Carney comes together for historic game

By Rusty Surette, NEWS 9

CARNEY, Okla. -- In Carney, they've always had the potential players, just never a place to play.

The team boasted a new field for thier football games.

"It's time for us to get in there and play some football with the big boys," Carney resident Kevin Kliewer said.

Kliewer grew up in the town of a little more than 600 residents. He said he never thought he'd see a junior varsity football game played in his hometown.

"It's just been a baseball community for as long as I can remember growing up here," Kliewer said.

The last real football game of any kind was played on a field here, almost a century ago.

"I really don't know why they quit," board member Joseph Simon said.

The fans looked forward to the future, donating funds and supplies to build the field.

"I never would have dreamed we'd have a football team here in Carney, Oklahoma," Kliewer said.

The community members pitched in to help make the game a success.

"I guess I'm the hamburger and the hotdog cooker," Carney softball coach Kendra Barnes said.

The sold-out crowd sat on bleachers donated by the baseball team, and the parents who couldn't be prouder of their student athletes.

"It's very exciting," parent Johnny Odle said. "Get it son! Yeah, there goes my son, just made another tackle right there. He's really doing good, I'm very proud of him."

Everything about the Tuesday night game was historic, including the first touchdown by number 84. Odle is the player's father.

"I'm very proud of my son, just scored a 70-yard touchdown on a return," Odle said.

The Bulldogs lost the game to Jennings, 42 to 18.

The Bulldog pride spilled out of the stands and onto the field after the game. It was a win-win situation for everyone who participated in Carney's first football game in 90 years.

The community still needs to raise money to build a concession stand, more bleachers and to help the Little Leaguers. You can help by playing in their upcoming golf fundraiser.

To play on Sept. 27 at Perkins Cimarron Trails Golf Course, just call (405) 865-9210.