Pointer pair honored for football effort, dedication

by Scott Hopkins

The Point Loma High football team officially ended its successful season, celebrating with a team banquet.

Players, coaches, and parents gathered at Tom Ham’s Lighthouse on Harbor Island earlier this month to honor the team’s seniors and praise the efforts of a promising group of sophomores and juniors who are already preparing for the upcoming season.

Outgoing head coach Joel Allen received a standing ovation from the packed audience after he had introduced and spoken about each player.

The Pointers finished 8-5 overall and reached the CIF Div. III semifinals before a tough 9-7 loss to eventual champion Del Norte even though they held the Nighthawks without a touchdown. A late field goal, their third, proved to be the winning points despite a memorable Pointer effort.

Seniors Rocket Robinson, left, and Ryan Burdine hoist the trophies they received at the Pointer football team’s recent year-end banquet. Robinson received the Sgt. Jimmie Howard Semper Fi Memorial Award which honors the Congressional Medal of Honor winner and former Pointer assistant coach. Burdine was presented the Bennie Edens award as the player best displaying the attitude and effort valued by the iconic coach. PHOTO BY SCOTT HOPKINS

Each senior player received a framed jersey with their name stitched on the back. Some will go on to play at the collegiate level while others realize their football careers have come to an end.

Two awards were presented.

Middle linebacker/running back Rocket Robinson was presented with the Sgt. Jimmie Howard Semper Fi Memorial Award, named after Congressional Medal of Honor recipient Jimmie Howard. After his retirement, Howard served as an assistant coach for the Pointers.

Running back/cornerback/wide receiver Ryan Burdine received the Bennie Edens award, given to the player who best displays the attitude and effort the iconic coach valued.

Burdine and Robinson also served as team captains.