It was an exciting night of football when longtime rivals, West Carrollton and Miamisburg, took to the field. Alumni players returned to put on red and black for the Pirates, and blue and white for the Vikings.
The game was tied at the beginning of the half, but then the Vikings started to score. The game ended with a surprise touchdown with a handoff to longtime Pirate supporter, Jason Prater, who was defended by his teammates all the way to the end zone. Final score – Vikings, 18 and the Pirates, 6.
One injury occurred during the game. Class of 1992 player, Keith Tilton, dislocated his knee cap and sustained torn ligaments. He was taken to Kettering Hospital and had surgery the Monday following the game.
The scoreboard tells one story, but the Pirate community tells another. The stands were full and people were standing at the fences on the Pirate side of the field. Alumni cheerleaders entertained the crowd. Class of 1980 cheerleader, Denise Shiveley-Gum, showed the crowd she still had her moves when she did the splits. Band members rushed onto the sidelines to provide music when they returned early from a competition.
Ultimately it was about community spirit. It was about PIRATE pride. It was about coming together no matter what team you wanted to win. It was a night to remember.