Traverse City Record-Eagle

2008 Crosstown Showdown

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October 24, 2008

Mike Eckert: Assistants play key roles

By MIKE ECKERT

Friday's game couldn't have been much bigger for Traverse City Central and TC West, as the two teams renewed their annual rivalry in the Crosstown Showdown.

And in the big game -- in big situations -- both coaches turned responsibility over to their assistants.

TC Central jumped out to a 14-0 lead at the half after going 7-for-8 on third-down conversions. Think Titans coach Tim Wooer was adjusting his defense at the half? Think again.

"To be very honest, at halftime I was working on scoring points, being down 14-0," Wooer said. "I have to credit the defensive coaches for making those adjustments."

TC West held the Trojans to seven points in the second half and got them to punt three times. On the other side, Wooer's adjustments on offense gave his team a chance to win the game.

Central coach Tom Passinault also turned to his assistants. Facing a fourth-and-27 on West's 33, the Trojans went for it and made good when sophomore quarterback Mack Sovereign found Jacob Borysiak over the middle for a touchdown and a 21-0 lead.

"I was ready to send in our punter, but (offensive line coach) Aaron Biggar suggested a play he thought would work on offense," Passinault said. "I was glad I went with him."

It's possible the Trojans still could have won if they punted away. But, you never know.

Head coaches get the praise when things go right and take the blame when things fail. It was impressive, though, to see both coaches defer the credit Friday, especially in a big situation.

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  • TC CENTRAL VS TC WEST
    <a href="http://photos.record-eagle.com/gallery/6358888_QU9DM"><b>Crosstown Showdown Photo Gallery &raquo;</b></a>

    Game and crowd photos from Friday's crosstown showdown football between Traverse City Central and Traverse City West.

    Continued ...
    Oct 25, 2008 10:03 am 1 Photo
  • 10:00 p.m.: TC Central beats West 21-14 in crosstown showdown

    Traverse City Central raced out to a three-touchdown lead and hung on for a thrilling 21-14 win over cross-town rival Traverse City West in their regular season finale at Thirlby Field.

    Continued ...
    Oct 24, 2008 10:02 pm
  • Central stops West's late drive
    TC CENTRAL VS TC WEST

    Since the start of organized football in seventh grade, Traverse City Central's senior class had never tasted victory over Traverse City West. Ray Gidley's tackle on the 2-yard line as the final horn sounded Friday ended that streak.

    Continued ...
    Updated Oct 25, 2008 9:30 am 2 Photos
  • Sophomore QB provides an unexpected boost

    A year ago, Mack Sovereign was taking snaps on the junior varsity team as a freshman. Friday night, he helped Traverse City Central's football program take another step, maybe even a leap.

    Continued ...
    Updated Oct 25, 2008 9:30 am
  • James Cook: TC coaches successfully wing it
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    Traverse City Central and West are in extremely capable hands. Face it, most people didn't think TC West would be in the playoffs this year. First-year coach Tim Wooer put the Titans there. Many didn't expect much from Central last year after coming off an 0-9 season, but the Trojans went 5-4. Tom Passinault was a huge reason for the turnaround in his first season at the helm.

    Continued ...
    Updated Oct 25, 2008 9:30 am 1 Photo
  • Notebook: TCC coach leads celebration

    As time expired in Friday's Crosstown Showdown at Thirlby Field, Traverse City Central's students stormed the field to celebrate the Trojans' 21-14 win over TC West, and first win over the Titans since 2005. Leading the charge onto the field was Trojans coach Tom Passinault. (Plus more notes from the game.)

    Continued ...
    Updated Oct 25, 2008 9:30 am
  • Thursday, October 23, 2008
  • Rain can't dampen schools' spirits

    A steady rain fell across Thirlby Field in the hours building to the annual crosstown battle between Traverse City Central and West high schools. But instead of dampening the enthusiasm for the yearly show-down, the foul weather seemed to feed it.

    Continued ...
    Updated Oct 24, 2008 11:50 pm