Wylie, Clyde showdowns aren't new

By AL PICKETT / Sports Editor

Showdowns between Wylie and Clyde aren't anything new. Some of the greatest seasons in both schools' histories have included matchups between the two long-time rivals.

Long-time Wylie school board member Don Blackburn said that Wylie has had two unbeaten regular seasons in its history, twice posting 10-0 regular seasons when he was in high school - in both 1949 and 1951.

Wylie's schedule was much different in those days, however.

Blackburn said Wylie was a Class B school in 1949. The Bulldogs defeated Trent, Cross Plains, Lueders (before it consolidated with Avoca), Bronte, Aspermont, Strawn, South Taylor (before Tuscola consolidated with Lawn to form Jim Ned), Carbon, Clyde and Baird. Wylie beat Moran in bi-district before losing in regional to Rule.

In 1951, Wylie moved "up" to Class A. The Bulldogs beat the Abilene High 'B' team, just before the Eagles started a 49-game junior varsity winning streak. Other wins in '51 were over Bronte, Aspermont, Bangs, Rising Star, De Leon, Clyde, Santa Anna and South Taylor. Albany beat the Bulldogs in bi-district.

Blackburn said the '51 team also include former Wylie superintendent Stanley Whisenhunt.

Blackburn said Wylie's key wins in '49 and '51 were against Clyde, while Clyde handed the Bulldogs their only loss, 31-0, in a 9-1 season in 1950.

Wylie and Clyde - both 9-0 - meet Friday night in Clyde to decide the District 6-3A championship and which team will join their school's annals with a rare undefeated regular season.