I miss the show Friday Night Lights and how it showed football interwoven into the life of a small Texas town. Growing up, high school football was a big part of our fall. I can remember back to elementary school going to the games on Friday nights watching our high school heroes put on the Black and Gold and defend the honor of our town. In those days the teams weren't great, but excitement was always high. In my neighborhood we were lucky in that Gerald Turner, one of these very same heroes, lived around the corner. GT as he was known would quarterback our sandlot games. To a 10, 11, 12 year old kid this was cool beyond cool.
By the time we got to high school, our football fortunes had improved, no longer were we a 5-5 program. By my Junior year, we were a powerhouse. Not only that, but our marching band was marching 200 strong and was one of the best in the land. The combination made Fridays even more special. It all culminated in a State Championship in 1974. In those days Friday was the greatest night of the week.
Fall Friday nights still hold excitement for me. I love going to a high school game and watch the rituals I grew up with being played out communities all across America. It is a great feeling to watch young men you have known for years work hard and strive to be the best they can for the honor of their school and community. It is wonderful to know that a tradition continues and provides a thread that ties together generations and gives them all a touchstone.
So tomorrow night I will be out with 10,000+ of my friends and neighbors watching the renewal of our border rivalry. Between then and early December, I will see as many games in person as I can and watch others on TV. The bottom line for me is that high school football is part of the continuing renewal of America and the American spirit.
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