Dear Editor,
When was the last time you were at a high school football game where the crowd was so large and so loud the linemen had difficulty hearing the play calls and the stands overflowed and people lined the sidelines from goal line to goal line? For me, it might be Central-North at old North High field in Binghamton in the mid 60’s or maybe Vestal – U.E. about the same time period, or Ithaca – U.E. back when both were powerhouses in the late 60’s. Even then I don’t recall crowd noise reaching these levels, but it was a long time ago.
It takes something really special to generate the kind of energy on display at Haggerty Field in Tioga Center last Friday night. We had that.
It was Homecoming and recognition of coach James Haggerty’s long and storied career as Tioga Central’s football and track coach. As the most winning coach in Section IV history when he retired, coach Haggerty literally built Tioga’s outstanding football program from the ground up.
All those involved in the planning, and organizing the event and working in the hospitality tent are to be congratulated for a job well done. Coach Haggerty would have loved the opportunity to meet and greet the many men who turned out to pay their respects to the coach they had the privilege to play for. I believe coach Haggerty’s family was pleased with the tribute paid to him by those who have the highest regard for him and everything he stood for.
When the Tigers of Tioga play the Cardinals of Newark Valley (N.V.) anytime it’s special, and when both are undefeated at 3-0 and state ranked (Tioga #1 in class “D” and N.V. #10 in class “C”) you get what we got last Friday night, a rare treat for high school football fans.
The chance to see the all time leading rusher in Section IV, the Tigers Jesse Manuel add to his current record, with 232 yards, and 1 score, giving him a career high of 92 touchdowns and 6,561 rushing yards. Fellow senior backfield mate, Adam Zwierlein added 140 yards and 3 touchdowns for Tioga. Senior place kicker, Tanner Folk, was perfect on a 27-yard field goal and added a P.A.T. as well.
On the other side, Quarterback Nick Schermerhorn had a stellar outing, running for 156 yards and 3 scores, while throwing for 52 yards and a touchdown. Junior running back, David Crow caught a 64-yard touchdown pass from another junior, Brett Stewart. Senior place kicker Conner Coleman was a perfect 5 for 5 on P.A.T. kicks. Both he and Tioga’s Tanner Folk were excellent in their kick off duties.
Tioga got off to a 21-0 lead, however, N.V. fought back, and after both teams traded scores it was 29-14 at half time. Jesse Manuel and Molly Bowen, both outstanding athletes, were crowned Homecoming King and Queen. Tioga fans cheered and applauded all the contestants and after a lengthy photo session, with family and friends, it was time for four of the boys to get back on the field.
The second half was as exciting as the first; only the momentum had shifted during half time as adjustments were made. Tioga received the kickoff, but after a first down the drive stalled and Folk punted to the N.V. 33. On the first play from scrimmage, Quarterback Schermerhorn on a keeper broke tackles and ran 67 yards for a touchdown to pull within 8 points, 29-21.
Tioga countered with a 14 play drive, but had to settle for the 27 yard Tanner Folk F.G. making the score 32-21 Tioga. On the ensuing kickoff, Folk put down one of his patented onside kicks and Tiger fans erupted into frenzy when the official ruled Tioga had recovered the kick as they have so often in the past.
However, another official, on the far side of the field, objected to the call and after a brief discussion the ball was awarded to N.V. With the ball just shy of midfield and having just lost possession of a kick they thought they had recovered, Tioga struggled to regain composure, with out success, and five plays later on a Quarterback keeper, Schermerhorn scored from 10 yards out to pull within 28-32.
With 9:01 to go there was plenty of time left, but Coleman’s “turbo charged” squib kick proved difficult to return and the Tigers took over first and ten at their own 25. Manuel picked up 5 yards and on second down the ball came loose in the backfield and the Cardinals recovered at the Tiger 27-yard line. Three plays netted but 6 yards; however, on 4th and 4 the Tigers were flagged for jumping off sides. Automatic first down, on the Tioga 16-yard line. Three plays lost, 1 yard and on 4th and 11, Quarterback Schermerhorn hit Chad Wright for the touchdown. Conner Coleman kicked the extra point and the Cardinals led 35-32.
Jesse Manuel covered Coleman’s final kickoff, another hard to handle squib, at the Tioga 4-yard line. First and 10 with 3:59 left to go.
With the game on the line the Tigers settled down and put together a 15-play drive to the N.V. 33, overcoming a 15-yard holding penalty in the process. Still 3-yards short of a 48-yard F.G. attempt, Tioga used their last time out with 14 seconds on the clock.
With all the noise of the crowd it was hard to hear or think high up in the bleachers where we sat. I cannot imagine on the field. To me the final seconds were a blur immersed in an incredible sea of crowd noise. The last two plays, a run and an incomplete pass gained 1-yard, and with 4 seconds left on the clock the game was over.
The contrast between victory and defeat is very clear, even if the margin of victory is very small.
The jubilation of Cardinal players and fans following their win was a testimony of how badly they wanted and needed to beat Tioga, in order to gain the respect for their program they feel they deserve. We know all about that. The only way for schools in outlying districts to get more than minimal coverage is to win frequently, and convincingly and then beat the really good programs when the opportunity arises.
All was not gloom and doom on our side of the field. It was a wake up call for me and hopefully for others as well. We got beat by a very good team in a rivalry game of the very best kind. The only comments I heard from Tioga fans following the game were, “great game,” and it was.
No “sour grapes” or excuses either. Was it a perfectly played or officiated game? No, it wasn’t. Were there controversial calls and questionable decisions made? Yes, there were. There were also two very good football teams who played their hearts out in front of an overflow crowd on a night filled with precious memories and charged with emotion.
If you missed it, to bad for you.
Sincerely,
Doug Graves
Tioga Center, N.Y.
