Final overtime play rips state title from Hornets

Coach Curtis Jasper and a very disappointed Westran Hornet football team go home with a second place trophy.

The entire Hornet season rested on the final play in overtime as Valle Catholic thought long and hard on whether to kick the ball for the extra point or put it all on the line for two to win it. Their choice, the two-point conversion, showed why they were playing in the state championship. Fail this attempt and the Hornets are the state champs.

It wasn’t meant to be for the Hornets as they did all within their defensive powers to keep Valle from crossing the line. But a last ditch dive gave Westran their first, and most heartbreaking. loss of the season.

There were great plays throughout the game by Hornet players. The blocked field goal is what gave the team new life in overtime. But there were some calls Hornet fans will talk about for a long time, especially that last fateful one.

But even with a loss, Huntsville emphasizes the pride they have for their team. All of Huntsville, it seemed, turned out to cheer on their team. The roar of their voices made their support clear. For those left behind, they were not far from a radio, computer or TV as the game was televised.

A pep assembly was held Tuesday for the team. Students K-12 came. parents came. Residents who hadn’t had children in school for years came. All to support their team. Win or lose.

Rev. Jim Robinson, pastor of Huntsvile United Methodist Church, told the team during that assembly that the only thing anyone could ask of them was to do their best. There was no doubt about that in Friday’s game.

As the team was announced and entered the gym to cries of adulation Tuesday, little children, especially little boys, held out their hands to touch their heroes.

The Hornet team members are still heroes. They have shown how to work hard and to work as a team for a common goal. They have shown sportsmanship, which is bigger than any win. And they have shown the younger Hornets that they have moral values that make them men. No loss will ever take that away.

Hornet Pride is strong within the Swarm.