Purple pride predominant as Lone Oak embraces Flash

The purple-and-gold painted windows in many Lone Oak businesses boldly
proclaim the community’s support for its football team bound for the
state championship game.

"Entering Undefeated Territory." "Go LO." "Light Up Your Friday Night.
Lone Oak Football." "Best Football Anywhere." "Good Luck Purple Flash."

Coach Jack Haskins’ record-setting squad takes its 14-0 mark into the
4A state title game against Lexington Catholic at 2:30 p.m. Saturday at
Papa John’s Cardinal Stadium in Louisville.

At least one supporter had to cross school boundaries to show his
Purple Flash pride. David Wade, swing manager of McDonald’s on Lone Oak
Road, recently decorated the restaurant windows with Purple Flash
slogans with help of Lone Oak senior Lyle Jordan. When not in a
McDonald’s uniform, Wade is the assistant cheerleading coach at Paducah
Tilghman.

"I’m not partial; I’m happy that the kids are doing so well. It’s great
that they are playing for a state title. That’s something that may
happen to a team, say, once in 10 years or 20 years," Wade said.
"Several Lone Oak students work here, and we want to let them know that
we are behind them."

For several years, Purple Flash football fans had few reasons to cheer.
This is only Lone Oak’s third winning campaign since 1984, so fans have
embraced this season, highlighted by quarterback Corey Robinson and his
national record of 90 touchdown passes through 14 games.

"This season has brought a lot of excitement into our community, and
it’s spilled over into our church," said Brian Isbell, youth minister
of Lone Oak First Baptist Church.

Community churches have taken turns hosting the team for pre-game
meals. Lone Oak First Baptist has held five dinners, including last
Friday’s buffet prior to the 38-35 nail-biter that propelled the Flash
into the title game.

Time Piece Photography photographs youth sports in Kentucky, Illinois,
Missouri, Tennessee and Ohio.

To mark the Flash’s perfect season, Shaun DeMint, the firm’s manager
and event coordinator, designed a fleece blanket that features the
names of players and coaches, and the regular-season schedule and
scores.

Most of Wade’s window artwork was washed off late last week while
McDonald’s prepared for an inspection. He probably will repaint the
windows on Thursday.

"I don’t know what I’m going to put up, but I guarantee it will be
something purple and gold," Wade said.

Matt Sanders can be contacted at 575-8659.