MACON, Ga. _ Stephanie McCloud did not spend $15 to watch a Fort Valley State University football game. She didn't purchase a disposable 27-exposure camera for the dazzling halftime show. Only one thing pulled her to the 2002 Georgia Peach Kickoff Classic.
One word, two syllables _ Denzel.
'That's him! That is him!' she yelled while peering through a stranger's binoculars.
Actor and object of McCloud's affection Denzel Washington came to Macon on Saturday for the classic as a proud Morehouse parent. Washington and wife, Pauletta, sat on the visitors side, cheering for 18-year-old son and Morehouse running back John David Washington.
The elder Washington is one of few in Hollywood whose first name alone brings instant recognition. He has won two Oscars and earned a $20 million paycheck for his latest project, 'Out of Time.'
Washington also plays the role of an avid sports fan, showing up at several Los Angeles Lakers games. He portrayed coach Herman Boone in the movie 'Remember The Titans' and even coached his son's football team.
But it's his status as one of the sexiest men in the universe that makes the women get giddy.
'I just want to see him walk, because you know he's got this walk,' McCloud said.
Wearing a baseball cap and dark sunglasses, Washington appeared focused on the game. Son John David gained the Tigers' first three yards on a running play up the middle. But his team ended the game with only 20 rushing yards in a 23-0 loss.
While the classic annually draws thousands of fans, the more than 18 Macon Police Department cruisers weren't there Saturday just for the game. On a night where it seemed one needed a pass even to walk to the concession stand, three law enforcement officers stood near Washington and detracted large crowds from just coincidentally congregating near his section.
Washington declined autographs and requests for interviews, including one from People magazine, with a simple, 'We're just here for the game,' but that didn't deter McCloud from putting into motion 'Operation Get Denzel.'
'It's not too often a small town like Macon gets someone like him,' McCloud, 28, said. 'This is Denzel, not someone who lives up the street from you.'
Late in the second quarter, McCloud knocked over her ruby red grapefruit drink trying to point out Washington to others. She clapped her hands and did a little happy dance before deciding to walk to the other side of the field and fawn over her favorite actor. She said she wanted to take one photo so she could use it as wallpaper on her home computer.
But at halftime, FVSU holding a 20-0 advantage, Washington trailed behind the Morehouse players to the locker room. Disappointed but determined, McCloud remained standing near Washington's section, waiting for his return.
However, she wasn't the only one.
When Washington reappeared, police had trouble keeping curious on-lookers, mostly women, from crowding in front of him. McCloud was one of those, running toward Washington to complete her mission. She pushed aside Macon native and former NBA player Norm Nixon and clicked eight quick shots directly in front of Washington.
'I want to start crying,' McCloud said with a sigh and a grin. 'I love him.'
Believe it or not, some fans were there for the game.
Stanley Foushee, 18, didn't know Washington was sitting in the stands. Morehouse junior Hyon Herbert didn't care. And Spelman freshman Jaketa Stoudmire merely came to watch the band.
'I'm just not all hyped up on stars,' she said.
i___
Visit The Macon Telegraph ONLINE, at http://www.macon.com/
Distributed by Knight Ridder/Tribune Information Services.
(c) 2002, The Macon Telegraph (Macon, Ga.).
Visit The Macon Telegraph ONLINE, at http://www.macon.com/
Distributed by Knight Ridder/Tribune Information Services.
