South shades North in Ultimate classic
Divided b by the Mason-Dixon line
In unseasonably chilled temperatures, the annual North vs. South Ultimate Showdown ended recently, by moonlight, with the young, upstart Southerners taking a sudden death victory, toppling the veteran North squad 15-14.
East Fork Road was the Mason-Dixon line in this Civil Frisbee War. Though the teams looked as different as day and night, the battle could not have been more evenly matched.
Without a single rookie on its roster, the North was confident and strong, taking an effortless 8-2 lead into halftime. Team leaders such as Bill ?Taco? Sherrerd capitalized on cracks in the South?s play; rushed throws, turnovers, and poor decision marked the Southerners? first-half troubles.
During its halftime huddle, the North displayed the kind of hubris that comes with years of play and assumed superiority. Players celebrated their early lead, reveled in their own smart play and vowed to keep up the pressure until the game was in the books.
On the rebel side of the line, the South?s Scott ?Kid? Runkel the team?s Robert E. Lee as it was, calmly inspired his ranks to play harder, smarter and bet-ter defense. From there, the offense and the points to the comeback would follow.
Follow they did.
With darkness approaching, the South mounted one of the most unexpected comebacks in the history of the North/South rivalry.
Stunning catches in the end zone by rookies Reid Smith and Minnesota Joe Stromness along with strong defense from Matt Marquis left the North fum-bling and frustrated.
The South brought the score to a 12-12 tie, then surged ahead to a 14-12 lead. North tied it at 14 with a quick two points and with the field now lit by nothing more than twilight and a half moon, sudden death began.
The South?s leader, Runkel, threw up a Hail Mary to a streaking Ryan Baxley who fought off Northern defenders, bobbled the disc and eventually clutched it to his chest as he hit the ground.
Game over, South wins 15-14.
Thanks to all for a great Ultimate season.
