Heavener vs. Poteau, two old LeFlore County rivals will meet
again Friday.
Just the mention of those two teams squaring off brings back memories of pep
rallies, snake dances, bloated bleachers, lots of noise and a big game.
Heavener and Poteau have paired off in so many big games over the year in
football, basketball, baseball and soccer. Just last month, they met in the
finals of the slowpitch softball LeFlore County Tournament.
They haven’t met in football since 1985, at least the American variety. Now the
biggest meeting of the year between the two schools comes Friday in…soccer.
Heavener didn’t even have a soccer team until a few years ago. Poteau has been
playing for much longer.
While the stands at Harvey Stadium might not be as full as they once were back
in the old days for an American football contest, this one is huge.
State quarterfinals. Winner advances one step closer to a possible state
championship. Serious. Aside from the Poteau boys’ golf team qualifying for the
state tournament, this is the deepest a boys team from either school has
advanced into the playoffs.
Soccer fever hasn’t exactly swept LeFlore County, but this could help.
With apologizes, I must admit that I am not a big soccer fan.
We didn’t play it when we were kids or participate at any age group. I don’t
understand much about soccer, other than the goal is to put a soccer ball into…the
goal.
But for the players, parents and fans, this game is just as big, or bigger,
than any they have competed in. And if it is anything like the first meeting,
the fans will certainly get plenty of excitement.
In a conference game last month, the two teams could not figure out a winner in
regulation. The first overtime didn’t help. Heavener finally won in the second
overtime, 3-2, and eventually won the conference.
Poteau has won twice on the road in the playoffs, defeating Catoosa, 7-1,
before edging Oologah 2-1 on Tuesday. Heavener had its first soccer playoff
game Tuesday, winning 3-0 over Riverfield at home.
The two teams are the best in southeastern Oklahoma, and among the best in
their class. Maybe the best overall. That will be decided next week.
Next up for the winner is a game against the Southeast-Mt. Saint Mary’s game on
Tuesday in the semifinals.
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I am so happy for LeFlore county to have two quality soccer program. As a coach and a parent of two soccer girls who played in OKC, I know how excited the players and parents of both teams feel. I would have loved to be able to play soccer at Heavener when I was going to school there.
ReplyDeleteWe did play soccer in P.E. in junior high, but it was a goof off sport, just something the teacher could have us play and keep us occupy. And we were never taught the rules of the game. Of course, the teachers probably didn't know the rule either.
Good luck to the Wolves. And remember all you Heavener Wolves out there, "I rather be dead than red."
Go Wolves. Rip'em up on the Pitch (soccer field). Mike Sabala HHS Grad 75.
ReplyDeleteIt is quite a thrill to have 2 great soccer teams in LeFlore County. I love the game and think it's the best, but I didn't get to play until I was past my prime.
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