Rockets’ Harder has unique perspective on rivalry

Noah Harder has seen the Genoa-Oak Harbor rivalry from both sides.

Harder grew up in Genoa. Now, he’s a senior linebacker for the Rockets.

Genoa visits Oak Harbor this week with the Celestial Bowl Trophy on the line. The Comets have won seven straight in the series.

Harder played varsity football for Toledo Christian as a freshman and sophomore before sitting out part of last season at Oak Harbor because of transfer rules.

“I couldn’t be part of it,” he said. “I didn’t get to participate. We brought it to them. Since I was a freshman I’ve been waiting to play Genoa in football after growing up there. It’s not just Genoa/Oak Harbor football. It’s a big experience.”

Toledo Christian has nothing on its schedule that compares to this week’s game for Harder.

“Nowhere near,” he said. “It makes me feel fortunate and excited to compete in this type of game.”

Genoa’s Dakota Sparks was pressed into action in last year’s game because of injuries. He’s hungry for more.

“It’s one of the biggest weeks of the year,” he said. “We’re defending the gold trophy. I wasn’t expecting to play as much as I did. It got me excited for this year. It means a lot to the community and players. The coaches.

“It’s not just for the players. It’s for the community and family members and everybody who supports us. Past Comets and future Comets. If we keep the streak going, they can keep defending it. Both communities come together to support their schools and athletes.”

Sparks said there’s an added sense of urgency because he’s a senior.

“It’s our last year playing them,” he said. “Our last rivalry game against them. It’s special to all the seniors. It’s going to be a battle.”

Harder played baseball and soccer with some of Genoa’s players as a kid. His dad played football at Oak Harbor.

Harder has quite a perspective on the rivalry, but he’s not the only one who is passionate.

“It’s tradition,” Harder said. “It’s always been like this. My family understands the rivalry. It’s in my blood and the community joins. It’s not just a game – it’s Oak Harbor/Genoa. Everybody just gets really excited.

“It’s a rivalry no matter what the teams are expected to do for the season. Each team gives it their all. It’s a complete community thing. It’s not just the players out there, it’s the community.”

Genoa (0-1) at Oak Harbor (0-1)

Sparks scored a touchdown, but Genoa failed to answer any of Villa Angela-St. Joseph’s points in a 33-7 setback last week. The Comets struggled passing with four completions in 17 tries. Jacob Plantz rushed for 68 yards on eight carries and completed three passes while splitting time at quarterback with Zach Grodi. Josiah Bradfield blocked two punts last week. Running back/defensive back Adam Bates will return from an injury for Genoa this week. The Rockets fell 36-0 to Ottawa-Glandorf last week. Oak Harbor junior Jeff Winterfield is a first-year starter at quarterback while senior Andrew Heberling returns in the backfield. Genoa beat Oak Harbor 33-25 in a game interrupted by lightning last season. The Rockets led 17-12 before the second half was suspended until Saturday. Oak Harbor allowed two running backs to gain more than 100 rushing yards, but each has graduated. Kalob Vargas had four catches for 42 yards and a touchdown for the Rockets.

mhorn@gannett.com

419-734-7519

Twitter:@MatthewHornNH