VINCENT - On the scoreboard, the Warren Warriors beat the Marietta Tigers 35-7 Friday night.
But a second contest - between fans of both teams donating to the United Way of Washington County in the stands - was a lot closer.
Warren won that one too, but by just $1 - $577 to $576.
The friendly face-off was part of the inaugural Washington County United Way Bowl, which served as the start of the United Way's annual fundraising drive. Donations by the Warren athletic boosters and local businessman Frank Christie on Marietta's behalf raised the total take to $1,729.
It was "one heck of a way to start off our annual campaign," said Al Miller, a United Way board member and chairman of the game.
Donations were collected through sales of T-shirts commemorating the game and donations collected by members of both schools' student councils. Warren student council Vice President Trent White said helping a good cause wasn't the only reason they were participating.
Fact Box
Fan Appreciation donation contest
Warren - $577.
Marietta - $576.
Source: United Way of Washington County.
"We always want to win against Marietta - no matter what it is," said Warren student council Vice President Trent White.
The goal for this year's United Way campaign is to raise $266,000 to distribute among 18 organizations it supports, including EVE Inc., the Washington County Free Clinic, the Right Path for Washington County and the O'Neill Center.
Prior to kickoff, about 75 representatives of the United Way and some of the 18 agencies it supports marched on the track around the field.
"I think it's an opportunity for people to see what the United Way is," Miller said. "They see some of their friends and neighbors and (think), 'Oh, they're part of the United Way.'"
Fans of both schools said they liked the idea of tying the start of the United Way's annual fund drive to the game.
"I think it's really cool, and this is like the biggest game of the year," said Marietta High School senior Caitlin Schilling.
Warren fan Chuck Pierson, 63, of Barlow, said the stage provided by the game could "probably help everybody become more knowledgeable" about the causes the United Way supports.
The group plans to make the game an annual event, although what form it will take going forward has not been determined.
Miller said the game could once again be between Marietta and Warren or shift to another local rivalry contest. Another possibility is having a pre-season scrimmage featuring all six county teams.
"It's Washington County United Way, so it would only make sense that it possibly could" include other teams, Miller said.
