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In The Family: Chiefs QB’s Dad Was On ‘79 State Champ Team
December 7, 2012
“When I walk up to the field on Friday nights and smell the grass, I remember,” Byron Vaughan said. “Then I feel proud that’s my son out there. I never was the athlete he is.”
Byron remembers that long trip 33 years ago to Booster Stadium in Ocala, where Coach Steve McCord’s EWHS Eagles beat Benjamin High 13-6. Ernest Ward and Century High were later combined to create Northview.
During the ‘79 season, Byron played linebacker, nose guard and split end. “Nose guard? I was just a small 130 pound guy. I remember thinking this is crazy,” he said.
Due to his job, Byron was unable to speak the 2012 Chiefs in person during practice Wednesday. But he said he wanted to offer them some insight. “Listen guys, I’ve been here just before the state game. If you stay focused, you can bring it back. I wanted to talk to them about how emotional it can be every day knowing that you could be the next state champions. I’ve thought a lot about it.”
By Friday night, Byron and Kevin Vaughan could become the only, or least one of the very few, fathers and sons to have played on state championship teams for the same or combined schools.
“He’s very humble about it,” Byron said about his son. “He’s all about the team. He’s not big headed. Looks out for everybody on the team and takes care of business. It’s not about him, it’s a team effort. He’s everything I wanted to be.”
Byron will there in the Citrus Bowl cheering on the Chiefs Friday night. “I know I’ll be proud of the whole bunch. Win or lose, it’s going to be emotional.”
There are two other state final records on the books in the histories of Ernest Ward and Century high schools:
The 1979 Ernest Ward-Benjamin game still holds the state record for the fewest two-team turnovers during a state final. Both teams were turnover free. And in 1986, then Coach Joe Cardwell led his Century Blackcats into the state Class A finals against Glades Day at home in Century before a crowd of 1,723 fans. The Blackcats fell short 8-7.
Pictured top: Bryon Vaughan, a member of the Ernest Ward 1979 state championship team, and his son, Northview quarterback Kevin Vaughan. Pictured inset: The younger Vaughan in action for the Chiefs. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Comments
12 Responses to “In The Family: Chiefs QB’s Dad Was On ‘79 State Champ Team”
My sister was a cheerleader when EWHS won state, and her daughter is on NHS’ s dance team this year. Amazing all of the students/children involved in Northview whose parents were a part of Ernest Ward and Century High School’s state championship teams.
It would really be interesting to see how many more connections there are.
Glad they ran this story it brings back memories. Not only were the men in the family involved with football as I recall Aunt Micaela was the eagle mascot!
Kevin, Byron, & All the Chiefs: Congrats to you’ll!!! Job well done!!! Merry Christmas!!!
The year ewhs won state championship they lost 1 game to century, but this is not about either school this is about the chiefs so lets not ruin a good thing. Go Chiefs!!!!
Wishing you the best, Kevin!! We are so proud of you and the Chiefs!! There’s a lot of family memories from both E W and Century.
Makes be proud for so many reasons- to be a EWHS graduate and to be a VAUGHAN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! GOOOOOOOO CHIEFS
I was a graduate of EWHS in 1972. I was also a member of “The Thunderin’ Thirty’ marching band at EWHS in 1967. That was the absolute greatest!! I saw the Golden Eagles beat Century in the “Sawdust Bowl”. GO CHIEFS!!!!
Some GREAT players have been born to former players of both the 79 EWHS and 86 CHS teams !!! I know there will be some PROUD fathers standing on the side lines tonight !!! We have one STATE CHAMP (son of former player ) SO come on CHIEFS lets add more to that list !!!! GOOD LUCK !!!!! GO CHIEFS !!!!
I remember the ‘79 state championship game very well. I was there as a member of the EWHS Marching Band. Even for us band members, it was a very exciting time.
Good luck to the Chiefs.
I remember that game. I went to EWHS. My brother, Bodie, attended the game in ‘79 (not yet at EW) and now tonight in Orlando, he will watch his son, Daulton #8, play for the same FL State Championship…..GOOD LUCK CHIEFS
William, Neiko and Neino Robinson’s father played for Century in the 1986 State Championship game. Their father (Anthony Robinson) was a starting receiver and cornerback. In the semifinal game against North Florida Christian he had an interception of Casey Weldon who would be the starting QB for FSU as a college JR and SR. Century won the semi-final 35-14. Their father was a great player. I know because I was the receiver and DB coach.
In the late 50’s Byrons father, John Henry played on some very good Ernest Ward teams and was also an outstanding player. Not state champs but three generations of great players.