It's Football Time!!!

We are on the cusp of another football season at all levels! I for one cannot wait to see what

the new season has in store for all the football faithful. High school football has got to be one of my favorite levels to be a part of. The game shows a great deal of developed talent all the while maintaining the purity of the game. These kids aren't playing for NIL, a scholarship, a sponsorship, or an endorsement. Most young people know that the four years of high school football will spell the end of their careers, and they want to make the most of it. It's not the end because they are very capable of playing the sport! It's just that a very small percentage is allowed to continue into the college ranks, and an even smaller percentage to go pro.

There's just something about those Friday night lights that stay with you. I guess thats why so many adults love to talk about the old football days. The sound of the band and the cheers from the crowd. The whistles, grunting, coaches screaming, PA calling your name, and the teamates. The cool crisp fall air and the sound of your cleats tapping the floor waithing to run out onto the field. Man... Gives a man chill bumps, if he's experienced that.

So much preparation goes into each week. Having to watch and study film and then put the game plan into practice all week. Knowing your assignments and reads. Putting your trust into your team and in your coaches, and moving forward as a cohesive unit. We learn the aspect or responsibility, dependability, work ethic, dedication, strength both mentally and physically, patience, and all around growth. Whether it's a win at the end of the game or a loss, you can rest assured that you gave everything you had for the effort. Heaven knows the regret that lingers in our soul when we know we didn't give our best. It stays with us for a liong time and we learn so much either way.

Regardless of how a game ends and the final record at the end of the season, we still cheer for our colors and want the best for them. Even now as a fan, I don't miss a game. Partly because I now do the radio broadcast for my alma mater. A sense of wanting to be a part of a much bigger thing is always present. We learn from the losses and we rejoice in the victories. At some point we realize that life is bigger than football, but we know that it is principles from the game that helped get us where we are today. For that we are endebted to those who helped pave the way for us to be able to cherish such memories. I think I hear the National Anthem starting..."please rise, gentlemen remove your caps" and so it begins.