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Dallastown and West York provide incredible drama, atmosphere


It was an incredible moment people will talk about for a long, long time. As Brock Snellbaker's improbable last-minute interception and return put West York on the Dallastown 13-yard-line the Bulldogs stadium roared in joy - and disbelief.

The noise continued and Chris Markel booted the game-winning field goal with 10 seconds left to play, giving West York a stunning 17-15 win. I was on the sideline at the time and was shocked at what had transpired on that fateful play. To quote the late broadcaster Jack Buck's famous World Series call, "I don't believe what I just saw."

As the game ended, West York students stormed the field hugging the players. Moments later as Bulldogs coach Ron Miller gathered his team for the ritual postgame talk, the kids started leaving the field, until Miller stopped them. The coach invited the students to the join the team in the huddle, saying "You are a part of this win too."

Amazing.

But the night also belonged to the Wildcats, even in defeat. The Cats played hard, only to see luck go against them. Dallastown, which is about as good an 0-2 team as you will ever find, had its own full house of supporters on its side of the field and those fans were loud all night.

The stands on both sides were jammed packed, as was the fence surrounding the field and much of the fence outside the stadium. Heck, people were even watching from the top of a garage at one end of the field.

All of the fans were treated to a great show. Sure, there were mistakes made on the field, but this game, the schools, the students on hand and atmosphere are exactly what high school football is supposed to be about.