A big-time game
Area fans deliver input on historic prep football tilt tonight
By Sheri Bandelean
Argus Observer
sherib@argusobserver.com
Friday, November 13, 2009 11:15 AM PST
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| Payette’s Damian Reynolds (22) powers his way through a couple of Parma defenders, while Pirate Tyler Kuder (65) levels another player in this Argus Observer file photo. The Pirates will need to be physical today when they take the field against Snake River Valley Conference rival Fruitland. The Pirates defeated the Grizzlies earlier this year, 26-21, in a contest that featured nine combined turnovers. |
Fruitland — Tonight, it is going to get loud in Payette County.
The crescendo of noise will spill out across U.S. Highway 95 as the Payette Pirates and Fruitland Grizzlies hit the field for one of the biggest prep games in county history.
A semifinal showdown, today’s game will decide which team goes to play for the Idaho 3A football title.
Payette and Fruitland ended the Snake River Valley Conference season in a three-way tie with Weiser.
Weiser defeated Payette in overtime, Payette knocked off Fruitland in a come-from-behind thriller and Fruitland stole Weiser’s opportunity for the outright SRV championship to wrap up the regular season.
The teams and the coaches have done their work, and, now, all that is left is to play the game.
So what is the word on the street?
The Argus Observer sports staff hit the pavement Friday to find out.
“It will be a good game, and Fruitland will win,” Karen Sheppard, of Fruitland said.
Marty Aldrich also said the Grizzlies will clinch a win.
“It is not fair for Payette. The brackets were not broken up fairly. Fruitland will be the winner, but I think it’s going to be a close game,” Aldrich, of Fruitland, said.
“It has been a long time coming, Payette deserves it, they have been working really hard and I think they will be the winners,” Patty Henderson, Payette said.
Nancy Polk, Payette, said she is a Pirate believer.
“Go Pirates, Payette will win,” Polk, Payette, said.
Fruitland business owner and Payette resident Richard Greif said he will face a dilemma Friday night.
“I’m very excited for both teams. I feel that it’s a turning point for Payette and that Payette will win 28 to 21. I’m very torn as to where I’m going to sit, the Payette side or the Fruitland side,” Greif said.
“Go Pirates, Payette will win,” Sherrie Philips, Payette said.
In the Argus Football Outlook, Fruitland has the edge with five of the seven prognosticators taking the Grizzlies in tonight’s contest.
In the end, the winner will be determined tonight at Fruitland High School under the bright, autumn lights.
Funny wrote on Nov 14, 2009 12:32 PM: