In my last column I commented on what a privileged job I have and about covering a great sectional championship game -- Shakamak rallying for its second straight volleyball title.

This column is once again about another great sectional championship game -- the Linton-Stockton football team also rallying for a thrilling come-from-behind win for its second straight crown. But its also about more than just the game itself.

On the field, between the two sidelines, the game provided plenty of dramatic plays, but there was also some drama created off the playing field on the sidelines.

During the second half, long time Miner fan, Jim White, who I believe has helped out with the exchanging of game balls for the officials and numerous other things on the Miner sidelines for years, experienced some difficulties. I never did hear the exact prognosis, but when play was halted to give attention to White, one coach explained to an official White may have had a heart attack.

With play stopped, both teams went to their respective sidelines and huddled around their coaching staff. The visiting North Daviess Cougars immediately huddled around their veteran coach, Scotty Helms, and the team said a prayer. Minutes later, Helms made a gesture to the Linton sideline for both teams to gather at midfield for a heart-warming prayer for White.

North Daviess was clinging to a 14-6 advantage at the time, and the gesture of each team coming together for prayer in the middle of a crucial game -- loser go home for the year -- shows a lot of character from each team and a direct reflection on the two head coaches.

I was not in either teams' huddle and don't know what either coach said to their teams, but how easy could it have been for coach Weber to tell his team that they just needed to focus on the game because their perfect season was on the line and try not to worry about what was going on around them. Or for coach Helms to tell his troops to block out what was going on, and to remain focused on pulling off the upset over the Miners on their home turf.

I am sure at some point after the ambulance carried Mr. White off the field, each coach gave a speech to their teams to get the kids refocused, but for those 20-30 minutes that play was stopped, it was evident their hearts were with Mr. White and not about the game.

After the game also provided some heart-felt gestures. The Miners had just completed a dramatic comeback over their close conference rivals. As I was sifting through all the fans that had rushed the filled, trying to grab players and coaches for interviews, Cougar and Miner players were still congratulating and giving hugs to one another. Even while conducting some interviews with Miner players, Cougar players would walk by and offer one last congratulation and some kind words.

Back to my playing days in high school and college when I had been defeated I wanted nothing more than to shake hands with the opposing team or opponent and get off the field or mat as soon as possible. Not being a poor sport, because I did congratulate my competitors, but I was not one to stick around and soak up all the celebration.

So I tip my hat to all the young men who showed their maturity level amongst their fellow competitors.

One of the hardest parts of this job is talking with someone who came up on the losing end of such a great game, and in this instance the end of their season. While talking with a very somber coach Helms I could not help but feel the pain, or at least some of the pain, he was experiencing. In knowing the Cougars leader for just a short period of time, I know that the pain of the defeat was not for personal reasons, but solely for the kids on his team that had just given their all and played their hearts out and came up short of victory.

While gingerly sifting through questions for the coach, one long time Miner supporter came up and offered some kind words of condolence to the coach and mentioned what a great group of kids he had and a great season they had. And a Miner player also approached us during the interview to shake coach Helms' hand congratulating him on a great season.

The adage, respect is earned and not given, is not only true to those on the field but also off the field. Coming from an outsider, as myself, it is a given that the Miner football team has definitely earned all the respect possible from what they have accomplished on the field, but they have also earned a ton more respect for their gestures off the field as well -- at least in my opinion.

I also believe that the Cougars have also earned some much deserved respect as well, both for their efforts on and off the field. But then again that should be a given with having the classy leader they have in coach Helms.

So in closing, as much as the 2008 Sectional 40 will be remembered for a fumble at the goal line, securing the dramatic comeback win for the Miners, I will remember it as the night 16-18 year olds showed their maturity level beyond their years. Largely in part as a reflection of their leaders.

Travis is a sports writer for the Greene County Daily World and can be reached at 847-4487 ext. 20 or tdavid@gcdailyworld.com