Tantalus was thirsty. The puddle of spring water was in front of him, but every time he tried to drink, it moved out of his reach. This went on for eternity. It was a punishment for sins he committed during his lifetime.
Like that mythical Greek figure, Olney is thirsty. A few times this season, the win has been in front of the Trojans, but every time they went to claim it, it moved out of reach. This, is seems, has gone on for an eternity.
With their latest disappointment, a 30-22 loss at Gratz on Thursday afternoon, the Trojans are still looking for their first win of the season. They haven't won a game since Sept. 23, 1987, when they defeated Gratz 8-6.
That was 14 games ago, and many Trojans wonder what sins they might have committed.
As has happened in many games this season, the Trojans showed the potential to be winners.
But there were two things that kept Olney out of the winners' circle Thursday: mistakes at crucial moments and Robert Alston's right arm.
Alston, the Gratz quarterback, threw for 264 yards and four touchdowns, including a Public League-record 99-yard strike to Chris Rhone.
Before the game, Gratz coach Rich Kozlowski said Alston was the best quarterback in the league. "There is nobody who can throw with him," he said.
He may or may not be, but it is true that Alston looked great against the Trojans.
On the third play of the game, Alston showed signs of what was to happen when he completed a 49-yarder to Wilbert Mininall.
Two plays later, he hit Mininall from the 4 and added the 2-point conversion.
Employing a ball-control offense, the Trojans took the ball after the next kickoff and marched 70 yards on 12 runs. Terrance Langford ran in from the 1 to get Olney on the board.
Back to Alston. Three plays after the kickoff, Alston hit Thomas Charlton for 59 yards and another touchdown.
After a Langford fumble, Alston got the ball again. Four plays later, he hit Charlton for 39 yards and the 'Dogs' third TD.
After that touchdown, it became obvious that Olney had no idea how to defend against the pass. The Trojans aren't a passing team, and the ease with which Alston floated the ball up made it apparent that they weren't strong against the pass on defense.
Nevertheless, Olney was still in the game at halftime. Why? Because of its goal-line run defense. And because of a sophomore named Harry Jones.
