For the American
Warren Central 70, East St. Louis 50. OUCH!!!
Warren Central 70, East St. Louis 50. Need I say more?
East St. Louis out-gained the Warriors in total yardage, but that’s about it as nationally-ranked Warren Central proved to be as good as advertised.
The two-time Indiana State Champions were led by All-American running back Darren Evans and quaterback Dexter Taylor. They led a rushing attack that compiled more than 400 yards during the rout, while combining for seven touchdowns.
It was the first time in Flyers’ history that 70 points were served up on defense. However, it’s been quite some time since Warren Central gave up 50 points in a game. Go figure.
The game was lost not because Darren Sunkett’s team wasn’t prepared or they committed too many penalties. The game was lost when the Flyers ran on the field with 35 varsity players and Warren Central ran on the field with 85 varsity players dressed!
Warren Central’s sophomore team had more than 100 players! The weight-room made me think I was at media day at Rams Park. The campus was beautiful. The facility was first-class with the black & gold field turf. “FIRE!” as the young kids say today. They even had bathrooms on both sides of the field.
Warren Central had an indoor facility similar to the one seen on Friday Night Lights. Ouch! The kids entered the field through a giant replica of the school’s football helmet with smoke clouding the field and Nelly’s song “Hot in Herre” blaring in the night. You get the message.
Warren Central’s football fans should be proud of their great facilities. And anyone who thinks it doesn’t make a difference, think again. Some of the oldtime coaches tell me all the time, “We have always done without.” Winning state championships within the inner city may soon be an afterthought.
Why do some of our kids compete their butts off, do whatever the coaches ask, then step outside after school to no practice field or adequate weight facility?
I’m not making any excuses for the East St. Louis Flyers. On Saturday night, they took a good one. Still, it was a great trip for coach Darren Sunkett’s football team and Ms. Jackie Wright-Howard’s cheerleading teams. They acted like ladies and young men. Taking young people outside their everyday environment is vital.
I wish we would take care of them by providing them with better facilities. I know public school athletic budgets have been slashed like in a Friday the 13th movie, but some of our schools have the alumni who are willing too lend a hand. Many have connections to get some things done.
Oh, I forgot. “Let my leg go, you crab. LET ME OUT THE BUCKET”!!
For the powers that be, if you are reading this, just think about it. It really makes a difference. Just ask the players. Many suffer injuries by just stepping on the practice field. It didn’t matter when you played, it didn’t matter when I played (1981), but it does now!
Scott’s Notes
East St. Louis Class of 1975 purchased new uniforms for the kids. Now that’s what I’m talking about.
By the way Beaumont, don’t think that you are Warren Central. Your whipping is coming tomorrow night. Coach Sunkett’s team is not in a good mood. Flyers 45, Beaumont 14.