The Wonders traveled to China Grove to take on our old rival, South Rowan. I realize that it's hard to consider someone a rival, when they rarely win in the series. The Raiders have won only 4 times since I've been following Wonder football in 1978. The game for me has always been one of great emotions since I know more people who went to South than any other local school.
I can remember when my older sister, Sherry, who attended South Rowan in the 70's. The game seemed to always bring out some friendly "arguments" around the house between my Dad, a Kannapolis fan and my sister. I can remember Kannapolis winning the games and Sherry would stay over at her friend's house to get over the loss.
I have been friends or taught students who graduated from South over the years. Chris Williams, Craig Williams, Ritchie Chester, Donnie Canup Jr, Eric Chester, Anthony Frampton, Matt Biggers, Joseph Gainer, Joel Yow, Nathan Wrights, Chris Wingler, and Taylor Beaver to name a few (if I did not list you, I apologize and I can edit this article later).
The game would begin at 7:30, even though it was still in the 90's at game time. I really thought the Raiders pregame ritual was hilarious. Wonders have always enjoyed making fun of South's "Farming" history. Old McDonald was always a popular song the week of the South game when I was in school in the 80's. The band would play the song as we wrapped up many wins over the years. I would have thought if they were going to be led onto the field, that they would follow some type of John Deere Tractor or some other piece of farm equipment. Instead, the Raiders came on the field behind 3 motorcycles. I'm not sure what a motorcycle has to do with South Rowan in 07, but it was interesting.
The Wonders would look better than they did against Central the week before, but they still struggled with crucial mistakes at important times of the game. The Wonders would drive down the field on their second possession, but would miss a field goal. We would score on our next possession, but would miss the extra point but the Wonders would lead 6-0. The offense was better but we were still having trouble putting points on the board.
After a poor punt, the Raiders would have their first possession on the Wonder's side of the field. The Wonders Defense would hold, and South would attempt a 52 yard field goal. The kick was good and he had about 5 yards to spare. I believe that is the longest field goal that I've ever seen in a high school game. The Wonders lead was cut to 6-3. The Wonders defense had dominated the game, and had not allowed a first down all night. The Wonders would drive into South territory down to the 33 yard line. The Wonders decided to go for a 4th and 13 and called a draw play that went no where. South would then capitalize with the momentum, and would drive 67 yards for a touchdown with a few minutes to go in the half. I was shocked to see them drive down the field, since they had not been able to get a first down all night. South would go into halftime with a 10-6 lead.
At the half, I was looking for some free food or drinks. I thought I had 2 great opportunities to score either a drink or food. Chad Lingafelt was there working the game for WRNA (Ford Broadcasting) and I figured that the Raider Booster Club would take care of Raider Radio. I called Chad, but they did not have anything for free. Chad and I decided to check out my second option. Jonathan Martin and the Martin gang were once again on the Chain gang. I know they would have either food or drinks. They did have free drinks, but only enough for the chain gang. I struck out twice, but at least I did not have to watch the bands perform.
The Wonders would come out in the second half and would take the lead but have trouble putting South away. The Wonders would build a 22-17 lead, with two touchdowns and a safety. During the second half, Michael Carter and family came over to the Wonders side and we spent a lot of time socializing, as well as watching the game.
The play of the game came with just under 3 minutes to play. The Wonders were up 22-17 and had a 3rd and 5 for a first down. If the Raiders held, they would get the ball back and a chance to win the game. The fullback, a sophmore, went in motion and he got lost by the Raider defense. He was so wide open that there was not a Raider within 15 yards of him. It had to be the easiest pass in Efird's career at Kannapolis.
You can click on the link below to read the independent tribune article on the game.
Early in the second period, the
Wonders secure 2nd win - Independent Tribune - Concord and Kannapolis
No comments:
Post a Comment