Dalton Kilmer selected to play in the Earl Barden Classic

The Earl Barden Classic all-star football game returns this summer after two years off due to the pandemic. Joining the Westside team this year will be Forks Spartan Dalton Kilmer.

Dalton is a multi-sport athlete at Forks High school but Coach Trevor Highfield explained that being selected to play in the game is not just about athletic talent.

“Coaches nominate players that then go into a pool; for the team selections they are looking for senior athletes with great character as well as good academic history,” Highfield said.

“Dalton is going to have a great time, this is an awesome opportunity for him; the All-Star Game also helps with the development of the person he is becoming, and I have watched him grow.”

Coach Highfield said he couldn’t think of a better person to be representing the Spartans, “I am so proud of him.”

Dalton said he is really excited.

Dalton will spend the week prior to the game practicing with the West Team. Coach Highfield said Dalton’s playing talents will most likely be used on the offensive side.

The head coaches for the 2022 Earl Barden Classic will be Wiley Allred of Royal for the East and Jeff Weible of North Kitsap for the West.

A 1979 graduate of Royal, Wiley Allred took over the Royal Knight football program in 1999 and has overseen one of the most dominant small-school programs in the state. Assisting Allred for the East will be: Jeremy Scroggins of Royal, Wayne Riner of Connell, and Aaron Cochran of Goldendale.

Jeff Weible is one of the most successful coaches in 2A football. He has led the North Kitsap (Poulsbo) Vikings to league titles as head coach in both football and baseball. Assisting Weible for the West will be: Dave Snyder and Chris Richardson of North Kitsap along with Mike Christensen of Toledo.

This game was started to address small school football players across the state of Washington being overlooked when it came to all-star game honors. This event gives players from the 2A level on down a chance to experience the brotherhood learned from spending a week together highlighted by a Saturday football game.

The West vs. East game showcases seniors from Class 2A, 1A and 2B schools. The game is set for Saturday, June 25 at 1 p.m. Earl Barden was a Yakima businessman who was key in starting the game. The 2022 All-Star game will be held at Earl Barden Field, East Valley High School, 1900 Beaudry Rd, Yakima, WA.

Dalton does have some obligations to meet as he prepares for the big game. Namely fundraising … Watch for more information on how the community can help him reach his goals and support him and his family.