Spectators Watch the Game

ST. JOHNSBURY - A football rivalry a century old continued in St. Johnsbury. Although the weather was gloomy and raw it didn't stop many fans from attending one of the nations oldest rivalries.

Paul Wheeler, the Athletic Director of Lyndon Institute said, "(The) 106 game, I think you (would) take a day like this where its 30 to 40 degrees, little bit of snow, little bit of rain, and there's still probably 3000 people here."

The weather did not stop fans from showing their school spirit. This was the 106^th football game between St. Johnsbury Academy and Lyndon Institute. It was not just a game between the two schools but also between two communities. Wheeler, "The kids get excited about it, the communities gets excited about it, and its really a fun activity to be a part of." Tom Lovette, the St. Johnsbury Academy Head Master said,  "It's always intense, always draws a big crowd and both teams want to show off for their communities and their schools and the rivalries been great."

The game opened with St. Johnsbury receiving the ball. It took several possessions for each team to settle into the rhythm of the game. Lyndon Institute finally got on the board first with a long carry from running back Jack Hill. The Hill Toppers regrouped and scored twice before halftime. The score was 14-8 at the break. Fans were happy with their teams' efforts.

St. Johnsbury scored two quick touchdowns in the third quarter to extend their lead to 20 points. Lyndon running back Jake Hill broke a 70-yard run for a touchdown, bringing his totals to over 150 yards; two touchdowns, two conversions, blocked kick, and he surpassed 1000 yards on the season. For all of his success Hill is a humble person. Wheeler, "He's been amazing this year in a team that hasn't had a lot of success but her (is) the first person to tell you that his success is based on all the work that all the teammates around him do.  He's a very unassuming kind of kid and just a great person.  I really like him a lot." Jake Hill, Lyndon Institute senior running back said, "Well our thing was like family, we were all about family.  You know times are bad, but we were still like, pound the rock as we say."

Although Hill had a great game, St. Johnsbury became too much to handle and the final score was 42-16. A game that brought teams and communities together ended in a proper fashion.