A few Saturdays ago, Sam and I found ourselves smack-dab in the middle of the “Greenies,” facing the powerful South Panola Tigers. At first I thought we might stand out amid the 7,500 fans. I had worn my only green T-shirt, only to find out that everyone else”s T-shirt was a different shade of green. I settled down when a dyed-in-the-wool fan stated, “Green is green.”
Sam has been talking about the incredible winning record of South Panola”s football team. I suggested that any time they played near to us we should go. So we slipped out of the house, down Old West Point Road, through Tibbee and headed for West Point High School, home of the Green Wave.
Not far down Churchill Road we were directed to the old Bryan plant for parking. The parking attendant directed us to park right up front. “Rock star” parking. We were ushered into brand new air-conditioned school buses that would shuttle us to the game. The school activity couldn”t have been more organized if it had been Six Flags over West Point. (Looks like the city of West Point has a stellar ability to organize large events.)
The excitement was palpable as throngs of people headed to the game. Sam asked, “I wonder if we”ll be able to even get tickets?” We did.
The bus driver stopped: “All South Panola fans get off here.” A third of the occupants stood up.
Someone said, “We got enemies on the bus!” Good-natured laughing broke out.
Bands were lining up with band members blowing horns, tooting flutes and bonging drums. Excitement mounted.
Inside Hamlin Stadium we scanned the bleachers looking for seats. Prospects looked bleak ”til we spotted some right in the middle and scurried over knees to find our places. There were three little children around us, and I couldn”t help but think how good 2-year-olds are at outdoor sporting events.
I gazed over the crowd and the facility. We exchanged pleasantries with our neighbors; then I saw a series of signs, “No standing at any time.”
Tugging at Sam, “We can”t stand up? What if I get excited?”
Sam said the sign meant no standing in the walkways; I thought the wording lacked clarity and found myself hesitating each time the action brought me to my feet.
The Greenies made some pretty exciting plays not indicated by the final score. The first touchdown tying the game brought everyone to their feet, with me even climbing on the seat in front of me and beating on a total stranger”s shoulder. I was somewhat embarrassed about my exuberance later.
The game and the hoopla ended but not the excitement. Leaving the game was a tangle of traffic, and the brakes locked up on our brand new bus — so Greenies and Tigers alike walked back to the parking lot. A great night in the Prairie.
The Dispatch Editorial Board is made up of publisher Peter Imes, columnist Slim Smith, managing editor Zack Plair and senior newsroom staff.
You can help your community
Quality, in-depth journalism is essential to a healthy community. The Dispatch brings you the most complete reporting and insightful commentary in the Golden Triangle, but we need your help to continue our efforts. In the past week, our reporters have posted 41 articles to cdispatch.com. Please consider subscribing to our website for only $2.30 per week to help support local journalism and our community.