photo by Patrick Parton
9
cont. on pg 10
The rivalry does have a lighter side to it with creative
pranks, and on occasion, some dastardly vandalism.
In the early years, some unsuspecting homeowner would
have an outhouse stolen, which ended up being burned at
a bonfire with a poorly constructed rival’s mascot inside.
Before the two schools brought in artificial turf to their respective
football stadiums, the Bermuda grass fields were
the targets of local pranksters. They would bleach inspiring
messages for the visiting school or
some part of the field was torn up.
Throughout the years, there also has
been spray painting of field houses,
outside school walls, municipal water
towers, practice fields, on roads and
sidewalks.
The cold case files mount for these creative acts by loyal
Mountaineers and Black Bears.
There have been no arrests
or charges file by local law enforcement despite increase
security during the week leading up to the game.
As for the rivalry itself, it has stayed close despite several
winning streaks. This year, the 56th Meeting of the
County Clash will take place on Friday, Sept. 6 at Tuscola’s
Weatherby Stadium in Waynesville. Pisgah as won the last
six games, including the 2018 game, 20-10, and leads the
series, 28-26-1.
A win this season by the Black Bears would be seven in a
row and would tie Pisgah’s longest win streak (1966-72)
in the County Clash. Tuscola, however, holds the County
Clash’s longest win streak of 10 games (1978-87).
It was during the 10-game winning streak when the
Mountaineers took the series lead (11-10-1) in 1985
at Weatherby Stadium. They held that lead, and
bragging rights, until Pisgah finally snatched it
away in the 2017 game (27-26-1) with a 31-10
victory in Waynesville.
There have been so many close games in the
County Clash and so few blowouts. For many
players, the County Clash represents the biggest
game they have ever played and is a climax to their