Showdown in Swamptown Review

Excitement was in the cold night air and Warrior and Tiger fans alike were ready to rumble.
But that was last Friday when the buzz of the upcoming battle between the fierce rivals was just beginning. By the time the “Showdown” began facebook had been lit up with posts and comments from both sides, some good natured and some not so much. Players and coaches were interviewed by TV stations and written about in newspapers. So much hype for two tiny Winston County schools.

Then Thursday finally came. While the players and coaches were at school attempting to have a normal day, the fans were attempting the same at their jobs. Many had made plans to get off early and attend the pep rallys. WTOK had a special tailgating event at the field after school. The Booster club had to get there early to prepare the food for the concession stands. All this fuss for a 1A football game.

But Winston Countians know this is not just a 1A football game. Its a battle for bragging rights. Its a memory that the senior players will live with forever, either a good one for a win or a haunting memory of a loss. This year it was also for the championship of the region and to be the #1 seed in the south half playoffs. Not to mention the trophy that is handed to the winner each year.

Thursday afternoon, as the kids were getting out of school, the tailgating began and fans started to arrive. By 6 pm the parking areas were reaching capacity and fans from both sides were flooding the bleachers, sidelines and endzones. There was definitely an unmistakable intensity in the air and the clock seemed to get really slow leading up to the kickoff. Old enemies/friends from both sides greeted each other and traded jabs about the game before heading off to their respective sides.

But at 7 o'clock the crowd of approximately 2000 people roared as the ref blew the whistle and the Tigers kicked off to the Warriors. It was time for the fans to let the players fight for their own destiny while they sat back and cheered them on. One play later the Warriors were in the endzone with a 7-0 lead. The Warrior crowd went wild to say the least. However, after the Warriors kicked off, the Tigers scored on their first play as well. What a way to start this game!!!! I have to admit that it was odd hearing that many people cheering on the visitor side of Warrior field. The remainder of the first half was an all out throwdown with Noxapater leading at the half. The second half started terribly for the Warriors as the Tigers returned the kickoff for a touchdown and it only got worse from there.

In the end, the Tigers and their fans stormed the field and rejoiced in their victory. They had won the Showdown, the trophy and the region championship. As they celebrated the Warriors and their fans held their heads high and congratulated the winners and wished them luck in the playoffs. On Friday all was quiet on the east side of the swamp and I'm sure the west side was still excited. But in the back of everyone's mind is the possibility that both teams may make it through the playoffs to face each other again in another Showdown in Swamptown or Throwdown in Patertown.

Good luck Warriors, Tigers, Wildcats and Patriots!!

Jerry Hemphill