"The Game" - Prep School Edition
In college football, the annual Harvard-Yale match-up is known as "The Game." The two Ivy League schools have the third longest running rivalry in the sport, and have met a total of 122 times, with the 123rd meeting scheduled for next weekend. While neither Harvard nor Yale will ever again be national championship contenders (they play in the Division I-AA Ivy League, with no athletic scholarships*), and there are plenty of other rivalries that are worthy of recognition (this year Ohio State - Michigan comes to mind, for example) The Game is taken very seriously by a long line of distinguished graduates, and often produces some hijinks, as it did two years ago.
The prep school version of this game is Phillips Andover (Massachusetts) vs. Phillips Exeter (New Hampshire). Yes, the schools were actually founded by the same man, John Phillips, who established Andover in 1778 and Exeter in 1781. The two rivals have now met 127 times in football, with the most recent game yesterday. Exeter came into the away game at 7-1, and faced an undefeated Andover team that has been trouncing opponents all season. Worcestor Academy, in Worcestor, Mass., gave them the closest call in a defensive struggle.
For the first time the game was webcast live, so the far-flung graduates might have an opportunity to watch the game. Well, it was a gorgeous New England fall day, but this one wasn't close. Andover 43, Exeter 14, with the two Exeter touchdowns occurring in the 4th quarter against the second defense. Andover now moves on to the New England Prep School title game next weekend.
A few photos may give you the flavor of the game.
Pre-game pageantry.
The Andover sideline.
Exeter on offense, with the red-clad supporters in the background.
A look at the student section behind the Andover bench.
Andover on offense in the decisive third quarter.
The Andover students and players celebrate the victory at midfield.
Hey, it's how I spent my Saturday afternoon.
*No athletic scholarships? Err, not exactly.
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