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After performing the ceremonial coin flip, Ray Hentges watches the opening kickoff during the first game at the stadium named in his honor Friday night at Helias.

Aug. 18, 2017

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. --- The night had its flaws, like the concession stand running out of hot dogs.

An hour before the opening kickoff.

But the night was still perfect.

The official's mike didn't work and the mike of Ray Hentges kept cutting out during his attempted address to the standing-room only crowd at halftime of the Helias-Hannibal football game. Ray did something he never did during his Hall of Fame coaching career --- he finally gave up.

But the night was still perfect.

There was a 50-minute weather delay Friday night, starting at 9 p.m. with just 8 minutes left in the game. Due to lightning in the area, the stadium was cleared.

Some of those fans --- who were invited to head to Helias Fieldhouse, but the majority didn't return --- may not agree with this, but the night was still perfect.

Because this night will be remembered forever.

This night was a crowning moment for those who bleed Blue and Gold --- the six-decade road trip was finally over. But more than that, this was a crowning moment for our community, because we all care about what's happening here, especially with and for our youth.

The announcement came at 5:30 p.m. Friday: Ladies and Gentlemen, Ray Hentges Stadium is now open.

And with that, this beautiful 17-acre, $13 million dream became a reality, as thousands of fans spilled through the gates.

It was the first true "home" game for the Helias Crusaders, after enjoying and building such a rich history at Public School Stadium and Adkins Stadium.

Hannibal tried to spoil the party, as the Pirates rallied from a two-touchdown deficit in the fourth quarter to beat the Crusaders, 41-28.

Disappointing, certainly. But you know what?

The night was still perfect.

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THE DAY'S FESTIVITIES started with the Booster Barbecue --- and they ran out of food, too, so the folks at the concession stand were in company.

The field was blessed at 6:35 p.m. during a stirring pregame ceremony. The ceremony included a video tribute narrated by the voice of our sports for four decades, Kevin Kelly, and was shown on the brand spankin' new scoreboard.

Like everything else in this Sports Complex, which includes a soccer field and tennis courts, the scoreboard is first class.

The tribute was followed by a short video message from Ray's grandson, Hale Hentges, who was tied up with the Alabama football team and couldn't make the trip. But he was probably the only relative of Ray's who wasn't there, because he was surrounded by his children, their spouses, Ray and Marilyn's grandchildren, and their one great-grandhild.

It all left Ray at a loss for words --- and choked up with tears.

"I didn't think I'd cry," Ray said moments after the ceremony. "This is pretty special, pretty special. Words can't describe how I feel right now.

"I'm humbled by this whole thing, I never thought it would happen."

Hentges directed the Crusaders for 33 years, a run that spanned from 1966 through 1998. His teams won eight or more games 19 times, more than 250 games overall, and two state championships.

"My first game was a win over Hickman; my last game, we won a state championship," Ray said. "I thought that was a good end to my career, but I think this tops it."

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THE GAME STARTED BATHED IN SUNLIGHT, but that would certainly change.

But first --- and for the record --- a few firsts.

6:52 p.m. --- With the announcement, Tonight is the night we come home --- and under a shower of fireworks and through a tunnel of smoke --- the Crusaders took the field for the first time on Game Day.

6:58 --- The first coin flip with a special, ceremonial coin, minted just for the occasion and flipped by the stadium's namesake.

7:01 p.m. --- The first opening kickoff.

7:06 p.m. --- The first touchdown in stadium history ---and it was only fitting it was scored by the Crusaders --- a 59-yard gallop by Blake Veltrop with 9:41 left in the first quarter.

7:27 p.m. --- The first touchdown scored by the opposition, a 71-yard pass from from Gabe Worthington to Will Whitaker to tie it 7-7 with 7:23 left in the first quarter.

Along with Ray, every other Helias head coach for the last 51 years was in attendance --- Mike Jeffries; Ray's son, Chris; Phil Pitts; and of course, the current head coach, Tim Rulo.

Certainly, they enjoyed the night --- except for the game itself.

It was tied 7-7 after one quarter and Helias --- despite being outgained 222-121 in the first half --- led 14-7 at the half. Another long touchdown run by Veltrop, this one a 62-yard, gave Helias a 21-7 in the third.

After Hannibal cut it to 21-14, Zach Woehr's 86-yard kickoff return gave Helias a 28-14 edge, and Helias was still leading 28-21 when the delay hit.

Hannibal took control from there, as the Pirates scored the game's final 28 points in its fourth-quarter explosion.

So, the Crusaders are still looking another first --- their first win at their new home. It will come, let's hope sooner rather than later.

But this night was about so much more than one football game. This was a night for celebration, a night to say thank you to so many people, a night to enjoy the first night at this beautiful, second-to-none, high school facility.

The game you will forget, it's the night you'll remember.

Some fans might not agree with this, but it was perfect.

​Despite disappointing loss, this

opening night was still perfect