For athletes, pressure surrounds them, glory unites them, and competition divides them.
Courtesy NBC News
Football is a way of life in so many places across America, and certainly in Texas, where I live. Every fall in towns across America, hope comes alive on Friday nights. Small towns shut down so folks can watch the big game at the local stadium. Vehicles fill every parking lot spot.
It’s high school football, gridiron glory. Every varsity football player looks to get that starting spot, a pathway to the dream of getting a scholarship to an NCAA program.
For towns folks and parents, it reminds them of what was once good and can be better, what was pure and full of joy. As adults, we live our lives, take care of our families, and work our jobs. But for 48 minutes on Friday nights in the fall, we focus on football.
Cheerleaders are on the sidelines pumping up the crowd. From the home team and the visiting team, we come together to celebrate a tradition. The love of football burns deep.
One shining evening, every Friday night.
When I was in high school in California my best friend and I used to go to all the home football games. Although, Friday night football was big back then, it is a whole different thing in Texas. Which I where I live now and have for the past 15 years. I’ve gone to many of our local high school games even though my kids are grown and in a different state. Thank you Matthew Paris for bringing this memory back. The season just and I plan to attend some home games.