Team photographer will be honored at Catholic Central High School
By Mike Ramczyk
Sports Editor
The area’s only AAA Semi-Pro Football team is returning to its roots Saturday evening.
The Southern Lakes Blue Devils, fresh off a five-game winning streak thanks to a 24-21 victory last Saturday night, will host the Milwaukee Hurricanes in IAFL action.
Yes, the Blue Devils are rolling along with a recent string of success, but it’s the team photographer who will be the center of attention Saturday.
Holly Barrett was recently diagnosed with breast cancer, and Blue Devils owner and coach Tom Hawkins said via Facebook it “doesn’t look good.”
Barrett has both breasts removed and was undergoing treatment, but doctors just found two more masses a few weeks ago.
“She loves football,” Hawkins said. “She used to have her own women’s tackle football team and is a stunt woman and actor.”
Hawkins said ticket sale proceeds will go to Catholic Central High School, but the Blue Devils will be collecting cancer donations. Everyone involved with the team will be wearing pink in honor of Barrett.
On Tuesday morning, Barrett said her the tumor in her breast nearly doubled in size in only two weeks, and things were looking bleak.
But there is hope.
Barrett recently finished radiation and began physical therapy Tuesday.
Juggling work, photography, acting, work as a stunt woman and cancer has been a challenge.
Barrett said she isn’t yet in remission, and she is concerned that active cancer cells could cause more damage at any time.
Like many cancer or tumor patients, Barrett said she was given misinformation from an initial mammogram and had to wait another year before being diagnosed.
By the time someone finally diagnosed breast cancer, it was too late and the mass on her chest was enormous.
“You have to be your own advocate,” Barrett said Tuesday about receiving treatment. “It was 12-by-7-by-5 centimeters and was growing fast.”
Barrett said she will be at Saturday’s game, taking photos of the action as usual.
She will continue to fight, and eventually throw herself in harm’s way as a stunt girl, as soon as she progresses in physical therapy of course.
Devils sting Scorpions
Last Saturday, the Blue Devils were tied at the half against West Allis, 7-7, and the Scorpions went ahead 14-7 in the third quarter.
But Southern Lakes answered immediately as Travis Campbell returned the ensuing kickoff for a touchdown.
Running back Chris Walsh gave the Blue Devils a late lead with his second touchdown early in the fourth quarter.
Southern Lakes tacked on a 43-yard field goal from Chris Horst with 6:57 to take a 24-21 advantage.
When the Blue Devils needed a stop, the stingy defense held, and the offense proceeded to kill the clock and pooch punt to pin the Scorpions deep in their own territory.
Southern Lakes forced a turnover on downs, and a victory formation marked the team’s fifth straight victory, this time over a fellow division leader.
After seven years with the Racine Raiders, arguably the best semi-pro football franchise in the Midwest, Walsh, a quarterback, is finally the man.
“It’s his time to lead his own team, and he’s doing just that,” Hawkins said. “A lot of veterans have rejoined, and a lot of young talent is here. We have a great coaching staff that’s been together for three years.”
“We’re playing as a team in all three phases.”
Southern Lakes improved to a staggering 93-40 over 10 years of semi-pro football.
Walsh was 11 of 30 for 165 yards and rushed seven times for 51 yards.
Burlington native Hunter Melby had nine carries for 61 yards, and two other Blue Devils running backs added 78 yards.
The Blue Devil defense pressured the quarterback all night and registered a few sacks and an interception. In all, the team had four takeaways.
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