H/K football sheds light on their field

Higganum (WTNH) - The Haddam-Killingworth football team is hoping to score when it comes to lighting up their field of dreams. But, without enough cash, they could be left out in the dark.

When they crank up the lights at Haddam-Killingworth High, they literally crank up the lights.

"We crank it all the way up," Al Sheahan, of Cougars Touchdown Club, said. "And make sure that the lights are proportionate to where they need to be."

And with a few flicks of some switches, temporary lights and a whole lot of community support shine down on the high school tradition.

For the first time ever, the Cougars played under the lights on a Friday night last month; 2,000 came out watch their team shine.

"Stands were packed for the first time in a while," Captain Tyler Wilcox said. "Brought great emotion from the fans, as well as all the players on the sidelines."

It's an intense experience Wilcox wants future football players and fans to enjoy permanently. 

"Giving them a little taste of what they can expect," Sheahan said. "Absolutely."
   
Sheahan hopes the second game, under the temporary lights this Friday, will raise school spirits and enough donations to bring permanent lights to H/K High.

"It's a big difference. You get a lot more fans and just a lot more intense," Captain Tim Shine said. "It's good to see the community coming together."

Talk about teamwork. More than 50 people used shovels and excavators to dig a 900 foot trench to bring power in for the lights; parents and players pitching in.

The permanent lights will be set up at the nearby football field, shared by soccer and track.

"Feels great to be part of the experience, knowing that you're helping create something that's going to be special for years to come," Wilcox said.