Column: That Famous Night At The Pit

40 years ago tonight, a confident group of Palatka High football players made history at home vs. Suncoast

  • Members of the 1981 state 3A champion Palatka High School football team pose with Susan Lyle, the widow of head coach Bob Lyle, and the state championship trophy in a ceremony held at halftime of the Oct. 29 game against Menendez. From left are Gary Hathy, Brian Hill, Willie Tilton, Preston Clark, John L Williams and Darryl Oliver. (MARK BLUMENTHAL / Palatka Daily News)
    Members of the 1981 state 3A champion Palatka High School football team pose with Susan Lyle, the widow of head coach Bob Lyle, and the state championship trophy in a ceremony held at halftime of the Oct. 29 game against Menendez. From left are Gary Hathy, Brian Hill, Willie Tilton, Preston Clark, John L Williams and Darryl Oliver. (MARK BLUMENTHAL / Palatka Daily News)
Some say the images are vivid in their minds. Probably the smells, too. Forty years ago tonight – Friday, Dec. 18, 1981 – the atmosphere was filled with electricity, and for most people there, rife…

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