Crowd at volleyball game indicative of rivalry

The volleyball girls tipped off an exciting time for Carroll County sports fans as rivalry week between the Bobcats and Tigers officially started. And the student body for both schools turned out in droves.

I sat in the stands as the two teams were warming up, absorbing the surroundings, noticing the waves of students entering the building. As they made their way to the stands, a large gathering of faithful students created a shadow in one corner.

I was to assume they were all Green Forest students, based on the varying colors of red and white, although with my eyesight, being able to define anything from across a gymnasium is often comical.

It wasn't until the match started that I realized the gathering was a combination of Berryville and Green Forest students, sitting together, hanging out as most teenagers do.

As soon as the first serve was made, it was like someone flipped a switch and the crowd parted like the Red Sea with Berryville's fans heading to one end of the bleachers and Green Forest lumping together at the other.

Berryville claimed a straight-set win over Green Forest and the students were in on every point. There was no booing, no taunting, no crass or foul language. There was a lot of chanting and school pride. And a ton of respect.

It's refreshing to see that still exists today. I hope it resonates the same Friday night at the Carroll County Super Bowl.

Speaking of...one of these two programs is going to pick up its first football win of the season. I hope the same respect is shown on the gridiron, regardless of the outcome.

Of course, I have no allegiances toward either school. I have met players and coaches from both programs and have mutual respect for both. This is a big deal around here. It gives bragging rights to one or the other for the following year, some for the rest of their lives. As a senior, an entire career can sometimes be summarized by how you fared against your rival the year you graduated.

So, which team will host the Carroll County Cup this year. Will Green Forest retain it for a second straight year or will Berryville break an 11-game skid and take it back across Hwy. 62 with them?

That question will be answered soon. And I expect a capacity crowd to be there to witness it.

I have a prediction on the final score. Wanna know what it is?

Add us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter and you will find out Friday prior to kickoff.

Chan Davis is the sports editor for the Carroll County News. He can be reached at ccnsports@cox-internet.com or 870-654-2742.