Beech Tree News Network

Dear Editor,
I ran into a former team mate, Jim Bob Green, at Keenland this fall.  Jim and I played in high school and at Centre together.  Jim said that this was the 50th anniversary of football at Butler County High School.  When we played we admired the programs like Russellville with such a rich tradition honed over 100 years.  I got to thinking about a game that comes to mind just before every football season. 
In 1974 we traveled to Warren Central in Bowling Green.  The 4A opponent had been the last game of the season for years.  Warren Central dressed over 100 players and lined up from goal line to goal line.  They were led by 22 seniors that year.  The display was not lost on the 17.  Rumors of forfeit had us on edge.  Not playing was not an option for the 17.  During warm ups the 22 Dragon seniors lined up at mid field and chanted, “Kill Morse.” (Taunting was not that big of an issue back then)  This only steeled the nerve of one of the Commonwealth’s premiere running backs in Dwayne Morse. 
Our quarterback Timmy Hammers suffered an ACL injury in the first half.  A talented 8th grader, Jim Bob Green, stepped in for Timmy.  When we made it to the locker room at half time we didn’t have time to contemplate our situation.  We had to concentrate on water and oxygen.  I can’t remember what Coach Pettit or Coach Green said… at the time it didn’t seem to matter.
We pierced the Dragon end zone enough times to prove we were far from being shut out.  Morse suffered a back injury and had to leave the game.
As the seconds ticked off the clock the Dragon fans emptied the stands and met the 17 with pats on our shoulders and handshakes. 
Of the 17 some played at WKU, Tennessee Tech, Murray, Yankton, and Centre.
Many of the 17 have passed on but I felt this story needed telling.  I can’t speak for all of the 17 but it was a proud night to be a Butler County Bear.  Over the years I learned that Bear Football has a tradition of hard hitting aggressive play.  I know the 17 have enjoyed this year’s team.

Pat O’Brien