Golden Eagle grudge match: Tyrone grads meet on the college gridiron

Former Golden Eagle football players will meet as rivals this Saturday

By Adam Zook, Editor in Chief|November 20, 2015

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2015 Tyrone grads Cameron Bakhsheshe and Garrett Hunter

Normally a collegiate football match-up between the Red Flash of Saint Francis University and the Duquesne Dukes would have no relevance to Tyrone and it’s rabid football fan-base.

But this Saturday’s game between the Red Flash and Dukes has an interesting Tyrone angle with several members of the 2014 Tyrone District Championship team competing against each other on the college gridiron.

2015 Tyrone grad Noah Tepsic
2015 Tyrone grad Noah Tepsic

Tyrone alumni Cameron Bakhsheshe and Garrett Hunter play for the Duquesne Dukes, while fellow 2015 alum Noah Tepsic will suit up for the Red Flash.

“It’s a bizarre feeling to say the least,” said Tepsic, “I had the chance to play against (Nick) Getz earlier this year and it was weird seeing him in another uniform. It’s good to be able to compete against these guys at the next level and represent Tyrone proudly.”

The same can be said for Bakhsheshe and Hunter.

“It’ll definitely be weird to face off against Noah, but you have to put that aside,” said Hunter, also a member of the 2015 District 6 Championship team.

“There’s a lot at stake in a game like this and you can’t let something like emotion get in the way of that,” added Hunter, “Still, it will be cool to compete against somebody you played along side for so many years.”

Tepsic plays defense as a safety for the Red Flash, Hunter is a backup quarterback and Bakhsheshe plays defensive back for the Dukes.

The game has a lot riding on it for both squads.  The Dukes and Red Flash will clash over the NEC (North East Conference) and for a direct bid in the FCS playoffs.

Saint Francis was victorious in last years game but the Dukes have won four out of the last five meetings. The Red Flash are riding a hot three game win streak heading into the game stand at 6-3 on the year with a 4-1 in conference record. Duquesne has a 7-3 record and 4-1 in conference play.

All three Tyrone grads were red-shirted for this season so they will not take the field on Saturday in Pittsburgh.

However, by continuing their football careers they add to the legacy of Tyrone Football and make their hometown proud.

The game kicks off at 12:00 pm at Duquesne University in Pittsburgh.

The good news for Tyrone fans is, no matter what the outcome, at least one Tyrone Golden Eagle will emerge victorious!