The Ohio Valley is full of rich tradition and history, but none is greater than the 103 year old rivalry between the Bellaire Big Reds and Martins Ferry Purple Riders that began back in 1907.
While Bellaire holds the all-time series lead 52-45, the Purple Riders are winners of the past 3 contests dating back to 2006. Martins Ferry started the 2010 season with high hopes as they are entering the final week of the regular season 7-2 and a locked spot in the playoffs.
In contrast, Bellaire began the season with little expectations around the Ohio Valley, but the Big Reds are 6-3, and still mathematically alive in the Ohio playoff race. I talked with Drew Pasteur, professor at the College of Wooster, and mathematical expert, about the playoff implications of this game.
Drew commented on Martins Ferry:
“Martins Ferry has already clenched a playoff berth, but could end up seeded anywhere from #2-#8. Though I have Martins Ferry as 18 point favorites, there is much at stake for them… a first round home playoff game. If they lose, they will definitely be on the road next week. If they win, they have a 94% chance of hosting a first round playoff game. Their likely opponents are Lakeview, Campbell Memorial, or a rematch with St. Clairsville.”
He continued on with Bellaire:
“They are still mathematically alive, but Bellaire’s playoff chances are slim. Along with a victory this week, Bellaire needs Perry, Canton Central Catholic, CVCA, Champion, and Cleveland Central Catholic to all lose. Additionally, they need the teams they previously defeated to win, and the teams that Perry beat to all lose. Assuming an upset of Martins Ferry, many things need to happen for Bellaire to make the playoffs, I estimate it a 1-in-1,000 chance that they will get the help they need.”
OVATHLETICS.COM’s Mark Joseph was able to sit down with both Coaches for a short Q/A session:
Mark: What is the first thing that comes to mind when you hear Ferry/Bellaire week?
Coach Bruney: 1959… Mom and Dad getting my brother and I ready for the Bellaire game. Wearing longjohns, and how freezing cold it was. I knew back then how big this rivalry was.
Coach Davis: Cold Saturday afternoons, and Friday nights under the lights. Bonfires, and everything that goes along with the whole rivalry week.
Mark: Coach Davis, how important is this game?
Coach Davis: Very important. With us being 6-3 and Ferry 7-2, it makes for a great week and Friday night for both communities. This is all just a great feeling.
Mark: Coach Bruney, what are the keys to winning this years game?
Coach Bruney: Getting by the “Carnival Atmosphere”… there is a hat day, red day, crazy day… it is all great for the kids and community, but when Friday night comes, it’s all about executing.
Mark: In all the years of this game, tell me a few single player performances (for both sides) that come to mind.
Coach Davis: My junior year we were 9-0 and Ferry was 7-2. Kevin Young put on a show! He rushed for well over 200 yards and upset us… they knocked us out of our chance to get into the playoffs.
Coach Bruney: That’s really tough because there are so many. In 1979, Jimmy Johnson played a great game for us, we were 9-0 and Bellaire was average that year, yet we were in a dog fight! Johnson had 4 interceptions, 2 of which were in our end zone. Brian McFarland also played a great game for us in ’94. Bellaire was 9-0 and a great football team. Brian had 2 interceptions, numerous great blocks, and ran the ball for us really well that game. In 1981, Dennis Swearingen went 16-18 passing the ball in an upset over Bellaire. Terry Zonker for Bellaire in 1980 had a really good game against us. Richie Mamie was impossible to stop… we knew he was getting the ball, yet he made plays all night. I also remember when Jose (Davis) dropped back to pass, with a big rush, he threw the ball underhand almost like a softball pitch on a rope for a 20 yard completion. I could go on forever with these (Laughing).
Mark: Coach Davis, at the beginning of the season, did you think your Big Reds would be sitting on a 6-3 record setting up a showdown with the Purple Riders?
Coach Davis: Mark, I knew that we would have our hands full against 3 teams this year… Wheeling Central, St. C, and Ferry. This is a special group of kids that we have, and I really believed that we could win any, and every game on our schedule. We will be ready to play football on Friday night, and it’s going to be a lot of fun!
Mark: Tell me about Sparky
Coach Davis: Sportsmanship. Participation. Achievement. Rivalry. Knowledge. Youth.
Coach Bruney: Carl Stabile and Mike Magistro came up with Sparky, and it’s been around since 1964. Sparky is about Sportsmanship, achievement, rivalry, knowledge, youth.
