Players were sportsmen

An estimated 4,000 people witnessed a spectacular high school athletic event Friday night on Kaley Field. The game was totally engrossing — just what high school sports are supposed to be. We suppose that the people who lined up for tickets three hours before the game started knew what a spellbinding event it was going to be. We doubt that the people who were standing even minded.

Despite the size differences in the school districts, it was certainly great to see the two Franklin County teams finally meet on the gridiron in the modern era. A fledgling Greencastle High School football team played one game in 1911, against Chambersburg, before folding because of injury and numbers issues.

The atmosphere was great Friday night. After a dry and hot summer, the weather even seemed to be thinking fall Friday night. Fan support was good and both sides had a solid student section.

What struck us most, however, was not the scoreboard or any of the off-field happenings, but the sportsmanship exhibited on the field. Certainly there was a lot of talk going into this game, but the players on the field handled their competition admirably.

We may have missed some of the petty and unnecessary things that sometimes go on in sports, but from our perspective these student-athletes conducted themselves as sportsmen. In this day and age, that’s special and we commend the players and coaches from both teams.

We do admit that we are partisan. Congratulations, Blue Devils!