burgboyww

Fantastic write up! I've always enjoyed the info you publish sir! WW has a good shot at number 5 tonight, but Perry is always a tough opponent, physically and mentally and they are super well coached by a very experienced staff. Linton has been a brick wall for a lot of programs, Perry and WW for sure and a lot others too, just a well oiled machine for the past century. Much respect for the Miners. WW has been fortunate to have a fair share of success since the inception in 1964, 1st Undefeated season in 1976 (10-0), they were not chosen for the playoffs, something I still hear about to this day lol. 1st PLAC Title in 1984, there are some local coaches that were on that team, just a really smart football group. There were some other decent teams during Art Sanders 30 year career, but also some really rough times. Before Coach Todd Pritchett became the head coach in 1990 or 1991 there was talk about shutting the whole thing down, fortunately for myself and a ton of other future Senator Football members that coaching staff & players persevered and established a new bar for every team after. In 1993 the Senators rode multiple multi-year starters and the T-Tight offense to a birth in the State Finals, eventually falling to Fall of Fame coach Bob Bridge and North Miami, 37-16. The following year in 1994, the Senators found success with another Final 4 run and once again losing to a different Hall of Fame coach, Sheridan's Larry 'Bud' Wright. This, to all those teams that followed (Steve Wray - 1 year, Jerry Bland - 1 year, Troy Pritchett - 4 years, Darrin Farris - 6 years, Phillip Bowsman - 13 years and counting) it established a new era of Senator Football and a belief that if it had been done once before, it can be done again. Even a belief that the success of the 1993 team could be surpassed and that a WW team could bring home a Blue Ring. Really since 1993 it's been about build, build, build. Sure there have been some down years, average years, championship losses (those sting the worst, like 2004 @ Linton), but the program continued to move forward, get better and push towards that ultimate goal. While maintaining a certain 'brotherhood' that can be found in small town football. There is a tradition and pride that connects those that have donned the Red, White and Blue (and now Silver, I guess a shade of White? lol) over the years. It is a fun thing to be a part of, and unique to the 'burg boys and girls of yesteryear, present and future. The feeling of community is not unique to just the 'burgs that make up WW tho, there are so many around the state of Indiana that have that feeling about their teams and Friday Nights, it's one of the things that makes this game so special. I hope tonight those communities that are fortunate to still be watching football (and even those that aren't, but maybe have a school close to theirs) go out, brave the cold (fingers crossed no bad wind, rain, etc.) and support these young men that have worked their tails off to reach a point in the postseason were they can capture a title. Yes, Livestream in a warm living room with an adult beverage of your choice would be and is nice, but seeing your team capture a Title, feeling the emotions, etc. is something that can only be done in person (your eye still has the best HD quality there is lol). On the flip side, if they don't win then they at least are appreciative that so many came to support and know that their community and surrounding communities are proud of them, that is important to these young men. It's the Sweet 16!! Many hours til kickoff, but I'm a little fired up! Go WW!!