Bellaire vs Ferry

[RavenStorm]

Oh yes this rivalry is intense sort of like Michigan and Ohio State

We hate each other we go steal flags and throw figures that look like the other schools players into the bonfire we have each year

i was there btw and for the pep rally it was crazy!!

Go Bellaire!!!


Bellaire-Ferry: History in the Making

By RICH GIBSON, Times Leader Sports Writer



About the time you think you’ve seen it all....along comes one for the ages.

Trust me, it does not get any better.

Bellaire and Martins Ferry matching 9-0 records? Out of sight, out of mind, out of this world. Not to mention unprecedented.

Historic? Do the math. The riverfront rivals have played 100 games. Never before has there been such a storied showdown and one which thousands of super-charged fans will attend Friday night at Purple Riders’ Stadium.

The forecast suggests we might get wet, but wouldn’t we risk pneumonia for a chance to witness the greatest game of them all?

Bellaire athletic director Bruce Young overheard one Big Reds’ booster mention he’s leaving the All-American town at 3:30 to make the long, six-mile journey north on Route 7.

Although gates don’t officially open till 6:00, Young urges Bellaire followers to arrive plenty early.

“If they’re not in line by 5, they can probably plan on standing,” he advised.

According to Purple Riders’ head coach and A.D. Dave Bruney, Ferry’s facility can accommodate seating for approximately 6,500, though he expects Friday’s numbers to be significantly higher.

The best news prior to kickoff is the fact both teams are already locked-in for postseason play.

Even so, one team is destined to experience ultimate heartbreak, the realization their quest for a 10-0 season will have been shattered.

“No doubt there will be tears flowing (on the losing side), and probably even some on the winning side,” declared Bruney.

“What’s special is that both of us will be playing again in week 11.”

Equally special is the incredible irony bestowed on long time Big Reds’ coach John Magistro, who announced months ago the 2006 season would be his final on the Bellaire sideline.

“I’ve been at Bellaire 27 years (23 as head coach) and spent eight years at Ferry,” Magistro explained. “Along the way, you make lifelong friendships. I’ve always considered the Bellaire-Ferry series a friendly rivalry.”

That, it most certainly is. Expect to see players exchanging firm handshakes and genuine hugs following Friday’s game.

“I know I’m really gonna feel for Dave if he loses, and I’m sure he’ll feel the same for me if we’re on the losing end,” Magistro remarked.

Connections? Besides Magistro, Big Reds’ aids Mark Spigarelli and Gregg Bonar previously served at Ferry. Former Big Reds’ standout Dirk Fitch, meanwhile, is offensive coordinator at Ferry. There are dozens more.

“There are so many twists and turns away from the game, itself,” Magistro observed. “Most years, you never know how a Bellaire-Ferry game will turn out. That is definitely the case this year. It’s truly an honor to just be part of it.”

And what better authority than Bruney, whose family ties are so historically deep-rooted? Think there’s a little emotion involved this week?

Dave’s great uncle, Edward “Pie” Bruney was a participant in the 1925 Ferry-Bellaire game. At least 18 immediate family members have followed.

“My dad (Art Bruney, Jr.) could tell you who made the key block that decided the game in 1938,” Dave laughed.

Fred Bruney, Dave’s uncle, played for the Purple in the late 40s before going on to become a Buckeye at Ohio State. He later spent 41 seasons coaching in the National Football League.

Bill Bruney, Dave’s brother and current assistant at Ferry, was a standout Rider in the late 60s.

Then, there are sons Zac and Trevor Bruney, Dave’s pride and joy and both of whom made their marks in the series.

“For all the players and coaches associated with this series, I truly believe there’s a reverent feeling among them,” Bruney noted.

“From the fans’ standpoint, the Ferry-Bellaire rivalry has been a positive in every way. Hopefully, it continues for years to come.”

In the meantime, don’t get left out Friday night. Be there to witness history in the making when the valley’s most storied prep rivalry christens its second century with one to remember.

[KennyK]

He should change his name to "The Fresh Prince of"


Thank you

[old_Mark_NW]

Originally Posted by RavenStorm

Oh yes this rivalry is intense sort of like Michigan and Ohio State

We hate each other we go steal flags and throw figures that look like the other schools players into the bonfire we have each year

i was there btw and for the pep rally it was crazy!!

Go Bellaire!!!


Bellaire-Ferry: History in the Making

By RICH GIBSON, Times Leader Sports Writer



About the time you think you’ve seen it all....along comes one for the ages.

Trust me, it does not get any better.

Bellaire and Martins Ferry matching 9-0 records? Out of sight, out of mind, out of this world. Not to mention unprecedented.

Historic? Do the math. The riverfront rivals have played 100 games. Never before has there been such a storied showdown and one which thousands of super-charged fans will attend Friday night at Purple Riders’ Stadium.

The forecast suggests we might get wet, but wouldn’t we risk pneumonia for a chance to witness the greatest game of them all?

Bellaire athletic director Bruce Young overheard one Big Reds’ booster mention he’s leaving the All-American town at 3:30 to make the long, six-mile journey north on Route 7.

Although gates don’t officially open till 6:00, Young urges Bellaire followers to arrive plenty early.

“If they’re not in line by 5, they can probably plan on standing,” he advised.

According to Purple Riders’ head coach and A.D. Dave Bruney, Ferry’s facility can accommodate seating for approximately 6,500, though he expects Friday’s numbers to be significantly higher.

The best news prior to kickoff is the fact both teams are already locked-in for postseason play.

Even so, one team is destined to experience ultimate heartbreak, the realization their quest for a 10-0 season will have been shattered.

“No doubt there will be tears flowing (on the losing side), and probably even some on the winning side,” declared Bruney.

“What’s special is that both of us will be playing again in week 11.”

Equally special is the incredible irony bestowed on long time Big Reds’ coach John Magistro, who announced months ago the 2006 season would be his final on the Bellaire sideline.

“I’ve been at Bellaire 27 years (23 as head coach) and spent eight years at Ferry,” Magistro explained. “Along the way, you make lifelong friendships. I’ve always considered the Bellaire-Ferry series a friendly rivalry.”

That, it most certainly is. Expect to see players exchanging firm handshakes and genuine hugs following Friday’s game.

“I know I’m really gonna feel for Dave if he loses, and I’m sure he’ll feel the same for me if we’re on the losing end,” Magistro remarked.

Connections? Besides Magistro, Big Reds’ aids Mark Spigarelli and Gregg Bonar previously served at Ferry. Former Big Reds’ standout Dirk Fitch, meanwhile, is offensive coordinator at Ferry. There are dozens more.

“There are so many twists and turns away from the game, itself,” Magistro observed. “Most years, you never know how a Bellaire-Ferry game will turn out. That is definitely the case this year. It’s truly an honor to just be part of it.”

And what better authority than Bruney, whose family ties are so historically deep-rooted? Think there’s a little emotion involved this week?

Dave’s great uncle, Edward “Pie” Bruney was a participant in the 1925 Ferry-Bellaire game. At least 18 immediate family members have followed.

“My dad (Art Bruney, Jr.) could tell you who made the key block that decided the game in 1938,” Dave laughed.

Fred Bruney, Dave’s uncle, played for the Purple in the late 40s before going on to become a Buckeye at Ohio State. He later spent 41 seasons coaching in the National Football League.

Bill Bruney, Dave’s brother and current assistant at Ferry, was a standout Rider in the late 60s.

Then, there are sons Zac and Trevor Bruney, Dave’s pride and joy and both of whom made their marks in the series.

“For all the players and coaches associated with this series, I truly believe there’s a reverent feeling among them,” Bruney noted.

“From the fans’ standpoint, the Ferry-Bellaire rivalry has been a positive in every way. Hopefully, it continues for years to come.”

In the meantime, don’t get left out Friday night. Be there to witness history in the making when the valley’s most storied prep rivalry christens its second century with one to remember.

I don't understand...