As the hamlet was preparing for the Oyster Festival, on Friday, Oct. 12, the Oyster Bay High School Baymen were playing the North Shore High School Vikings.

Announcements of the play could be heard as far away as the Jakobson Pier. Fireman's Field was lighted up with colored lights from the Oyster Festival Children's Entertainment area rides.

It was very much "hometown America," just a month after the September 11 attack on the World Trade Center that had repercussions to local school families.

Entering the stadium area, OBHS Business Teacher Karen Santoro had a table set up with school mugs, shirts and banners from the OBHS School Store. Her supplier had added 20 American flags to the offerings.

The Baymen were fighting bravely in what is a building year for the team. The North Shore Vikings took the day with a score of 41-8. It was the first Conference win for the Vikings.

Their next game is Saturday, Oct. 27, a home game against Valley Stream South.