Rock Island Over Moline

From the Argus--
By Marc Nesseler, nesseler@qconline.com

Rock Island not only emphatically drew its line in the sand against girls' basketball rival Moline, it made that line an exclamation mark. For three quarters of Thursday's critical Western Big 6 Conference girls' basketball game, RI coach Thad Hoover planted his guards, including leading-scorer Shavonne Brewer, at midcourt on offense. With first-place on the line, Rock Island was challenging the Maroons to a game of 3-on-3 at its end of Wharton Field House. Or maybe, in the Rocks' 44-37 victory, they were just lulling the WB6's four-time defending champ into a fourth-quarter switchup. RI's guard trio of Brewer, Raquel Garcia and AmUnique Washington accounted for 11 of their team's 14 fourth-quarter points as the Rocks pulled away in the game's final 2:41. "I wanted to shoot the whole game. I knew if I was open, I was going to take it and make it," said Garcia, who took just one field-goal attempt, and it was a big one. Garcia drained a 3-pointer with 1:40 left that put RI up 37-33, a minute after Washington's rebound basket gave the Rocks their first lead of the quarter. Rocky's win throws the WB6 race into a cluster. RI wins the Big 6 title for the first time since 1991 with a win at home next Thursday against Quincy. If Moline also defeats United Township that same night, RI would capture its first outright WB6 girls' hoops crown since 1986. A Rock Island loss and a Moline win, though, means the Rocks could still win that title share, but the Maroons also would be in a four-team title split, and thus get to hoist a fifth-straight conference-winning flag next fall. Strange. As strange as the path Hoover decided to take to get there. "We felt like we had progressed enough in the post where 3-on-3 would be our offensive game," the RI coach said. "That's the game we wanted to play. To Moline's credit, they played that game very tough." In the midst of that strategy, the Rocks held a 31-30 lead through three quarters. RI center Sarita Goldsmith had 13 of her game-high 17 points as Rocky's front court had all but five of its points. Moline coach Steve Ford said his Maroons took RI's guards out of the game in their last meeting, a 39-36 Maroon win in mid-December "They tried some different things," Ford said. "They just went more with their bigger, stronger players." Though Moline still has a mathematical shot, Ford said the Maroons' locker room, on this senior night, didn't carry that feel to it. "They're disappointed, very disappointed, to have it that much in reach," he said. Brewer, averaging a team-best 12.6 points per game, took being a spectator on offense much of the game in stride. "As long as the team wins, if that's what it takes," she said after contributing five points to the win. "I'm never selfish. We've got three great post players to go to." Rocky's win also had another odd twist – the team is shooting a paltry 52 percent at the free-throw line this season. Against Moline, with everything on the line, the Rocks hit 15-of-20, including 9-of-10 in the fourth quarter, with the guards going 6-for-6. "AmUnique just brought us tons of energy," said Hoover, with a pair of free throws by Washington, who led RI in assists and steals, coming at the 1:15 mark of the fourth. "From there, everyone's energy went up."

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Title: Clash of Titans: Rock Island Prevails Over Moline

Introduction

In the world of high school sports, rivalries often take center stage, creating unforgettable moments etched in the memories of players and fans alike. One such epic clash took place when Rock Island and Moline, two powerhouse high school teams, faced off in a thrilling showdown. This article will delve into the exciting game, explore the history of the rivalry, and answer frequently asked questions (FAQs) to provide a comprehensive understanding of this epic encounter.

The Rivalry: Rock Island vs. Moline

The rivalry between Rock Island and Moline high schools dates back decades. These neighboring schools have a storied history of intense competition across multiple sports, with each matchup carrying an air of anticipation and excitement. The clash between these two giants of the game has become a tradition, a source of community pride, and a showcase of exceptional athletic talent.

Setting the Stage: The Big Game

The Teams: Rock Island and Moline have consistently fielded competitive teams in various sports, including football, basketball, soccer, and baseball. This particular matchup featured their football teams, both of which had enjoyed successful seasons.

Game Hype: The anticipation leading up to the game was palpable, with both communities rallying behind their teams. The "Rock vs. Moline" game had become a marquee event in the region, drawing large crowds and enthusiastic fans.

Key Players: Star athletes from both teams added to the excitement. These young talents, often the focus of college scouts and media attention, were ready to leave their mark on the rivalry.

The Thrilling Game

The Rock Island vs. Moline game lived up to its reputation as a high-stakes, adrenaline-pumping contest:

High-Scoring Affair: The game was marked by an abundance of touchdowns, with both teams showcasing their offensive prowess. Each score was met with raucous cheers from the passionate fans.

Clutch Moments: In the final minutes of the game, with the score tied, players on both sides exhibited remarkable composure and made crucial plays that kept fans on the edge of their seats.

Overtime Drama: As the clock wound down, it became evident that this rivalry game was destined for extra time. Overtime added to the drama and intensified the competition.

The Historic Victory: Rock Island Prevails Over Moline

In a game that will be remembered for years to come, Rock Island secured a thrilling victory over Moline in overtime. The final moments were filled with jubilation for Rock Island fans, while Moline supporters, though disappointed, applauded the exceptional display of talent and sportsmanship by both teams.

The Rivalry Beyond the Game

The Rock Island vs. Moline rivalry transcends the final score. It embodies the spirit of competition, mutual respect, and the pursuit of excellence. This rivalry extends beyond the football field to all aspects of school life, encouraging students to strive for greatness in academics, arts, and community involvement.

FAQs: Answering Your Questions

Is the Rock Island vs. Moline rivalry limited to football?

No, the rivalry spans multiple sports and activities, including basketball, soccer, baseball, and more. It is a comprehensive competition that showcases the talent and dedication of both schools.

What is the history of the Rock Island vs. Moline rivalry?

The rivalry dates back many decades and is rooted in the geographic proximity of the two schools. The schools have consistently been competitive, making their matchups highly anticipated events.

Are there any famous alumni who have participated in this rivalry?

Yes, several former athletes from both schools have gone on to achieve success at the collegiate and professional levels in various sports. Their performances in the Rock Island vs. Moline rivalry are often remembered as defining moments in their careers.

How do the communities support their teams during these rivalry games?

Communities on both sides rally behind their teams with passionate support, organizing tailgate parties, fan events, and fundraisers to enhance the game-day experience. The spirit of friendly competition brings the communities together.

What does this rivalry mean to the students and the communities involved?

The rivalry instills a sense of pride, camaraderie, and sportsmanship among students and the communities. It serves as a source of inspiration and motivation for athletes and encourages healthy competition and community engagement.

Conclusion

The clash between Rock Island and Moline represents more than just a game; it's a tradition that unites communities, showcases talent, and highlights the indomitable spirit of high school sports. Beyond the scores and victories, this rivalry embodies the values of sportsmanship, dedication, and perseverance. The Rock Island vs. Moline games will continue to captivate audiences and inspire future generations of athletes to give their all, both on and off the field, in the pursuit of excellence.