Published: September 06, 2008 12:34 pm            

Cleburne makes good first impression, funnel cakes don't

Sports editor Matt Tasler and I journeyed to Clark Stadium (I call it “The Bunker” because of its surprising resemblance to a nuclear safehouse) on Thursday to watch Cleburne open its season against the fearsomely named Scorpions of South Hills.

No, seriously. It wasn’t the metal detectors at the gates that scared me, it was their mascot. Ask Tasler.

I anticipated a close game between the Jackets and South Hills, but since I was completely clueless as to the skill of our team, I predicted a final score of 24-20 in favor of Cleburne.

Needless to say, I missed by a mile.

As news editor Michael O’Connor put it, “The best stinging team won,” i.e., the Jackets.

As I put it, “The outlook is good. Who’s next?”

From clueless to convinced. From curious to cross-eyed after watching Semaj Holderness and Micah McCoy run circles around the Scorpion defenders all night long and after watching Ty Taylor catch fire in his first varsity start.

From cautious to calling my dad to inform him of the beatdown-in-progress at halftime when Cleburne led 35-7.

Way to go Jackets for thrilling not only the fans in attendance, but also the two sports guys up in the box who were furiously trying to keep up with every one of those 255 yards rushing.

The experience was dually enjoyable for Tasler and I as we watched the Jackets tear apart South Hills from the beginning and feasted on funnel cakes at the same time.

Unfortunately for Tasler, the funnel cakes didn’t produce the same final result as the game did: happiness and comfort. But that’s a different story for a different column.

Anyways, I’m sorry to say, Jackets, that I won’t be present at the home opener this week against Granbury.

I’ll miss watching you run roughshod over the Pirates in the cozy confines of “The Rock.”

My assignment has not been told, but I know that it won’t be here. Best wishes to you guys on another victory.



Zack Cunningham can be reached at 817-558-2855,

ext. 2335

        

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