Bands, food, game-day atmosphere part of prep football
By Andrew Stevens
Published in Sports on October 26, 2012 1:48 PM
As Ed Harris' character Coach Herman Jones said in the movie Radio, "I love Friday night when you are looking for a win and Saturday morning when you found one."
There is something about the glow of stadium lights on Friday night and the chill in the air as summer gives way to fall. It is the unmistakable sound of a marching band providing the soundtrack for gridiron battles and the tempting aroma of the concession stand.
Add it all together with a capacity crowd fully engaged in the on-field action and the result is a perfect night of high school football.
The News-Argus sports department would like to recognize those who make their respective schools shine on Friday nights. The following are the third annual News-Argus football awards:
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Best band
Eastern Wayne
For the third consecutive year the Warriors claim the award as the area's top marching band. Under the direction of Tyrone Wagner, Eastern Wayne's band puts on a dynamite halftime show. The marching Warriors make a visit to Little Big Horn a must.
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Best press box
North Duplin
The press box at H.E. Grubbs Field in Calypso provides a great view of all the action and finding an empty seat is never a problem. A friendly greeting and offer to bring you whatever your appetite is in the mood for from the concession stand can be expected. Honorable mention: Rosewood, Princeton.
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Best concession stand
Eastern Wayne
The move to combo trays similar to those found at Cook-Out make ordering a tasty meal at Little Big Horn fast and easy. With a menu that features chicken sandwiches, hot dogs, french fries, nachos, candy, cold drinks and much more, there is something in New Hope for everyone. Honorable mention: C.B. Aycock, Princeton.
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Best dressed
Rosewood
The Eagles' always look sharp in their LSU-style uniforms, particularly in their white jerseys they wear on the road. The purple and yellow shoulder stripes, yellow pants and yellow helmets with "RHS" painted in purple on the side make for a classic look. Honorable mention: Goldsboro's all-white road uniforms.
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Best atmosphere
James Kenan
Bill Taylor Field in Warsaw repeats as the winner for best gameday atmosphere with its boisterous fans, abundance of good seats, rocking pre-game music and top-notch public address announcer. Having a state-ranked and undefeated team to cheer on doesn't hurt either.
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Best game
North Duplin
at Rosewood
These two Carolina 1-A Conference rivals staged an instant classic on Oct. 19 at Branch Pope Field. The Eagles rallied from a 14-0 deficit and tied the game at 27-27 by halftime. Rosewood's defense stood tall on a critical fourth-and-five from its own 5-yard line late in regulation. Rebels' quarterback Tyler Royal raced to the corner of the end zone on the final play of overtime as North Duplin escaped with a 42-41 victory.