Oil Bowl Washed Out

By Kyle Dierking, NewsOn6.com

WICHITA FALLS, TX - The band is trying to salvage the situation.

A few beats, some sweet sounds until the real show starts. This, after all is the Oil Bowl.

It's Oklahoma versus Texas.

A high school football showcase that has been played for 71 years - full of highlights, not lightning.

"Just trying to go out with a blast and represent my state of Oklahoma," said Duncan's Gabe McGee, who will play defensive line at Tulsa. "Trying to go out with a victory, give it all we've got - just go out with a blast."

Those words couldn't have been more prophetic.

"That was a big lightning bolt," said Oklahoma Oil Bowl coach Greg Gothard, as lightning filled the sky.

 For 71 years, thousands of touchdowns and many triumphs. The 72nd edition of the Oil bowl featured rain and lightning and a scoreboard that read 0-0.

"It's a once-in-a-lifetime deal, whether you're on Oklahoma or Texas," Gothard said. "Now they've lost that chance."

The Oil Bowl was cancelled due to weather for the first time in its history. Spectators stand under umbrellas and the last bit of popcorn is consumed by the mouthful as players tow their pads and duffel bags.

"I'm disappointed. Near tears? Yes," Gothard said. "The biggest thing we've talked about is the camaraderie, the friendship you get out of athletics. We still got that, so we got that main thing out, but we still didn't get to see each other play on the field and really turn it on."

 The sound of the band is long gone and the only thing that remains is a beach ball that had been bounced around just a few hours before.

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