Newton Citizen

COVINGTON - Just like Harvey "Two-Face" Dent in the summer blockbuster "The Dark Knight," where the fate of lives depended on the simple toss of a coin, Eastside's destiny was determined Saturday using a similar technique.

For the Eagles, their 50 percent chance of winning ended after the flip, and as a result, they will travel 270 miles to Cairo on Friday to compete in the third round of the state playoffs.

"Well, it's just really the only fair way to do it," Eastside coach Rick Hurst said Sunday afternoon. "The state used to decide ahead of time the bracket, and I think there were some folks who raised Cain about that not being fair...I don't know.

"It's really the only fair way to do it when you're both No. 1 seeds - to flip a coin. You have a 50-50 chance, and unfortunately it didn't come out our way."

Eastside has a 3-1 record away from Homer Sharp Stadium, averaging 31.8 points per game while allowing 15.

The last time Eastside was on the road came on Halloween, when it treated Morgan County to a 35-7 thumping.

After combining all the miles the Eagles have traveled outside of Covington this season (259), it would still be 11 miles less than the Cairo trip.

Nevertheless, transportation is available for fans wishing to make the trek to Cairo High School.

Two charter buses with a capacity of 55 each will depart Eastside High School at 1 p.m. Friday. The cost is $33 per person.

Additional transportation may be provided if the 110 seats are occupied before Wednesday.

Advanced tickets will be available to those traveling by bus.

For additional information, e-mail Eastside athletic director Dennis Roddenberry at roddenberry.dennis@newton.k12.ga.us.

Jason Murdock can be reached at jason.murdock@rockdalecitizen.com.