As coaches wait to hear what the cut off numbers will be for each classification the next two years, West Orange-Stark Head Football Coach Hiawatha Hickman is now searching for a Game One opponent.
“LCM just told us that they don’t want to play. We had agreed to play in Week One for the next two years,” said Hickman. “I’m shocked. I’m not from here but I thought it was a game that needed to be played.”
The game is considered a crosstown rivalry but the Bears haven’t won since 1994. That includes the three meetings Peevey’s Bears have had with WOS.
“I’m doing what’s best for the Bears right now,” Peevey said in short. “I just think the rivalry needs a break.”
It’s not the first time the rivalry “took a break.” Other rivalries have done the same. Orangefield and Bridge City took a break from playing each other. East Chambers announced this year that they won’t be renewing their Annual Rice Bowl game with Hamshire-Fannett. Hickman announced after this season that WOS won’t renew their rivalry with Newton. But now he says, because of losing LCM, he may have to pick the Eagles back up.
It’s not like Peevey’s looking for an easy win. He has replaced WOS with Hamshire-Fannett, a team that has improved every year since Mark Waggoner arrived. And the Horns have defeated WOS the last two seasons.
The Bears will follow with Silsbee and then play St. Louis and Iowa out of Louisiana. The Mustangs currently have Nederland in Week 2 and Waco LaVega in Week 3.
The “Orange Bowl” has been a money maker, especially the last three years with Peevey putting more Bear fans in the stands. The game can generate between $20-30K for the home team between tickets and concessions.
Hopefully the series will be renewed at some point because I do think it should be played. Despite the win/loss total we’ve had some great games over the years showcasing our local talent.
-Gary Stelly, KOGT-
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