Published: December 03, 2008 10:25 am      

Long may it wave

Flag at courthouse honors team’s run for state title

A black-and-white zebra head flag familiar to all Grandview High School students and alumni waves in the breeze on the east side of the downtown Cleburne square with the Johnson County Courthouse as a backdrop.

The flag flies in tribute to the Grandview football team, said County Judge Roger Harmon. The team at 13-0 and deep in the playoffs, have recorded their best-ever season this year.

The county posts flags from all Johnson County high schools around the square every Friday during football season, said Rexann Knowles, Harmon’s receptionist. After regular-season play, flags of the schools who make the playoffs remain.

Three Johnson County schools earned postseason bragging rights. Now, only Grandview remains standing. Knowles said she couldn’t be more thrilled.

“Absolutely I’m excited,” Knowles said in slightly hoarse voice. “I’ve been to all the games cheering them on. That’s probably the reason I can barely talk today.”

Cal Knowles, Knowles’ son, a GVHS junior, plays center for the team.

Having won three playoff games, including Saturday’s 36-21 victory over Callisburg in the region semifinals, three games now stand between the Zebras and a 2A Division II state championship. Up next is the regional finals against Pottsboro at 7 p.m. Saturday at Denton ISD Stadium.

Knowles said she’s excited but getting more nervous every week.

“It gets harder the closer they get,” Knowles said. The Pottsboro game “is going to be a tough game, but I think if Grandview just plays their game they’re going to be OK.”

For now, Knowles said she hopes the GVHS flag remains flying at the courthouse Monday morning. Although she really hopes to see it still in place two weeks from then, after a GVHS championship victory.