Unforgetable Cumby Homecoming Game

Text by David Stribling, Jr.

What do you get when you have mud from head to toe, fireworks from a light pole, chilly weather, free hot dogs and campfire before the game, and a “3” point field goal?  The 2009 Cumby Trojans homecoming game against the Fruitvale Bobcats and it will not soon be forgotten. 

The Cumby Trojans defeated the Fruitvale Bobcats 34-8 in their district opener.  At the end of the first quarter the Trojans had managed to lead the Bobcats 6-0.  During the second quarter they picked up steam and finished the second quarter 20-0. 

What appeared to be a blank-out in the making turned into a black-out.  The transformer blew one minute into the third quarter leaving the scoreboard, press box, and one half of the field’s lights out.  Both coaches agreed to continue the game with the two remaining lights on the Bobcats side still aglow. 

The Trojans held the Bobcats 34-0 until the last two minutes of play when Fruitvale’s number 28 “ “ ran the ball in for a touchdown.  The extra 2 was good for a final score of Trojans 34 Bobcats 8. 

Doesn’t seem so unforgettable? Well, let me finish the story that only those that were in attendance would believe and since it was so dark, half of them probably still can’t believe what they saw.  After the Trojans had scored their fourth TD of the game, and their first of two in the second half,  Taylor Gay kicked the field goal and it was good as well as the fact that on the way down it sailed right through the basketball goal on the kids playground area and so everyone cheered a second time and they even blew the air horn for him twice to signify the excitement of the extra basket made. 

Then while kicking the field goal at the other end of the field on the final touchdown, extra point good, the game ball lands in the bed of a pickup truck that was slowly driving by and away went the game ball.  The ref from the sidelines just shook his head and said “Now this is old time football right here.” 

And finally, as if that wasn’t already unforgettable enough, I must  mention the dog that had wandered onto the field and had to be lifted off the field and over the fence by the QB. 

The kids were complaining about cold feet but I couldn’t quite tell if they were talking about the muddy, drenched, socks and shoes or of the fact that they were just minutes away from having to go with their dates to the homecoming dance.  Either way, I bet their feet finally get warmed up a couple songs in and they will all have smiles on their faces just thinking back over the victory and wild events of the night.  That my friends is why Trojan Homecoming 2009 was so unforgettable. 

Vickie, aren't you too old to be the homecoming queen? "But, it's never
to old to make memories!" exclaims Cumby High School Secretary, Vickie!

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