When assistant editor Matthew Maynard notched the game-ending pass breakup during The Duke Chronicle's Hail Mary attempt to tie the game, The Daily Tar Heel staffers flooded the field at Kenan Stadium under the stadium lights.
In actuality, the picture looked like this: twenty rain-soaked DTH writers formed a cluster at mid-field, screaming, cheering and jumping. Maybe five supporters watched from the sideline, offering a clap. After battling the elements for two hours, a dark blue-clad team walked slowly off the field, preparing to drive back to Durham with nothing but shame.
That's right, in one of the most highly-anticipated matchups of the year, The DTH and The Duke Chronicle held their second annual flag football game on Thursday night during possibly the rainiest game ever recorded in Chapel Hill. After falling behind 14-21, The DTH found the end zone two more times while holding The Chron scoreless, taking the game 28-21. Following a double overtime loss at Duke last year, The DTH came back with vengeance to even the record 1-1.
"I'm very proud of how the team responded," senior writer Harry Crowther said. "Responded to the loss last year, responded to the elements, responded to the adversity. We played with heart and passion."
As far as what else The DTH won, it's hard to say. Bragging rights? The ability to make jokes at the other team's expense that get annoying after a couple days? Maybe a cold?
No, no, no. This is a legitimate sports story and with it comes themes of revenge, hardship and camaraderie.
While sitting and enjoying some celebratory Cane's surrounded by box combos and UNC memorabilia, The DTH debriefed the game.
