[Panther#42]

The last two Russell/Belfry games the atmosphere was great at both.

Last year the atmosphere was electric. From the introduction and the flame shooting out of the scoreboard to the end when "Another one bites the dust" was played at Henry R. Evans. It was very emotional to the Russell fans who have come so close so many times only to lose to the eventual state champion. (8 times in the semi finals)The state title was decided that night for the second year in a row. There was no way that Russell team was going to Louisville and coming back with anything but the trophy.

In 2004 Being the final game in Vipperman (and I do believe that had alot to do with the emotion that the Belfry players had in that game) The crowd for both teams was just unbelievable. I know that with that being the last game and turning out the lights for the last time after the victory in the old stadium had a special meaning to it. I don't think USC or Notre Dame or Oklahoma could have gone in there and beaten the Pirates that night.

Russell would have gotten a trophy win or lose last year, but I know what you meant when you said they went to Louisville and weren't coming back with anything else but the trophy.

Yes I can imagine what it was like playing the last game ever at your stadium that you played all of your high school career at being a senior, losing wasn't an option for the 04 Belfry team