The phone call on Friday's busy opening night of high school football came to The Sun's sports desk between 9 and 10. Douglass rookie coach Steve Simmons was obviously proud and elated when he passed on word that his Ducks came away with a 14-8 overtime win against Carver. The win featured drama, resiliency and plenty of heroics.

Simmons talked about the poise of his quarterback Carlos Crossland, who connected with DeAngelo Johnson for a two-yard touchdown in the final minute and then found him again for the two-point conversion to tie the score at 8. On defense, Cleveland Williams made the big play, forcing a fumble in overtime that set the stage for Crossland to hit Roland Brandon with an eight-yard touchdown to win the game.

A cup is annually presented to the winner of the game and it had been awhile since Douglass had proud possession. After going 1-9 last season -- the win coming by forfeit against Crossland -- the Ducks already have matched the effort and have proof to show for it.

- Glenn Graham