he air is filled with the songs of birds, the yells of cheerleaders, and the thuds and smacks of high school football. Having grown up in Texas, I have always held football as a quasi-religion and have viewed, with skepticism, the football fervor that grips my adopted home during this time of the year. But a string of state championships and the fanatical support for the Arkansas Razorbacks are slowly convincing me that these hillbillies really do love their football, even if they don't rearrange evening church services to watch the SuperBowl ... yet.

"Pride goeth before a fall"

The junior high game and the first half of the varsity game proceed smoothly, and my rookies are performing better than I expected. Their mechanics are crisp, they are using their whistles, and they are in the proper positions. All in all, this is turning into a good game. 

Continued...