Before I get started, I’d just like to thank everyone who sent me their nominations for our annual Athlete and Team of the Year selections. I wasn’t always able to respond to the emails, but I read and considered each one. While I can’t guarantee that every nominated team or athlete made it into our top fives, I was able to get a few stories out of this. So, for that, I thank you all again.
I’m not going to reveal any of the results this week, but I did want to do something similar in this space. Much of my selection process was aided by recalling past games and moments where I thought these teams and athletes really shined, and I want to share with you all my top three sports moments from 2014 (that I was present for), in no particular order.
DURANT FOOTBALL BEATS SICKLES — After the Cougars’ 2013 campaign, there were a lot of questions about the future of this team. The only way to really let people know you’re on the right track is by winning a big game, and that’s exactly what Durant did in its second game of the regular season.
It’s not even like this was a comeback win, or anything — this was a beatdown that, from my perspective, wasn’t as close as the final score suggests. Durant went out on the field and after Sickles’ 80-yard touchdown pass to start the game went into beast mode. The offense clicked, but the defensive effort stuck with me the most: That entire unit played with no fear, and it was awesome to watch.
DURANT SOFTBALL UPSETS CREST — This year’s district tournament was so much fun to watch, and in no small part because of the play of our local teams.
The semifinals were particularly fun, as the fans almost got to see two underdog wins. Durant’s 10-6 upset of Strawberry Crest was definitely my favorite softball game of the year, if not ever, because it hit all possible high notes for me. Promising underdog taking out a juggernaut? Check. Surprising start? Check. A-plus efforts from a pitcher and at least one position player? Check.
Senior Shannon Bell batted in six runs, including the dagger that put Durant ahead for good. And freshman Sloan Hammons overcame a shaky sixth inning to get the win by striking out Crest super slugger Cacey Simmons.
TURKEY CREEK TROJANS WIN VARSITY SUPERBOWL — I’ve written plenty about this one in the recent past, but it’s still impressive. The last drive of that game just happened to play out on the Trojans’ side of the bleachers, and the noise that the fans made after that last-second touchdown was scored was almost deafening. You couldn’t ask for a better ending to a championship game, as a football fan.
