Say it out loud. 50. Fifty. Cincuenta. Fünfzig. Cinquante.
No matter what font you type it in, or language you write it in, 50 is a lot.
Can you name something you've done 50 times in a row, and it ending the way you wanted it to? Right now, my list is up to breathing and walking (on a good day).
Tonight, the Hornell Red Raider football team won their 50th game in a row. Not 50 regular season games in a row, 50 district games in a row, but 50 straight games. That includes 3 state championships, four different senior classes, and endless amounts of blood, sweat, and tears.
While this has only been my first football season in the Twin Tiers, it's been an exciting one. Coming from 4 years of covering Texas High School Football, I've seen good teams. I've seen teams with promise. But I've never seen a living dynasty like the Red Raiders.
Naturally when we call the highlights, we throw out the names of the running backs, wide receivers, and quarterbacks. We've probably used 50 different Bacon-related references, as #40 rumbles down the field, bulldozing and dragging defenders along the way. (A Zack Bacon jersey is on my Christmas list, though) But we also know it is a team game. Is it possible that Hornell's streak could go on forever? Possible, yes. Likely, no.
While the team can't celebrate the win right now, as they're chasing after their fourth state championship in a row, they're accomplishment shouldn't be lost on us, the fans. It's hard realizing a milestone until after it's already passed, so before the Red Raiders line up against Chenango Forks, think about 50 wins in a row. Think of the players that have been on the Hornell squads, and even some of the talent that they beat.
I'd say congratulations, but it doesn't seem fitting enough. Plus, Hornell wouldn't want to hear it until after the state championship game. But still, I must say, congratulations. It's a feat that most programs can only dream of.
Remember, this season almost didn't happen. It came down to a vote. But that's another story, for another time. One I hope has the perfect ending 'four' Hornell
