Beginning of school year means prep football is around corner

To my regular readers, you may have not realized that one of my joys in life is that I am a sports fanatic specifically American football. And I’d be lying if I said getting to walk out on to the sidelines of high school football games on Friday nights in the fall isn’t a big plus for me again because there’s something about prep football in the South particularly in the fall.

Ever for the past few weeks now, we’ve been focusing on putting together this year’s edition of the “Playmakers” magazine which provides information to readers on the possible formation of the local teams for the next season, a glimpse at the past season, which players and coaches have left the different programs and which those that fans should expect to impact on the teams in the coming season. I have enjoyed it pretty much to read our Sports Editor Ernest Bowker’s work and I am sure that you people also like to do so.

I also experienced the same feeling that going through the stories got me updated on all that I need to learn that can help me in the areas that I will be needed this year. Besides, no matter how stellar Ernest is, he will never be able to follow me around 24/7 – though, as far as my observations go, sometimes he is almost everywhere. Therefore, I eagerly anticipate going to which of the games he requires me to report on in my first semester of football for The Post and meeting the Vicksburg High School, Warren Central, St. Aloysius, Porter’s Chapel and Tallulah Academy athletes, coaches and fans.

What a blast it is to see these kids find their ways through a prep football season. To sitting and watching for week to week and following the story lines and all of the triumphs and the falls and recovery or the lack thereof is holistically superior to any show they may be missing on television. For me, it’s the beginning of football weekends in the Fall that goes from Saturdays with college football and ending with the NFL on Sunday. Yes, it is only the best time of the year that I can lavish myself with food without having to worry about putting on weight.

And for the players I would like to tell you that it is one of the brightest periods in their lives. Although there are players who will proceed with football and join other teams after the high school level, the end of high schools also marks the end of football for majority. Yes, it did for me, but friends I have or rather fellow mates for four years are bond which can only be understood if you are a team member. Facebook existed when I was in college and has allowed me to keep in touch with many of them and it is incredible that we can still discuss certain plays that occurred during certain Friday night games as if it was more recent event. I am pretty sure they were not yester; day events and most times I forget how the last movie I watched ended. But they surfaced and I remember them very well and they still touch me to this day.

As far as our local players are concerned, it will be the same for all of them who want to have a advance education after high school whether they continue to play football or not. Therefore, when those stadium lights are switch on in few weeks, let me see you under it supporting these guys, as well as the guys ‘n gals who form the cheer squads, marching bands, dance team not forgetting all other troupes that make this period so special to be an Honor society representative.

Popular programs appear to be set on the telly soon enough and I look forward to being a part of these fan bases. Therefore, what you notice of me scurrying around the periphery next year, know I’m laughing it up as much as the cheerleaders, and yet I’m still a little green with envy at the players out there who are having the time of their lives.