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| Tyrone cheerleaders show their school spirit | Tyrone fans pick their seats before the game begins |
The local high school football season officially started last evening with the 71st meeting between the Bellwood-Antis Blue Devils and the Tyrone Golden Eagles. Residents from both towns had been eagerly anticipating the annual ‘Backyard Brawl’ held at a packed Bellwood Memorial Stadium. The Golden Eagles prevailed 19-0, despite a respectable effort from the Blue Devils.
The football coaches and players from both squads put in countless hours of hard work and dedication to make every season as productive and successful as possible. Last night’s game was a great example of that drive and determination from those young men from each community.
But win or lose, what also makes a memorable football season for Bellwood and Tyrone is the loyal and dedicated fans, cheerleaders and band members who attend every game, at home or away, and generate the tremendous team spirit that lifts the players to strive for excellence.
Thousands of Bellwood-Antis and Tyrone fans filled the stadium last evening to cheer on their favorite team. Both Bellwood-Antis and Tyrone High School bands and majorettes performed for the crowd, and both cheerleading squads helped boost the morale of the teams and fans.
This year the Golden Eagles took bragging rights, along with the ‘Backyard Brawl’ trophy, which was awarded to the Tyrone players after the game. It is a trophy that has a B-A and Tyrone helmet mounted on a surface with a plaque area to engrave the year’s winner on it. Tyrone will have the trophy until next year’s brawl.
The great thing about a rivalry game such as last night’s contest is that the Bellwood-Antis Blue Devils will always have a chance to win next year, and Tyrone will be ready to throw on the pads and helmets and fend them off.
One thing is guaranteed, both Bellwood-Antis and Tyrone fans, band members and cheerleaders alike will be there next year to support their teams, and that is one of the aspects that makes the ‘Backyard Brawl’ worthwhile and memorable.
