Grant Traylor: Words don't do justice for Wayne's comeback victory
Sunday, November 29 , 2009
By STAFF- The Herald Dispatch
As I sat in the office on Saturday trying to find words to describe Wayne's 27-21 win over Frankfort in the Class AA semifinals, one lasting image kept popping into my mind.
It was that of Wayne coach Tom Harmon following the win.
Harmon had blood gushing from his chin.
He had tears welling in his eyes.
And a smile on his face.
He and his troops had emerged victorious in battle on Saturday.
Harmon, who usually tries to keep his emotions subdued, had tears in his eyes as he watched his players hug parents following the improbable comeback that is sending the Pioneers to Wheeling this week for Friday's Class AA championship against Bluefield.
"Having that test of faith with the season on the line and the obstacles that we had to overcome, it's probably the most pleasing comeback in my career," Harmon said. "Credit for this goes to the kids and the coaches. They hung together, fought against a good opponent and it worked out for us."
In the contest, Wayne overcame a 21-0 halftime deficit by executing two onside kicks following third-quarter touchdowns. The Pioneer offense had the ball for all 12 minutes of the third quarter and tied the game on the first play of the fourth quarter before scoring with 7:11 left to earn the win.
No one thought the comeback was possible, given the circumstances that led up to it. After all, Frankfort had dominated the first half and beaten Wayne at its own game -- playing more physical and executing better while making big plays when needed.
No one, that is, except for the 63 players and the handful of coaches on Wayne's sidelines.
That's what made the comeback so sweet -- sweet enough to bring tears to even Harmon's eyes.
Harmon's statement about the game came with "Daddy's Hands" -- a country song by Holly Dunn -- blaring over the loudspeaker.
As the song started to play, Wayne running back Corey Damron looked at some of his teammates and smiled from ear-to-ear following his 130-yard performance.
He then was met by a big hug from his father as the song continued, causing both to get a little emotional.
It was Damron and his 15 fellow seniors' final game on the field -- a place where they had been together since they were 6-years-old.
"The seniors got together before the game and talked about it. No matter what, it was our last game at this field," Damron said. "I know for a fact that I'll never forget this moment. It was an unbelieveable game. All the brothers stuck together."
Harmon went on to explain Damron's feelings at the time.
"In a small community where everyone is a Pioneer, there is a bond about your field, your crowd and your buddies. You just hope that shows through in how you play. We were proud of the way they played."
As I walked off the field following the interviews, I told a parent that I wasn't sure anything I wrote would do the game or its meaning to the community justice.
She looked at me with a smile and said this:
"It's a Wayne thing. Not everyone would understand."
No truer words were spoken.
WHAT A KNIGHT OF HOOPS: Cabell Midland's boys basketball team will take on Huntington Prep on Wednesday at 6 p.m. at Cabell Midland High School.
Adult admission will be $3 but students are admitted free.
In lieu of admission, students are asked to bring nonperishable food items to donate to ECCHO of Milton.
HOOPS WITH A CAUSE: Ironton will take on the St. Joseph Flyers Tuesday at the Sports Center in a Foundation Game with proceeds to benefit the Juvenile Diabetes Foundation.
Junior varsity game starts at 6 and varsity begins at 7:30 p.m.
IRONTON 2009 HIGHLIGHTS: Sam and Penny Heighton of Heigh-Tone Productions are putting together a highlight tape of the 2009 Ironton football season.
If interested contact the Heightons at (740) 532-7951.
HORNETS HISTORY: Coal Grove is selling film footage of past football games to benefit the baseball program. The restored footage is on DVDs and features games from the 1950s until the present. Season and single game packages are available.
