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Jack Welch
State playoffs are in full motion. Excitement, pageantry, and unity pulls communities together like nothing else. If you have never been to a high school football playoff game, you are missing something special. There is nothing grander. Fans are engulfed with the playoff atmosphere. On Friday nights, local businesses close early, people show up to stadiums hours early to tailgate.
Why is it so exciting to watch a local high school football team be in the state playoffs? Think about it. Almost the entire school is involved. Cheerleaders, dance teams, pep clubs, band, football players and other students painting themselves to support the team. Then there is community pageantry. Add the dream of winning the state championship and emotions are hard to be controlled.
After a season’s worth of effort, players and coaches have finally made it to the most exciting time of year. There are 608 high school football programs across Texas having qualified for the playoffs, but only twelve teams will end as state champions. Texas has 128 teams per class making the playoffs in 3A, 4A, 5A, and 6A. In 2A there is a first-round bye for district champions and 96 teams make the playoffs. With 64 teams in each 11-man bracket, a team must win six consecutive games to win a state championship. Winning a state championship in Texas is hard. Just becoming qualified for the playoffs is hard because all teams are so well coached and prepared.
With only twelve teams being named state champions, consider how many teams end their season with a loss. In our society where people equate winning games as determining winning programs, what a bunch of bull. There are teams that just made a full season. Then there are teams making the playoffs for the first time ever or in many years. How about a team making the playoffs and winning a game for the first time.
Winning and losing on the scoreboard does not define a teams’ success. Enjoy the ride. Get involved with your local community in support of kids participating. If your specific team is not in the playoffs, join a neighboring community.
Nothing brings communities together like a successful football team. Every town has a rivalry. Some classics in Kansas are Osawatomie and Paola, Manhattan and Junction City. Texas has Bridgeport and Decatur, Strawn and Gordon, Temple and Belton, Brownwood and Stephenville to name only a very few. El Campo and Bay City have a long-time rivalry beginning in 1911. Pilot Point and Celina in the 70’s and 80’s were notorious for having standing room only crowds. How about Marshall and Longview, which began play in 1909. Looking at some of the best high school football rivalries in Oklahoma City, you must consider Douglass vs. Millwood and Mustang vs. Yukon.
Rivalries are long lasting. Players and fans over twenty years ago can explain almost every play of that game. These are just a few of the iconic matchups you can find across the state. Add the playoff equation and excitement goes out of the roof.
Thought for the week “The game of life is a lot like football. You have to tackle your problems, block your fears, and score your points when you get the opportunity.” Sam Sample
Dr. Jack Welch is an educator and college football coach. His doctorate is in educational administration, and he has been an educator, administrator, and football coach, mentoring young minds, for over 40 years. He is also the author of Foundations of Coaching. He can be reached at jackwelch1975@gmail.com.