Battle of Rte. 20 more than just a football game

In this week's newspaper is a special section looking back of the football rivalry between Clyde and Bellevue. The Clyde Enterprise and The Bellevue Gazette banded together to create this section.

Although our two teams played each other decades ago, it has been the games in the past 15 years that has turned the second Friday night in September into one many fans and residents await anxiously each year. No matter the weather, we don our raingear and pack in the stands until the bitter end whether we play at Bishop Stadium or BAF.

This game has been called the Battle of Route 20 for several years now. It also has various other nicknames - Whirlpool East verses Whirlpool West, for example and others we just will not go into.

But for the communities of Clyde and Bellevue, this football contest is not just about the game on the field. For residents, it is about spending time with family and friends from a neighboring city while standing along the sidelines, enjoying the tailgate parties, sitting in the stands and sharing things we have in common at work.

Both communities love their football teams and their students in most any activity. While winning is ultimately important on the field, we ask adults to remember that in the stands and sidelines you are examples to the many youths who will be in attendance. Encourage sportsmanship and even friendly behavior.

Just remember, the fan you may insult Friday night may be working next to you or a member of your family on Monday morning. Our hope for Friday night is clear skies, good humor and a Flier victory! (OOPS, sorry Redmen, we slipped.)