L’Observateur / December 6, 2000

On Friday evening, Riverside Academy faces off against Ouachita Christian for the Class 2A football title. Kickoff is at 5 p.m. in the LouisianaSuperdome.

Out of eight high schools in the River Parishes, seven of them fielded football teams which made it to the state playoffs. That’s quite an accomplishmentfor one, comparitively small geographic area. Every school, every team andevery player and coach on those teams deserve respect and admiration for its accomplishment, no matter how far along the playoff trail they made it.

It’s still much more than most high school teams, and they made it that far, thanks to grit, sacrifice and hard work. None of it is easy.To get down to it, the playoffs make it appear that one team is “better” than the next. However, that isn’t quite true. Instead, it’s how well these teamssucceeded or failed, week by week, through a series of opponents. There areinjuries to vital players to consider, how well the officiating was done at each game and everything from field conditions to the personal lives of the athletes themselves.

What come out on top are those teams that overcome adversity of all types, to come together, work for a common goal and succeed in that goal. Forthat, in our eyes, each team in the River Parishes is a champion.

Friday, Riverside can earn the official honor as well. We urge our readers tobuy their tickets early, attend the game and cheer on Riverside to a championship title.

They’ve earned it.

L’Observateur

Copyright © #Thisyear# Wick Communications, Inc.Best viewed with 4.0 or higher