One week has passed since Marietta High defeated host Warren 33-28 in a Southeastern Ohio Athletic League football showdown and season finale.
It's been a week to reflect on Washington County's friendly rivalry.
Friendly rivalry?
Not hardly - at least it wasn't a week ago.
A friendly rivalry is actually an oxymoron, or figure of speech that combines normally-contradictory terms. And, that's basically what Marietta-Warren is when the two schools square off on the gridiron.
And, square off, the Tigers and Warriors literally did in the fourth quarter as punches were thrown and players on both sides were ejected.
Mind you, those weren't friendly fights out there on the field but a neat mess, which got pretty ugly.
Emotions were high, and anarchy briefly ruled.
Everyone should have anticipated the unanticipated, but didn't.
It was meaningful nonsense and controlled chaos at its best. It was a minor crisis and not an easy problem to solve.
Obviously, the players were thinking out loud and agreeing to disagree - and it was far from a quiet riot.
Fact is, it was clearly confusing, and everything was as clear as mud.
Were some straight hooks thrown?
Probably. Many by unknown identities.
It's always amusing when players start flailing at each other with all the equipment they wear. Good way to bust up a hand.
The officials tried to restore order, to get the players to stand down - and finally they did - the players, that is - and the game was resumed and ultimately concluded.
So, what was the overall reaction of the fans, many who were all alone together in the grandstand when the players did a slow jog off the field at the finish?
Mostly there was a dull roar and silent cacophony. Not surprisingly, none of them turned a blind eye.
Thing is, when Marietta and Warren mix it up, it's far from boring entertainment.
In a way, it's even a tragic comedy (another oxymoron).
But a friendly rivalry?
Hmmmm.
Not last Friday night.
Ron Johnston is the Marietta Times sports editor, and can be reached at 376-5441 or at rjohnston@mariettatimes.com
