‘This year was our year’
Fans herald Rome’s state football title
ATLANTA — For the thousands of Rome High football fans who traveled to the Georgia Dome on Friday, this was about more than just a game, or a state championship, or a trophy.
Rome High’s football team defeated the topranked Buford Wolves 16-7 for the Class 5A state title in a thrilling contest, and those who came to show their support also expressed their gratitude.
Kedra Anderson is a 1995 graduate of Rome High and was in the front row, cheering on her alma mater.
“I think this team has brought unity to our city. I think Rome just needed this altogether,” she said.
“It just means a lot to me and this program. Rome has struggled so much, and each year we just try to progress and we didn’t get there, but this year was our year.”
Head coach John Reid expressed his appreciation to the Rome High faithful — who cheered in response — multiple times during his victory speech after accepting the championship trophy.
“These kids are amazing. They’re just awesome,” Jody Summerville said.
“I work for the school system, and you watch
these kids, you watch them in the hall, and they’re good kids. They work hard. They just kept fighting, and you can’t buy that.”
As for how the players and coaches will remember this night, Summerville said the team’s youth will make their
drive for a repeat more aggressive.
“They’re young. They’re going to forget about it in about two weeks and go
back to work because they’ll want it again,” Summerville said. “That’s these kids.
“They win at everything they do because they put their heart and soul in it.”