High School Friday Night: Ware Shoals wins 5th straight region title

You know a program expects more when after winning a conference title, the players and coaches are concerned about the playoffs. Since 2005, the Ware Shoals Hornets have owned their regional conference in Class A football. But, the players and coaches want more.

Still, winning five straight conference titles is nothing to dismiss. There is a commitment to excellence at Ware Shoals and their run is to be congratulated. To get that fifth straight title, Ware Shoals had to beat a solid Ninety Six team that was playing at home. Ninety Six has one of the best home venues in Class A football, and with their speed and talent, Ninety Six has the capability to make their own run in the playoffs.

But, don’t look for a rematch of Friday night’s game. It will not happen. Class A football is divided into two divisions for playoff purposes. Ninety Six is in Division I, and though they competed with Ware Shoals for a conference title, they will compete for a different state title, as Ware Shoals is in Class A Division II.

Congratulations to Ware Shoals Head Coach Jeff Murdock and his staff. VUI wishes both Ware Shoals and Ninety Six the best in the upcoming playoffs.

Also, VUI wishes the folks up at Wren all the best. Most people know about the tragic accident a week ago that took the life of a pedestrian, teaching assistant Gretchen Randall, after a Wren home game. Wren pulled off a great win by beating the Greenwood Eagles, 28-3, in Greenwood, to wrap up its own region championship. It was a great victory to help the morale of the Wren nation. That school community has been through so much recently, and it was good to see something good happen to them. Congratulations to Coach Jeff Tate and his staff and players. VUI is rooting for Wren and praying for God’s comfort for the friends and family of Ms. Randall and the Wren school community.

All that said, the playoffs begin for Classes A through AAA next week, while Class AAAA wraps up the regular season with traditional rivalry games. It is that time of year when High School Friday night gets really interesting. If you want to see some good football action, for an affordable price, and be comfortable that your money is helping out the kids, go out next Friday night and catch a game. There are so many stories of accomplishment and the like to be found. There are no great political discussions. There are no high powered football coaches earning their country club dues. It is just good old fashioned competition, with all the human stories that go with true competition and sportsmanship, and where the little guy has a real chance at accomplishment.