Bruce and Vardaman slug it out on the field

First year head coach Justin Hollis knew. In fact, he probably could have placed a hefty wager on what his Vardaman Rams would encounter before the opening kickoff against Bruce. A running attack like his troops had never seen. While we knew the Trojans would put an offensive juggernaut on the field, we didn’t know the Rams would counter with an outstanding offensive gameplan of its own. Credit Hollis with inserting quarterback Gene Ruth as the number one signal caller. Credit Hollis for using a multiple offensive attack to keep the Trojan defense off guard. Many said the Vardaman administration was taking a chance on hiring Hollis due to lack of head coaching experience. Apparently, the administration knew something they didn’t. If the remainder of the season is indicative of Thursday night, foes of the Rams should be aware of the prowess the team possesses and Hollis harvesting traits as if he were a crafty veteran of the sport.

As the final horn blew at Trojan Field this past Thursday night, the scoreboard read 27-16 with the home Trojans the victors over the visiting Vardaman Rams. What was missing were the underlying superlatives by each team. The scoreboard failed to mention Ram quarterback Gene Ruth, excelling time and time again. Trojan running back Richard Freelon, slicing and dicing all night long. Ram Xavier Humphries and Trojan Curtis Lyons leaving it all on the field. Like I said, the scoreboard doesn’t tell the story at all.
County rivalries are what make high school football special. Which is more of the reason, Bruce and Calhoun City should line up and play again. At this point, that is not happening any time soon. What happened this past week was special. The score is not indicative of a very close game, only to see the Trojans run away with it behind Freelon and Lyons, who amassed over 200 rushing yards each.

The game pitted teams within its own county. Many times, it gives people an outlet of entertainment for a few hours each week. Contrary to what people realize, competing in high school athletics is a privilege not a right. Many of the coaches on the sideline are volunteers. For the one’s that are compensated, many receive a supplement of only a few hundred bucks a year. To say they do it for the money is foolish. As a coaches son, I understand the love of the game from my father. Fittingly, nothing is more important than winning. Ultimately, it’s the life lessons along the way that we remember.

As Justin Hollis and BHS head coach James Ray relished the chance of becoming a head coach in Mississippi, they did what so many of us should do when we receive an opportunity; meet our objective head on and do our best. With Hollis, his successful journey has just begun.