Ever since I moved to Rockdale, everyone has spoken with me about the rivalry between Cameron and Rockdale. My coworkers and residents around town would tell me how big of a deal it was and how much the game meant to both towns.
Because I’m not from around here, I didn’t really understand what all the hype leading up to the “Battle of the Bell,” game was about. Residents told me about the game and assured me that I would enjoy myself even more than usual.
Honestly, I just thought it would be like any other game this season. Besides my TV and Firestick, the games are really the only thing I look forward to for entertainment, so I enjoy each one. Covering high school football over the last few years has given me the opportunity to watch a lot of high school games; therefore, I didn’t expect anything special about this one.
After Friday’s game, I can say that the Rockdale vs. Cameron game was unlike any other high school game that I had experienced.
When arriving in the parking lot, I could sense a different type of energy in the air. The crowd was louder, more cameras and TV stations were present and I was excited to be there.
Unforunately, m y excitement clouded my thinking as I had forgotten to check my camera before leaving home. As I walked toward the entrance, something told me to check it. It was just my luck that the camera battery was dead.
As I stared at the camera in disbelief, I called my coworker to ask if he could grab an extra battery from the office. To my dismay, he told me he was out of town on his mini vacation for the weekend.
I checked the time and had exactly 15 minutes before the game started. I drove to the office, seized another battery and hurried back to the stadium right before the guys ran out of the tunnel. Thank God no police officers were around to give me a speeding ticket.
As the game ensued, I watched the guys come out and play inspired football. The guys imposed their will on Cameron and played with the confidence I had observed earlier in the season.
Defensively, I could not believe what I was witnessing. The team had performed a complete 180-degree turn.
The physical play of the guys showed their true potential. I watched guys like Bruce Mayfield and Ty Mayberry get in the backfield and cause fits for the Cameron quarterback.
I had to ask myself if this was the same team that gave up for 49 points to McGregor just last week. I didn’t know what had gotten into them, but I loved it.
The offense remained on point all night and did not concede to the Yoemen defense. I read some of the guys’ tweets before the game, so I was expecting them to put on a show. The guys answered the call and did what they said they would do.
Another impressive aspect I noticed was the enthusiasm and support that radiated from the Rockdale fan base. Whether it was the announcement of Cam’ron Valdez breaking the touchdown record or Kesean Raven holding up the turnover belt, the crowd showed me what Rockdale Pride is all about.
Seeing the joy on everyone’s faces as the time wound down in the fourth quarter marked was the best part of the game. The Rockdale students taking the bell away from the Cameron side created a scene I’ll always remember. I couldn’t help but smile as I watched the players and coaches embrace each other knowing that they had just pulled off a special win for their community.
Unaware until afterwards, that this group of players had never won the bell before, anyone could see that it meant a lot to them.
The Tigers’ performance showed the whole town what I knew this team was capable of doing on the field. When the guys came together as one and fought for each other, the end result was a victory.
Now, it’s on the team to decide if this is the team they’re going to be for the rest of the season. I understand the Cameron game meant a lot to the community, but the Tigers have to bring that same intensity and that same energy to every remaining game.
The talent on this team is undeniable. It has the potential to go far, but there has to be a level of consistency if the Tigers want to reach their goals. The district still has great competition and tough tests still await the Tigers.
Overall, I was happy to be at the “Battle of the Bell” and to be a part of the community. It just reminds me of how blessed I am to be here doing what I love to do. Moments like what I saw on Friday are the reason why I love football and take pride in being the sports editor. I get joy from covering a great group of players, coaches and fans.
See you all in Caldwell on Friday. Go Tigers!
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