Sometimes you go long but still come up short. Such was the case Saturday for the West Rowan High Falcons as the football team went for a fourth consecutive state championship. A team that had been dominant in so many games over the past four seasons ran into a trophy-hungry Havelock squad that won 38-6.
It was a disappointing day for the Falcons and legions of local fans. But as many a player and fan noted, this has been an extraordinary run. Even in a county that has grown accustomed to its high schools grabbing championships in football, basketball, track and other sports, the Falconsí three-peat performance and chance for a fourth title was something extraordinary. Decades from now, local sports fans will still be talking about these players, these coaches and their accomplishments.
Eventually, every great run has to end, every sports dynasty meets its match. As tough as this loss was, Westís players and coaches accepted defeat with sportsmanship and grace. There were no excuses, no whiny what-ifs ó just acknowledgment that Havelock was the superior team on the day it counted. These Falcons havenít had much experience at losing ó but they went out like champs, too.