Following the path of RVs out of Auburn today showed just how far the celebration spread after the stunning last-second upset of Alabama Saturday. An investment in toilet paper in east Alabama would have been wise last week, as the home pictured is 18 miles from the site of the main toilet paper activity near campus. An Alabama fan was the first to show up for services at the First Baptist Church of Eclectic Sunday despite the loss (photo of Crimson van), and one went so far as to defy everyone with a orange and blue fire hydrant and confederate flag (photo below).
Catholics still comprise only a couple of percent of all Alabamians, but in light of a second straight miracle win some may look back at the New York Times report that the local Catholic Pastor Msgr. William J. Skoneki (“Fr. Bill”) wore a clerical shirt outfitted with Auburn’s logo to the game before leaving around halftime to report to the pulpit – in other words he was saying Mass while Auburn rallied from down 21-7.
Skoneki was quoted by ESPN on Game Day Saturday morning as calling the miracle win against Georgia the week before as the “Immaculate Deflection.”
However, anyone worried about intervention (Auburn’s mascot did wear an angel outfield at the game) should also realize a good percentage of people in the bible belt still are as sure to make it to church Sunday as watch the game – win or lose.
A loss for Alabama did not deter the owner of the Crimson Red van in the photo with the Alabama logo from getting to the First Baptist Church of Eclectic a half hour away for the 10:45 a.m. service Sunday. A little further down the road the 15-member choir at Our Lady of Guadalupe in Wetumpka was evenly split – with three wearing Crimson balanced by three wearing Orange and the rest wearing neutral colors.
A very small percentage of residents still display a confederate flag in 2013, but the combination in the photo is telling. The fan with the flag also did not even want to allow the traditional Alabama red for a fire hydrant – choosing Auburn’s colors instead.
Alabamians do not like being told what to do – remember that while Alabama left the union to fight for the Confederacy, many in North Alabama then fought against Alabama as recounted in the Mountain Eagle.