From the stands to the sidelines, Watson brothers savor title win

Fitch High graduates Ross and Stan Watson played key roles for Mount Union.
By JOHN A. MONTGOMERY
SPECIAL TO THE VINDICATOR
SALEM, Va. -- Ross Watson, a freshman reserve defensive back on Mount Union's Division III national championship football team, has been to Salem to watch the Stagg Bowl before.
"Three times, as a matter of fact," he said Saturday, during the post-game celebration following Mount Union's 48-7 blowout of Trinity University. "But it's never been like this. This has been the best experience of my life."
Watson's previous visits to Salem have been as a companion with his parents (Marilyn and Stan) to watch his brother Stan, Jr., a starting outside linebacker for the Raiders. Both of the younger Watsons played their prep ball at Fitch High.
Ross Watson enjoyed considerable playing time Saturday, particularly late in the game. Did he feel pressure to preserve Mount Union's margin of victory?
"Practice at this school is pressure," Watson said. "So when we're in games, it's just more of the same. It's a great compliment to our coaches in their ability to get us ready."
Stepping up
Mount Union's coaching staff clearly had its team ready Saturday. Outside linebacker Justin Burton (West Branch) grabbed an interception five minutes into the game, and the Raiders were off and running. Raider coach Larry Kehres credited Burton's interception -- the only turnover of the game -- as a major factor in dampening Tiger substitute quarterback's Dan DesPlaines' confidence.
"I had an idea it was a passing situation," Burton said of the third-and-7 play. "I was at the right place at the right time. I don't think [DesPlaines] thought I could get it."
Burton returned the interception to Trinity's 24-yard line before he was tackled.
"It was a big momentum shift," Burton said. "It gave us great field position, which was important considering how windy it was."
"It was unbelievable to see him do that," said Stan Watson, Jr. who witnessed Burton's interception from the other side of the field. "It was a big play."
Three plays later, tailback Dan Pugh scored his first of four touchdowns.
Ultimate game
Stan Watson, Jr. has been part of a handful of other Mount Union national championships, but he admitted that Saturday's title was the ultimate.
"It's the best feeling in the world," he said. "To end my senior season and my college career on top ... it's incredible."
"There are so many great players in this program, you can't expect to start until late in your career," Ross Watson said. "When you come here, you know you have to put your time in. Mount Union has a great tradition. This is what football is."