The North vs. South football game is an annual 49ers tradition, allowing students and alumni an opportunity to get together for a spirited game. Of course, some are out to showcase their talents. This year, the field was speckled with bright green and orange t-shirts, representing the North and South teams, respectively. The only problem seemed to be too few shirts for the number of people wishing to play in the game. Shirts were quickly swept up, leaving many players unable to participate, and those lucky enough to earn a roster spot were often seen on double or triple duty, playing on offense, defense, and special teams. The game started pretty much on schedule and there was a healthy crowd that steadily grew throughout the game.

  Both current students and alumni participated in the game. Toby Hartman served as quarterback for the North team and Cody Winclechter started at QBquarterback for the South. South won the toss and received the opening kickoff, but was unable to generate any offense; a solid running game showed promise in warm-ups, but was unable to get going during the game. The game was exciting throughout, as both teams worked tirelessly to gain yards and stretch the field. The action on the field never seemed to slow down. Both QBs had great arms, perhaps not realizing their own strength, and often overthrew speedy and open receivers downfield. By halftime, the score held a 0-0 tie. Both teams were unable to score and often had trouble moving the ball or gaining first downs. Fumbles, 3-and-outs, failed 4th down conversions, and a couple of penalties were the story of the day, as the evenly matched teams battled on the unusually warm October afternoon. The game was traditionally held on Friday; however, this year the game was on Saturday. Organizers would not say what prompted the change.

  Halftime allowed many tired and injured players to rest. Several serious injuries were suffered in the first half. South alumni Kyle Crockett suffered fractured ribs on North's opening drive, after being blocked in the back by a North offensive lineman. Fellow defender and alum Joe Aranda was also entangled in the hit. Throughout the half, other students limped off the field with a variety of injuries, including ankles and a reported minor concussion.

      As halftime ended, the teams reassembled on the field, preparing for another round of tackles, plays, penalties, and injuries. Late in the 4th quarter, Hartman fumbled during a sack deep in his own territory, but South was unable to capitalize on the mistake. “The game was a defense battle with hard hits everywhere you looked. A few people even had to seek medical attention. Gotta love that! It was a great way to burn off post-FE exam stress,” Hartman said. Winclechter had similar comments: “It was a defensive battle between two hard hitting teams. Injuries on both sides slowed the offenses down and the offensive lines on both sides had trouble running the ball.”

      The game ended with a score of 0-0, the first such score that many players could remember in recent history. "Some of the guys were a little upset that we couldn't play on until someone scored, but the clock had run out and it was time to go on to other events," Aranda said after the game. “Ties are like kissing your cousin, but at least it wasn't a blow out like it has been in past games,” Winclechter added. Although the game concluded in a draw, it was nonetheless an exciting and worthwhile occasion.

  While this is a traditional event, it needs to be overhauled. Far too many students were needlessly injured. Protection, such as helmets, padding, face masks, joint guards, and mouth guards would be a smart idea if the game is going to continue to be tackle football. It is much too dangerous and risky for students to engage in contact sports without this essential safety equipment. Additionally, there should be an actual referee and at minimum, campus police present at the event in case of serious injuries. In past years, Dr. Van Romero, R&ED VP at Tech, had served as the referee for the North vs. South game. Crockett caught up with Romero later in the evening and asked about the VP's absence at games in recent years. Paydirt asked Crockett about the conversation and he had this to say: "Dr. Romero basically said that nobody was asking him to ‘officiate’ the games anymore. I basically said I would be asking him to in the future!"

       It would be beneficial to have a similar setup for future athletic events to ensure all students are safe throughout the game. A licensed medical official should also be present during athletic events, in anticipation of serious injuries, such as broken bones, head injuries, and spinal injuries. Most students simply do not have the medical knowledge or equipment to properly address major injuries.

  The North vs. South football game is a great tradition that encourages athletic participation and exhibits abilities students don't really have the opportunity to anywhere else. With more emphasis on student safety, the game can continue to flourish and thrive during 49ers. Aranda also noted the lack of advertisement for the event, which led to confusion on the day and time of the game and if it was even being held. He suggested that organizers should work on this in the future.