EDITOR’S NOTE: Looking Back features past articles from The Tidewater News with commentary by local historian Clyde Parker.

by Clyde Parker

November 1, 1963

HORNETS STING BRONCOS

A powerful Group I Deep Creek High School football team completely overpowered the Franklin High School Broncos last Friday night when the Hornets took the game 27 to 6.

The Broncos did create a little excitement, though. With only a few minutes remaining in the game, when the Hornets’ Underwood faded back for a pass, he received the shock of his life when Franklin Bronco guard Ricky Carter literally stole the ball from him and charged down the field. With two bewildered Hornets in pursuit, Carter took it all the way for an 89 yard touchdown run.

Bronco defensive end Mike Hunnings and Bronco offensive tackle Bobby Dundalow were not able to play in the game due to injuries. Those losses were huge handicaps for the Broncos.

Bronco halfback Jerry Allmond played a good defensive game. Teammates Ricky Carter, Cliff Cutchins and Dan Forbes were credited with good overall performances.

WILDCATS WIN OVER UNION

The Hayden High School Wildcats football team, still undefeated, shut out Union High School of Winfall, N.C., with a score of 16 to 0 on Friday. The game was played in Winfall.

Wildcats Coach Robert Sandidge singled out two 160 pound defensive tackles for special praise. Gurnie Blunt and George Murphy were in on most of the tackles. Sandidge was also pleased with 135 pound linebacker William Cotton who dropped the Carolinians back several times for big losses.

Quarterback Leon Majette hit Leroy Holloway and other receivers for several nice completions.

INDIANS KNOCK OVER RED RAIDERS

A goal line stand by the Southampton High School Indians proved to be the turning point in their game against the Suffolk High School Red Raiders. The Indians, in front of a very enthusiastic hometown crowd, came from behind to score in the last few seconds of the game and took the ballgame away from the Red Raiders by a score of 18 to 14.

Following a Red Raider touchdown in the third quarter, Larry Harrell made a perfect catch of the Suffolk kick, tucked the ball under his arm, and started on one of his famous kick returns. In a beautiful display of broken field running aided by key blocks, he raced past midfield and down to the 25 yard line. Four plays later, Earl Harrell took the Indians to a touchdown.

Southampton Coach Jim Gillespie credited 230 pound sophomore Gene Beale for being a defensive standout. The Coach also recognized Tommy Burgess for his performance as an end.

EAGLES SWOOP NANSEMOND

Led by Coach P. D. Vann, The Riverview High School Eagles of Courtland beat Nansemond County Training School by a score of 34 to 0 on Friday at Franklin’s Hayden Field.

In the first quarter, Vann Tennessee of Riverview took the first play from scrimmage and went 30 yards for a score. The second score of the game came by Charlie Williams on a quarterback sneak. Gerald Williams, in the second quarter, scampered 15 yards for a touchdown.

In the third quarter of the game, Tennessee scored again, this time on a 50 yard jaunt around end. Gerald Williams took in the last touchdown.

DUTCHMEN SMEAR DUKES

In still another Friday night game, the Holland High School Dutchmen defeated the Windsor High School Dukes by a score of 32 to 0 at Franklin Field.

In the first quarter, Dutchman Danny Glover intercepted a pass and ran 30 yards for a touchdown. On a third try in the second quarter, Gary Jordon threw a pass to Russell Turner who took the ball over for another score. Just a little bit later, following a Windsor fumble, Jordon took the ball for a five yard scoring run. In the third quarter, Richard Rodgers made a ten yard sweep for another Holland score.

According to Coach Pruden, Bobby Bishop, defensive end, and Jesse Harcum, linebacker, both played outstanding defensive football.

Coach Vann of Windsor said, “My team looked terrible, there are no excuses. We just didn’t play ball.”

“Emery Rhodes and Barry Roberts, both ends, did a good job for the Dukes”, according to Vann, “and were the only ones who could do anything with Jordan.”

“Ronnie Whitley and Bennie Vaughan also played well,” said Vann.

CLYDE PARKER is a retired human resources manager for the former Franklin Equipment Co. and a member of the Southampton County Historical Society. His email address is cpjeep99@yahoo.com