By an ironic twist of fate the team was checked into the same hotel as the players and supporters from Charlotte Catholic, the state's single school representative. However the teams were not destined to meet in this tournament....
On Saturday, the Highlanders (seeded #4) played two games, and scored 57 unanswered points against Father Ryan School (seeded # 5) from Tennessee, and then Louisiana's Shaw (the #1 seed). Morale was good on Saturday evening, as they contemplated the championship game against the Naples Bears of Florida at High Noon on Sunday.
On Saturday, the Highlanders (seeded #4) played two games, and scored 57 unanswered points against Father Ryan School (seeded # 5) from Tennessee, and then Louisiana's Shaw (the #1 seed). Morale was good on Saturday evening, as they contemplated the championship game against the Naples Bears of Florida at High Noon on Sunday.
This was a close game, characterized by some ferocious tackling and incisive running from both backs and forwards. The pack won several scrums against the head, and nicked several lineouts (but not this one!). The Highlanders ended the half down by one point (6 to 7).The second half was a different story - just as intense, but the Highlanders' pressure upfront, and swift handling in the backs, along with a sterling 15-man defence started to wear down the Bears, who ended the game with 14 players on the field.
The traveling Highlanders supporters and squad, as well as many neutrals (including many of the Charlotte Catholic group) went wild/nuts/loco/barmy as the final whistle sounded - a 21 to 7 victory for the Highlanders, and the South multi-school championship for 2009!
Here's some of what happened next....
..including "an early bath" for one of the coaches, and a lucky escape for the other three....
...a proud captain walks to the bus, and all thoughts turn to Pittsburgh in mid-May.
"GO HIGHLANDERS!"
Richard Jordan
