Apparently, nothing can stop the Tyrone-Central rivalry. Not even Mother Nature, though she tried several times this past weekend.
The Golden Eagles were scheduled to play the Central Dragons on the road Friday at 7 p.m., but as both teams ran onto the field, a deafening lightning strike immediately cleared the stadium.
“It happened right before the kickoff,” said junior Tyrone cheerleader Kasey Daughenbaugh, who was on the sideline when the lightning storm began. “The sound was massive. It sounded like it hit something close. No one even stopped to think, everyone just ran out of the stadium.”
After being initially pushed to an 8:30 kickoff, lightning continued well into the evening, causing the game to be delayed again. Then, after an hour of waiting for the storm to pass, both teams agreed to postpone the game and reschedule it for Sunday at 3 p.m.
However, Mother Nature did not cooperate on Sunday either, when the threat of thunderstorms forced another postponement of the game to Monday at 6 p.m.
So for the first time ever, Tyrone and Central will have a varsity version of Monday Night Football.
Tyrone Head Coach John Franco was disappointed about the multiple postponements but remains excited for the game.
“Our team and our fans were really upset. The atmosphere was fantastic, and it was great to continue the rivalry with Central, which has a long and storied history and tradition,’ said Franco.”But it was just one of those uncontrollable events that no one could do anything about. Our team is very excited to be able to play tonight and renew our rivalry with Central. We can’t wait to get on with the season.”
Many fans and parents are concerned about the Monday game, especially with a big game at Bald Eagle scheduled for this Friday.
But the Tyrone players don’t seem to be too concerned by the Monday game.
“It doesn’t matter to us what day we play, we’re going to bring a lot of energy,” junior defensive back Tyler Weston said.
Junior quarterback Ashton Walk is also not concerned about the short week.
“I think that the Monday game will warm us up for Bald Eagle and make us more prepared,” Walk said.
Kickoff is tonight at 6 pm at Central High School stadium in Martinsburg.
