It's not just a youth football game. Shalimar beats FWB, wins the Battle of the Bridges
SHALIMAR — On the outside, it may seem like just another game of youth football. But for Shalimar and Fort Walton Beach, the contest had the physicality that is seen in other rivalry matchups. The game may not have the history of Army vs. Navy or the moments that will live on forever, like Florida State vs. Miami. But it does have the grit and toughness that can be seen in a game between Baltimore and Pittsburgh.
Make no mistake, these two teams don't like each other. Their communities are only separated by bridges. The families know one another. They probably go to the same church. But when both teams' seniors took the field on Saturday, the outcome that was decided over the next four quarters dictated the next year of bragging rights.
What makes this a rivalry?
The first game in the "Battle of the Bridges" series began five years ago. Once called the "Big Mac Bowl," the series has been split between the two teams in the last four matchups, with Shalimar winning the first two meetings, while Fort Walton Beach has evened up the series by winning the last two.
That means for Fort Walton Beach Mayor Dick Rynearson, the "Big Mac" Trophy has been sitting in his office for the past two years.
Game recap
Saturday's game started out like many youth football games, with a pounding running game and stingy defensive performances between the teams.
The first quarter saw no scoring, as both teams failed to gain many yards. The action began in the second quarter, as Shalimar struck first and went up 7-0. Fort Walton Beach then answered that score with a touchdown of their own to tie the game going into the half.
As play resumed, an injury timeout halted play. As Shalimar had possession, Kyrie Robinson was involved in a tackle on the Buccaneers' sideline in an apparent helmet-to-helmet collision. Kyrie was awake and alert as paramedics arrived on the scene. Out of an abundance of caution, he was transported via helicopter to Ascension Sacred Heart in Pensacola.
On Sunday, the Daily News reached out to the Fort Walton Beach coaching staff for an update. Kyrie was released from the hospital and will be at Monday's practice session.
"It's better to overreact in that type of situation than to underreact," Coach Jay Allen said. "He's fine. No concussion or anything! God is good!"
Kyrie's parents gave the go-ahead to continue playing. After a couple of defensive stops by Shalimar, the Wildcats then scored again early in the fourth. After a failed one-point conversion, the score was 13-7.
Fort Walton Beach did have the ball last. After a failed lateral play to score as time expired, the Wildcats pulled off the win and went up 3-2 in the series.
Both teams shook hands in a showing of respect, but the celebration ensued once the trophy was passed from Fort Walton Beach Mayor Dick Rynearson to Shalimar Mayor Mark Franks and the Shalimar coaching staff.
Post-game reaction
"I'm very proud of these boys," said Shalimar Coach Joe Rojas. "They played their tails off and they got it in tonight. It was a very hard-fought game against our rivals. It was a very low-scoring game, but it was a very good one. I have a lot of respect for Fort Walton. They came out here to compete.
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His gameplan against Fort Walton Beach was all about physicality. He said that they knew they could compete if Shalimar could remain physical all game.
"That was a battle," said Shalimar Mayor Mark Franks. "This community loves their young athletes. They came out today to support them and it's an exciting day for Shalimar."
"I am proud of the way they played," said Fort Walton Beach Mayor Dick Rynearson. "They played hard. Played with a lot of heart. Couldn't ask for anything more."
"Well, it's going to be a big hole left vacant, but as I told my team, we will get them back next year," he added. "I will keep the spot clean. I won't let it get dusty and we will put the trophy back there next year."
This article originally appeared on Northwest Florida Daily News: 5th annual Battle of the Bridges sees Shalimar take a 3-2 series lead.
