THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1996, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Sunday, February 4, 1996 TAG: 9602010158
SECTION: CAROLINA COAST PAGE: 14 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: Jeff Zeigler
LENGTH: Medium: 55 lines
Two sporting events I witnessed last weekend were about as contrasting as can be.
On Friday night, I saw the Manteo boys basketball team knock off Southeast Halifax. On Sunday, I watched the Dallas Cowboys dump the Pittsburgh Steelers in the Money - uh, Super - Bowl. My attention was the only thing those games had in common.
On Friday, I sat on the edge of my seat as two of the best 2A schools in the eastern part of the state played hard-nosed basketball. My heart even pounded in the fourth quarter when the game got close.
On Sunday, I laid on my bed, halfheartedly rooted for the Steelers, bashed the Cowboys at every chance, and stuffed my face with fajitas. During the ``Baked Lay's'' pre-game show, and again during that wondrous halftime extravaganza, I tuned in to the Andy Griffith Show marathon.
On Friday, I didn't see anybody showboat or get too cocky when things were going well. Both teams played hard, and neither got too emotional. They both knew they have to face each other again this season, perhaps for the conference title.
On Sunday, I had to turn the game off after Neil O'Donnell threw his final interception. I couldn't stand watching Deion Sanders, Jerry Jones and the rest of ``America's Team'' gloat over their victory.
On Friday, I watched the Manteo cheerleaders during timeouts.
On Sunday, I watched $80 million worth of commercials during frequent ``TV timeouts.'' I wondered why Coca-Cola, Pepsi or McDonald's even needed to waste all that money, since most people will continue to buy their products anyway.
On Friday, the cost of a ticket, a hot dog and a soda was $5.
On Sunday, the cost of the Super Bowl program was $12. Forget tickets.
On Friday, there was probably no money wagered on the game.
On Sunday, some people undoubtedly lost their shirts when the Steelers beat the point spread.
On Friday, Southeast Halifax took the bus to the game.
During Super Bowl week, Sanders and Michael Irvin took limousines from Texas to Arizona.
On Friday, the players played for the love of the game and maybe a chance at a college scholarship.
On Sunday, the players played for a winning share of $42,000, more than most people around here make in an entire year. They also played for the right to do more endorsements next season.
You can bet your bottom dollar. MEMO: Jeff Zeigler covers sports for The Carolina Coast. Send comments and
questions to him at P.O. Box 10, Nags Head, N.C. 27959.
by CNB