Was that the sound of a crying newborn varsity football program leaving the womb on its first night on earth? No, it was the sounds of an angry three-year-old throwing a tantrum and destroying everything in its path.
The Northeastern football program made a sound decision in taking the gradual approach to football, starting with a freshman team and then a junior varsity squad before adding a team at the varsity level in the third season. Coach Brendan Brown (above) was with them the entire way through. On Friday night, the Bobcats were able to celebrate triumphantly after its first varsity game in school history for which the Northeastern players had been preparing over the last three years.
It meant an electric atmosphere in the stands and a positive enough experience to draw fans back for more.
Nobody was as big a winner as Northeastern in Week 1, but there were a few other teams that should feel encouraged by their strong performances to open the season.
There's Dallastown, which jumped out to a commanding 26-7 lead against Suburban, asserting itself in its first game of the season and looking like the sustained success story it is striving to become. There's South Western, which manhandled Gettysburg and made a strong statement that they are ready to contend for the Division I title again. There's William Penn, which scored seven touchdowns in the first half against Reading with what might be the league's most explosive offense. There's Littlestown, which embarrassed Dover on the Division I squad's home field and let every Division II team know the Bolts are for real.
And then there's West York. The Bulldogs delivered pure domination at Central York Friday night, holding a talented group of Panthers to only 30 yards of total offense and keeping the Panthers out of the end zone the entire night while scoring four touchdowns on their own. Brandon Real is better than ever and after a performance like that, I can't think of any reason why the Bulldogs can't win contend for the District 3 Class AAA title.
Eastern York made some history of their own and Delone Catholic started its District 3 Class AA title defense right, while Susquehannock and Red Lion suffered decisive losses to area powers.
Week 2 clearly has a tough act to follow.
From where I'm sitting, Dallastown looks like the place to be this Friday, with West York paying a visit. The Wildcats are big and experienced and the Bulldogs are fast and, well, also experienced. There likely won't be any historic moments, but there should be some impressive football on display. It's a compromise I'm willing to accept.
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