The 1974 Milford High School football team holds a special place in the town’s history as the only undefeated team ever. Though the Henlopen Champions fell to eventual State Champions Saint Marks in the semi-finals of the State Tournament, their legacy lives on. This year, one of the key members of that historic team, David Helsdon, is being honored with induction into the Hall of Fame.
David Helsdon, who starred as a defensive end, was a captain and driving force behind the undersized Buccaneers’ stellar season. Known for their speed and tenacity, the team’s defense more than made up for their lack of size. “We probably averaged about 170 pounds up front, but we more than compensated for it with speed and hitting. We really liked to hit people, and that was the greatest strength of our team, next to our execution,” Helsdon reflected.
A three-year letterman, Helsdon was named Honorable Mention All-Henlopen as a sophomore and went on to earn First Team selections in his junior and senior years. Even more impressive was his First Team All-State recognition in both those years. “It was really great to be recognized, but it was more important to be a part of the team. That team was special, and just being a part of it was truly an honor,” Helsdon said.
On being named to the Hall of Fame, Helsdon expressed deep gratitude. “I am humbled, truly humbled by this honor. Being part of Milford football was always special, but to be remembered so many years later is very special. I will always be a Buc and love Milford. To be honored this way is something that is very special,” he shared.
When asked about the unique bond of the 1974 team, Helsdon was quick to respond, “We had 21 seniors on that team; we knew each other all our lives. We started playing ball in Pop Warner and played all the way through high school. That is something that is very special, something you can’t really apply words to. Plus, we had great coaching. Moe Brooks was my coach in middle school and joined the coaching staff the same time I went to high school. He had a very big impact on my life.”
Reflecting on his memories of Milford, Helsdon emphasized the strong sense of community. “It was great, the whole town was behind us. Everyone knew each other and cared about each other. As kids, we were always doing something, we had pick-up games all the time and just had a great time together. It was a very special time for us,” Helsdon stated.
In addition to football, Helsdon dabbled in baseball and basketball but focused primarily on football, especially during his senior year when he took on a part-time job. He continued to play semi-pro ball for the Dover Bears for seven years and slow pitch softball for 13 seasons, earning seven State titles.
Currently, Helsdon is a superintendent for Richard Y. Johnson, playing a significant role in rebuilding the Briggs stadium press box and working on reconstructing the Milford ship at the stadium. He also owns “The Cabinet Shop Inc,” specializing in kitchen remodeling.
Helsdon resides in Lincoln with his wife, Barbara. They have three children: Brian, Todd, and Jimmy.
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