COFFEETOWN HS SPORTS

I love high school football.

I love it because and even though it ain’t the same everywhere else.

Some counties are Division One prospect factories. Some just have kids who go on to work at factories.

Others are highly competitive, with multiple state title winners. Some struggle to fill the stands or field a full unit of officials.

Some high school football programs find themselves in negative headlines. While others are positively the greatest thing in their town.

Who knows where this year’s class of top-notch prospects and gritty no-name scrappers will end up.

We don’t yet know who will sweat, spit and bleed their way to lifting up their classification’s State Championship trophy.

But tonight, and in the weeks ahead, they will all take their first steps toward whatever comes next.

High School Football can’t stiff-arm the changes that are inevitable in life and in sport.

Hope soars for those fortunate enough to keep funding and a fieldhouse full of equipment. Reality bites for those who can’t afford to keep their boys insured against violent injuries in the game.

Like so many facets of our time here on Earth, there are haves and there are have-nots

Some schools make it on TV. Others are lucky to have it on the radio.

There will be eternal memories of joy and there will be the haunting shadows of regret.

One more tackle. One more catch. Or one more block.

Just one more play or coaching decision or rattle of the milk jug filled with popcorn kernels can define so much for those who partake in them.

What’s past will stay there. What’s yet to come will wait there.

The only thing we are guaranteed to touch in High School Football country is whatever is right here in front of us.

So seize it. Tackle it. Catch it. Kick it. Love it.

Because while it evolves into something bigger for some, and dwindles into the dust for others, right now, it is still the same as it’s always been.

It’s a town of dreams. It’s a night of choices. And it’s a ride that doesn’t last forever.

Where will it take you and your town’s boys this fall?

Well, right where it’s supposed to more than likely.

Buckle up and yell for ‘em tonight. Because tonight is all we got and tonight is where our feet are. Choppin’ in the grass. Stompin’ in the bleachers.

Tonight is all we got. A week from now and a week from then will take care of themselves when they arrive. Can’t do a thing about ’em when they’re gone.

So give it your all. Your future self will thank you for it.