THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1994, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Friday, September 16, 1994 TAG: 9409150164
SECTION: VIRGINIA BEACH BEACON PAGE: 22 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: LEE TOLLIVER
LENGTH: Short : 50 lines
Last week, The Virginian-Pilot and The Ledger-Star ran a collection of memories from several of its writers - recalling some of their favorite football games.
Through the course of 18 years of covering high school football, I've seen many such games - too many, in fact, to recall them all.
The game I chose to recall was one back in 1991 between Bayside and First Colonial.
So it was rather ironic that I was assigned to cover the Marlins and Patriots last Friday night.
After the Marlins had edged out a 20-17 overtime victory, Bayside coach Bill King reminded his players about the piece in the paper.
``You guys remember reading in the paper about those great games,'' he asked. ``Remember how it said that one of those games could happen tonight? Well, it just did.''
I couldn't have said it any better myself, Bill.
Your victory last Friday did, indeed, come in a great high school football game.
The Marlins jumped out to a quick 14-0 lead utilizing their speed.
And in typical fashion, the Patriots battled back and eventually tied the game in the fourth quarter.
In overtime - which always makes for excitement - First Colonial went first and could only muster three points on a 20-yard field goal by Jesse Harris.
On third down of its ensuing possession, Bayside managed to punch the ball in - with Jermerll Ford skirting around right end from two yards out - for the victory.
Marlins stadium went nuts on one side and into shock on the other.
Overtime is such a great way to win and such a tough way to lose.
In the contest - the first of the season for both squads - each team learned something.
For First Colonial, the lesson was that the Patriots still have a few things to work out before they become the team many predicted they would be this season.
For Bayside, the lesson was that the Marlins are going to be better than anticipated.
And for everyone in attendance, the feeling heading toward the parking lot was clear for both sides - a great high school football game had just been witnessed. by CNB