The game was a defensive struggle most of the night, remaining at just 3-0 in DeSales' favor until 5:00 left in the third quarter. In my opinion, the final score overstates the difference in the game. We were down inside their 20 at the end of the first half but didn't come away with any points. We also drove down to the DeSales 10 yard line late in the fourth quarter before turning the ball over. Finally, DeSales' third touchdown was on a fourth and one and their QB was pretty obviously pushed over the goal line by their running back (see below as the RB reaches out to do so), which is illegal (although rarely called - see here for Reggie Bush famously pushing Matt Leinart into the end zone in the USC-Notre Dame game from a few years ago). I'm not crying foul. They are an excellent football team and outgained us 339-252. They were the better team Friday night. The score just seems to overstate the difference.
Coach Barre told the players after the game that it will take time for the pain to subdue, but when it does they will look back with pride on an outstanding season: the team was 13-1, won the CHL championship, the Regional championship and set the record for the most wins by a Wyoming High School football team (eclipsing the old mark by 2).
They say that sport builds character. It also reveals it. One of the privileges of being down on the field is being able to see and hear the interactions: players, coaches and referees. In the face of this heartbreaking loss, it was wonderful to see the reaction of the team - through the sadness they reached out to and comforted one another. Those bonds of friendship and camaraderie will remain strong long after the pain of this loss has subsided.
Congratulations to the players and Coach Barre and his staff.
Enquirer article and photo gallery here.
Posts
No comments:
Post a Comment