From the Sidelines: White Deer vs McLean

By Bobbie Brown

It was a slobber knocker. Snot flew. Blood was drawn.
 
McLean and White Deer. District foes. They know everything about each other and brought it all to the field in Amarillo for the State Quarterfinal game.
 
I’ve watched these two teams several times this year. It is always a great battle. The Tigers and the Bucks bring everything they’ve got to this match up. You can look into the eyes of every single player and see the steely reserve; the “I’m going to give it absolutely everything I have,” and maybe a little, “You’re going down.” Anyone in the stadium when these two teams meet can feel the intensity radiating from the field as warmups begin.
 
Last night was no different. Both towns turned out in force filling the stands. The cheerleaders yelled, the horns blew, and every eye was focused on the field. It is a great rivalry and the players did not disappoint. Both teams remained scoreless through the first quarter. McLean finally found some footing and proved more than the Bucks could handle. I’ve said it many times and I’ll say it again; the score was not indicative of the great effort on the field. It is always a great experience to watch two teams of this caliber compete.
 
To the White Deer Bucks… you truly gave everything you had. Hold your heads high. You are great competitors! I expect to see you right back in the playoff hunt next year. I have really enjoyed watching you grow as a team this year. Keep up the hard work in the off season and please keep that determination I see in each of you.
 
To the McLean Tigers… you are battle-tested and ready to prove yourselves. You truly play as a cohesive unit. A team always together. I’ve watched you get better and better yet remain humble. Keep your laser focus. You have battles yet to win.
 
The season isn’t over, yet. I am extremely grateful to have covered as many teams as we have this football season. I’ve enjoyed watching every single team. Now there are only two games left until State Champions are crowned. I know I sound like a broken record but go see a game. You will see fierce competitors giving everything they have to play the game they love so much.
 
Until next week, go forward and do GOOD!