Photo by Karla Perez, Editor-in-Chief/The Daily Campus.
The rumors are true; good things are worth waiting for. Luckily for the writing underdogs, Rome wasn’t built in a day, and the same can be said about Pearlman Cup victory. Even the brightest stars take time to shine. In a dramatic 5-4 overtime victory, the writers finally restored Pearlman Cup glory to their rightful home: The Daily Campus.
With a 12-year losing streak at the writers’ backs, the stakes had never been higher, but something was a-brewing; the perfect, front page-worthy storm.
The campaign began bright and early on the Joseph J. Morrone Stadium turf, which has seen its fair share of newspaper triumphs and tribulations. Despite a storied history stacked against them, the ragtag group of writing underdogs stood tall, with everything to prove and nothing to lose.
After a dynamic warmup, the writers hit the field. And who could’ve guessed what was in store.
The first half featured a power-struggle, categorized by writers and videographers going back and forth. In a flurry of first downs, offensive efficiency and defensive prowess, no singular team was emerging on top. By the end of the first half, the Tier-IIIs were deadlocked in a 2-2 stalemate, with The Daily Campus touchdowns coming from Blake Sykes and Jake McCreven.
To open the second, the writers faced an uphill battle as UCTV secured two touchdowns within the first ten minutes. However, the newspaper calvary wasn’t done with the endzone and found it two more times in the second half to come back from a 4-2 deficit to send the match into overtime.
Just two drives later, history was made as the DC crew found the endzone to secure a 5-4 lead and officially start a dynasty.
“Our offense did a really nice job of staying within itself in the second half and efficiently setting up opportunities to score. We executed our halftime adjustments well and it paid off,” said Pearlman Cup MVP and newspaper champion Thaddeus Sawyer.
Sawyer was accompanied by freshman Chase Cassidy who was fighting off a serious injury: a pre-game bee sting. Despite the near season-ending sting, Cassidy secured a touchdown and threw for 25 yards.
“As a first year, I knew that today was going to be a big day for everyone, so I had to step up and deliver for my new team. I’m happy to be a part of the team that’s turning the page and starting a new dynasty,” he said.
The feat was nothing short of miraculous and for many, a long time coming.
“I was seven years old when the DC started losing this thing. Now we’re on top. Now it’s our turn to win for another decade,” said Managing Editor Connor Lafferty.