A time-honored tradition is again upon the Twin Cities — T-NT week. As no doubt everyone is aware by now, this Friday’s game will be the 100th played between the two schools.
Let us join the number of people who have said we hope there will be a 101st.
Questions have been raised as of late about the fairness of the rivalry. With a large and growing disparity between the size of the two high schools, North Tonawanda has gained an advantage that’s led to several lopsided scores in recent years. On the flip side, Tonawanda’s football program — dedicated as ever — has slipped. There are whispers that perhaps the game has outlived its purpose.
But to boil down the meaning of T-NT to the simple final score of a football game would be missing the point. This game is a rite of passage for players on both sides of the canal, win or lose. It offers young people their first real glimpse into the deep sense of civic pride that defines both cities. The T-NT game is about the community far more than it is the Xs and Os in a playbook.
Folks around here know a thing or two about the character than can be developed — and tested — when rooting for sports teams, regardless of whether they win or lose. Yes, undefeated powerhouse North Tonawanda looks like a safe bet against a winless Warriors squad in the 100th meeting between the two schools, but imagine the story that would be written if this Warriors team stepped up and shocked the favored Lumberjacks?
And if North Tonawanda does run up a big victory, players on both teams still learn valuable lessons in accepting victory and defeat with humility and grace.
Untold numbers of grandfathers, fathers and sons have played in these games and pass along the life lessons learned from having been there before. To lose that would be a real shame.
It’s worth noting that several times over this century-plus rivalry, one school has dominated for extended periods. While North Tonawanda holds a handy lead in the all-time series, Tonawanda has provided a worthy foil through the years. We see no reason why, in the years to come, that process won’t repeat itself.
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