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New turf, old rivalry

Thursday, 28 August 2008

By SARAH CLARK

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There is a new turf for the Hurricane to defend in Wilmington.

The Wilmington High School football team will be playing its home football games at Wilmington College on the facility’s new artificial turf after WCS signed an agreement to install lighting in Williams Stadium.

And what a way to make history than to delve into a rich rivalry from the team’s history — Miami Trace.

“Trace will be a rivalry wherever we play them. This is always a great game for both communities to rekindle some of the old passions of the SCOL (South Central Ohio League),” said WHS head coach Robin Vida. “Both communities have great memories of old games and I think the current kids on both sides feed off of that energy. That turns it a little special. It is really a different type of rivalry in that it is built off of respect.”

The Hurricane players are excited to play on the new field.

“It benefits all who have a chance to play there. First and foremost from a safety standpoint. You have a nice playing surface and that is free from some of the issues that can arise with an uneven and/or muddy field,” said Vida. “Both teams play on it so the advantage you might have, i.e. speed etc., will be there regardless. These newer artificial fields play like a very well maintained grass field.”

Vida knows just what to expect from the Panthers to open home action on Friday.

“Trace will be typical Trace. They will be aggressive on defense and will run the football. They possess some nice lineman and quick backs. The new coach, Coach Barnard, has put his stamp on the team but they still play the type of ball we are accustomed to seeing from them,” said Vida. “We will have to match their physicality and create turnovers. We need to improve in a lot of areas. That is typical of all teams early in the season. One thing for sure is that you won’t stay the same.

“(Last week) I was impressed with the resiliency of our kids and our ability to create plays. We have to continue to play the game fast and produce those kinds of results to have a chance for success. I think everyone is excited to get to play Trace and open the new field. It is a beautiful facility and I think all those who come out on Friday will be impressed. There will be lots of orange and black there. That’s for sure.”