The season opener for West Laurens came at home verses a ranked opponent from the "AA" classification; #10 ranked Vidalia. This opening game of the season turned out to be just what you might expect. There were butterflies that equaled penalties, BIG hits, and special team mis-cues. What we got that you wouldn't have probably banked on was the overtime.
With the clear cool air of night came the lights and energy of Horseshoe stadium in Dexter. Opening night was finally here. A worthy opponent in Vidalia, this game was expected to be interesting and it certainly lived up to its billing. The sometimes referred to "hidden" part of the game turned out to be what would determine this nights outcome. First though, lets recap the rest of the game with broad strokes. Both offenses came out and sputtered a bit as you might expect. There were some game speed errors that were made, a couple of turnovers that three weeks later you'd hope never to see, and two defenses that were ready to hit someone else for a change. West Laurens however would also experience an injury and a late game ejection.
The high intensity football delighted fans from both sides of the stadium, the ups and downs...emotionally draining. All summer long the coaches preach the little things, on this night all those little things were magnified. The bands played loud and proud, the fans glistened in the last of summers' sweat. They cheered and yelled in full throat as the game dwindled down through four quarters to a 14-14 tie at the end of regulation.
The coaches had drawn conclusions that on this night though there would be no tie. The rules clearly state that in non-region play the teams must decide to play overtime and both coaches had chosen to have a fate seperate from the other on this opening night.
Special teams. The "hidden", sometimes overlooked element of the game would find it's way into the spotlight on this night. Early in the night after using the punting game to thier advantage, West Laurens would have thier hands firmly on the throat of their Indian opponent. After pinning Vidalia back inside thier own ten yard line, the defense of the RAIDER NATION had a loss and a gain on the very same play. Great defensive pressure would cause a turnover that in seconds gave the Raiders the ball and took away a starting junior defensive lineman. Penalties later, the Raiders would miss a chip shot field goal.
The teams exchanged blocked punts, and later the Indians would again circle their special teams' wagons with a blocked fieldgoal.
Back to the overtime. The Raiders would win the extra period coin-toss and elect to put a formidable but emotionally drained defense on the field first. Vidalia scores. 21-14 Indians lead. West Laurens would have thier shot now and it would be simple. Match the Indians or lose. First down, short gain. Second down, a pass to the back corner of the end zone slips through the hands of one of the Raiders' best, incomplete. Third down, the Indians bring pressure and the Raiders sophomore QB takes the "you can't take a sack here" sack. Now game one is down to this. Fourth and eighteen. The Raider Nation, on it's feet...the Indians faithful on the edge of thier seats...the snap, the pass, the first down if it's completed throw...the referee runs in and motions...incomplete. Jubilation and disappointment. Heavy, wet, and tired. Cool, elated, victorious. Two different reactions to one incomplete pass.
Maybe that night was about more than special teams, or maybe it was all about two special teams. Well see. One things for sure, it was a special opening night of football that two teams will not soon forget.
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