I'm a High School Football psycho, so forgive me for the following diatribe. High School football is the last time our great young men have pure fun playing the game.
We all know how that feels, and we want it for our young men. We want a cheerleader to smile at our boy because he is special. We want a band to play their hearts out because they care. We want a group of classmates striving to represent their classmates. We want our communities to appreciate the hard work a group of future leaders will do for them and their school.
After High School, for those that continue, the game becomes a job and the joy disappears. But, you always have great memories of sacrificing, practice after practice, for your school, community and classmates while suiting up as a high school player.
I will honor every young man on the Lineberger field Friday night, and will be sad for the seniors who have played their last game. But, I will never be sad about the effort, joy, relationships and commitment our young men have given to us and each other.
Good luck, Bears! My Mill Town plays like yours!