This is an exciting time of the year if you are a fan of high school sports.
Football practice kicked off across Kentucky this week as players and coaches returned to the gridiron with the dream of chasing a state championship.
Nothing matches the genuine love we all have for the game. It becomes a pipeline dream for players who want to move on to college.
When those Friday Night Lights come on beginning Aug. 17, we will all put aside our differences for that special three-hour period when nothing else has meaning.
Towns shut down and everyone makes their way to the stadium to watch children play the game. Each Friday night brings together the young and old. Each game has “old timers” reminiscing about years which are now a distant memory.
Whether its Pikeville, Belfry, Prestonsburg, or any other school, the game becomes about the school and community pride.
With today’s “social media” buzz, many players on both teams have created friendships. For some, its continuing a friendship that started in Kindergarten. For several players and cheerleaders, it creates a bond and relationship that will last throughout a lifetime.
Each community has a special bond with its team. We pack the stands to support and cheer our school on to victory.
Players and coaches have a celebrity status outside their own family. It’s something that comes with success.
We all love the game at its highest level. Football gives them an opportunity to build character and self-confidence, something otherwise they would never gain.
Respect the coaches, who give up so much throughout the season, including time with their family, to make your son or daughter a better person.
It’s a game that will always be about molding our children.
There’s nothing like high school football. Embrace it!