt for the Bengals were Jason Troglia, twice, and a 42-yard strike from sophomore Tim Little to Quist.

After a heart-breaking 9-6 loss to Billings Senior - the Broncs won on a field goal with one second left on the clock - Sprinkle praised the defensive efforts of "Clark, Dearing, Herrera, Bartsch, Rob Seliskar and Tim O'Leary, who all played well."

In a tough defeat at the hands of Butte High, 23-14, HHS's offense was propelled by Jason Troglia's 2-yard touchdown dive, and an 11-yard TD pass from McKerrow to Dayne Sletta. The Bulldogs were sparked by backup quarterback John Michelotti's 74-yard touchdown scamper. Billings West then overpowered Helena, 42-26, as Jason Troglia rushed for 202 yards and a touchdown. McKerrow ran for one TD and passed for two more, to Quist and Michael Spotorno.

With two games remaining, the IR reported that Herrera was tied with Shawn Clark for the team lead in sacks, with five each.

The Bengals jumped out to a 7-0 advantage over Great Falls High, on Jason Troglia's plunge, before the Bison came back to win, 20-7. The turning point came right before halftime when, trailing 7-3, GFH punter Butch Beaudry recovered a bad snap and raced 55 yards to the end zone.

Helena ended the season in a scrappy 22-13 loss to crosstown Capital, winding up with a 3-6 record. Jason Troglia ran for both tallies, finishing the year with 10 rushing TDs and 882 yards on the ground. Paul Petrino of the Bruins fired two touchdown passes, to Danny Hull and Scott McFarland, while running for another.

Kevin Bartsch, who led the club with 67 solo tackles, 35 assists and 112 total tackles, was named first team All-State linebacker, and the 1984 Class AA Defensive MVP. Selected to the second team were Quist (32 catches and 361 receiving yards), Troglia, and offensive guard Frank Mayo, while making honorable mention was defensive back Steve Lindsay. Those tabbed to the All-Conference teams were center Steve Sobonya, Sletta, Quist at kickoff returner, and punt returner Mike Burk.

Although Herrera did not receive any post season awards, he was a key figure on a Bengals defense which ranked fifth in the state in rushing yardage allowed, and sixth overall. "I remember Ron Herrera as tough, small-sized, smart and playing very hard," said Bill Sprinkle recently. "He worked hard in the weight room and was easy to coach."

Fast-forwarding to the present, Ron and his wife Nina are the parents of a huge football fan, in the person of their 14-year old son, Riley. Riley Herrera is currently at Denver's Children's Hospital, awaiting a heart transplant. This past weekend, Lost and Foundation held a benefit concert at the Colonial Red Lion Inn for Riley, which was very successful in raising funds to help defray the cost of the huge amount of out-of-pocket expenses the Herrera's will need, in addition to loss of income during the wait.

The family is tremendously appreciative of all the support thus far. For information on donating, phone 442-5002, or contributions can be mailed to 517 Knight, Helena, 59601.