Restore the roar: Chasing a championship

The Benton Harbor Football High School football team is gaining national attention for their wins on the football field. However, it’s their win off the field that’s inspiring an entire nation.

The team is inspired from a coach who came out of retirement to help a team that hasn’t had a winning season since 1989. Coach Elliot Uzelac has been coaching for more than 50 years. He’s coached everything from high school football, to college, and even the NFL.

Last Friday, the team beat Dowagiac High School to win its first playoff game in school history. Friday night, the team hopes to win another playoff game against undefeated Zeeland West.

For the community of Benton Harbor, this game goes beyond win or lose. It’s about a change in culture that community members and school administrators are embracing.

Everyone is working together to improve the lives of young adults in Benton Harbor, through school, athletics, and life lessons.

In this story, football serves as a catalyst for change in Benton Harbor.

Watch part one above and parts 2, 3 and 4 below.