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Six-Man Central
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9/6/2009
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Article
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By: Don Hardin
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Thank you to the fans that came out to the TRENT TUSSLE. Honestly I was disappointed in the size of the crowd. I really thought there could be 4000 folks show up. The good news is that there were several people that came from other places besides Richland Springs and Borden County. The Abilene Reporter News came and although I have not seen their story I am very grateful to them for their presence.
This was a very, very good ballgame. BTW, Borden County won 76-62. Lots will be written about the fact this was a Division One and a Division Two battle of premier teams from each division. Lots will be said and written that maybe we watched the passing of the torch from one power house team to another. Make no mistake about it; the Division Two team won the game. That is how it was yesterday when the game was played. Come February 2010 when the folks down in Austin do their realignment thing, I believe you will see a reversal in roles between these two teams. I am not making excuses for Richland Springs. They were out played and I think they will be the first ones to say that. They don’t lose often and Coach Burkhart and his staff will use this loss to move forward the rest of this season.
Borden County coaches, players, fans, and other supporters can’t help but be elated on this win over Richland Springs after all they did what hasn’t been done since the 2001 season. That is the last time Richland Springs was beaten in a regular season game when Panther Creek did the trick 62-36. I have told Coach Burkhart before and I will say the same thing to Coach Trey Richey right now, enjoy life while you are on top. Drink it all in. Play it for all it is worth because one day it will end.
I was excited about this game and I was not disappointed in the game one iota. Again, I am disappointed in the attendance. It was a holiday weekend and there were lots of things going on and I also need to accept the fact that not everyone is as FANATIC about Six-Man football as I am. I love you guys and gals and will pray for you that you can eventually get your priorities in order.
Melvin Clements was honored at this game. He tossed the coin before the game began. He was presented an engraved pocket watch and will later receive a plaque commemorating him as being a pioneer of Six-Man football in Texas after playing in the first Six-Man game in Texas on September 29th, 1936. I am extremely proud of the crowd at this game for the very warm reception that was give Mr. Clements. To the Captains of each team I want to say thank you for shaking his hand during the coin toss ceremony. That meant a lot to the 90 year old gentleman and I hope it is something each of you will remember the rest of your lives that you had an opportunity to shake hands with living history. Mr. Clements is believed to be the last survivor of the four teams that played Six-Man here in Texas in 1936. That was 73 years ago. Not many young men can say they met Mr. Clements. I also want to say thanks to the crew of Officials and how they treated Mr. Clements with such great respect. Thanks to Superintendent Mr. Greg Priddy and to Coach Ronnie Miller and the fine folks at Trent for hosting the game as well as officials from Borden County and Richland Springs for allowing Mr. Clements to receive this special honor and well deserved recognition. I can’t stop saying thank you without mentioning Leman Saunders. It is he who made all of this happen first by uncovering information about Mr. Clements and the birthplace of Six-Man football in Texas and then his dedication to follow through and make sure Mr. Clements received this honor. We all owe much to Mr. Leman Saunders. Remember his name as I believe there are many great things in store for this young gentleman.
I was very happy to visit with some good friends from Richland Springs at this contest, Otto Sonnenberg and his father in law Press Adams. Press just happens to be regarded as the Richland Springs Coyotes NUMBER ONE FAN. He just happens to be in my books the number one Six-Man fan in the country. He is a great guy and very knowledgeable of our sport. I am pleased that he reads my stuff. Otto once was the Booster Club president at Richland Springs and did a wonderful job. I have quite a few friends at Richland Springs and that makes me happy. Of course, being the kind of guy that I am there are a couple of folks there that don’t think that much of me. The thing we all have in common is we love Six-Man Football.
My parting shot on this whole deal is GOOD FOOTBALL TO YOU.
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