high school football is on the way

I thought today I would start moving into the most important topic that can make this blog work.
Because afterall, the most important thing is to make this blog work.
I want it to be something that people gravitate to, that when I don't write, people are like, wow why didn't he write anything today.
And despite the 5500 hits I have in the last four months, I know that we are nowhere close to be where I want it to be.
However, the time has now come to where I can almost start talking about the topic that makes everyone excited, especially, the high school people.
High School Football is on the horizon
Now I cannot say much about the local teams because I have not seen any practices at all. But we all kind of know what's coming from the end of last year. I have not even looked at schedules, but from a fans standpoint and a free lancers standpoint, these are the things I most look forward to over the next five or so months. I will admit that all of them may not be about football

Anyones first game- That first weekend I will be somewhere. Last year it was Rutland against Westside, a rematch of a region championship game the year before. I love the feel before a first game. The sidelines are electric, everyone is so fired up and excited for a new year, and everyone thinks that this could be the year. Unfortunately a lot of those dreams disappear after the first week, as did Rutland's that night. I don't remember the final score, but it was pretty bad.

The feel of a sideline during a game- I watch most of my games on the field because I think I get a better feel of the game. I like to hear what Bruce Mullen or Barney Hester are feeling during a game up close, and I love to see the raw emotion of the kids on the field. Assistant coaches will come talk to me sometimes during the game, and it is very interesting to see what they are thinking. If I am sitting in the press box, its usually because it is freezing cold or stifling hot, or I am not really into the game that night. But usually I like to be on the field.

Georgia Bulldogs football- I absolutely love a Saturday watching the Dawgs. It is funny how things change over the years. It used to be the fun of watching the Dawgs with friends and drinking the entire game and then after the game. Then it came down to watching the game with a few other couples. Years later it would be Hayden and some of his friends and maybe one other adult. Now unfortunately, its usually just me. That is somewhat depressing but it is still quite enjoyable. But Dawg fans, feel free to invite me wherever you are to watch.I am a great person to watch a game with. I can usually tell you what the announcer is going to say before he says it. The only difference is, I do it off the top of my head, and they have someone in their earpiece telling them what to say.

Fantasy Football sundays- I love fantasy football. I have played it for the last 15 years or so ad I am hooked beyond belief. That is what I do on most sundays. Now once again, it is because I have no other life, so I am okay holed up in my house upstairs for 11 hours. Its not like anyone is calling me to go so something.

Good coaches and bad coaches- You can pretty much tell who is a good coach and who is a bad coach in about two quarters. Its the way they carry themselves on the sidelines, but its also the way the kids react to what they are saying. I hear coaches say all the time "Our kids never quit" and that is true alot of the time. But I have seen teams quit on a coach very quickly. I wont name names, but in all reality, Macon is very lucky to have the coaches they have.

Deadline writing- A game starts at 7:30 and it should be over at 10. I talk to coaches for 10 minutes and get in the car and get home by 10:30 and the story is in by 11. Seems simple doesn't it. It's too bad it hardly ever ends up that way. Games last so long sometimes that it becomes painful for a writer who has to figure out how he is going to make deadline with his story. It is easy to write at home, so if I am in Macon, that is always my hope. But sometimes it just doesn't work out that way. Last year I wrote stories from McDonalds, Dennys, and the Westside parking lot while in a traffic jam, just to name a few.

Players off the top of my head to watch this year.
Justin Slocum- Southwest quarterback- This kid is a special athlete who has flown under the radar for years. I expect him to have a breakout year on the football field and basketball court. If the Patriots can win enough games this year, he could make a run for player of the year in this area. I expect Joe Dupree to have the Patriots ready for a playoff run .
Derrick Evans Jr. -Central - One of the better athletes in the area,Evans has led the Chargers back to prominence on the football field and should have another great year.
Torrian Bradley-McSwain- FPD - I don't think a lot of people know about this two way stud yet, but I am guessing Greg Moore uses him early and often this year. I have heard that he is a D1 defensive back , but look for him to get his hands on the ball this year.
Will McCormick-FPD-a veteran quarterback at the wheel of an aggressive offense
O'Showen Williams- Stratford- A do all guy for the Eagles who will have a huge year  on both sides of the footballfield
Quintez Cephus- rumor is after he recovers from a broken wrist, he will line up at wide receiver this year instead of quarterback , which could be very interesting. Cephus is probably the best athlete in the area and the thought of him lining up and going long should be very worrisome to coaches that have to play against him. and I have heard that the Eagles have a transfer quarterback who can play a little.
Bradley Hunnicutt- Jones County- Runs the explosive Hounds offense that lit up the scoreboard a year ago. He should put up huge numbers.
Tattnall Square as always will be good but I just don't know the go to players right now. The same can be said of Howard who I expect to have a winning season this year. Westside is always the best football school in Macon, but don't be surprised if they lose to a Macon school this year.
If I left someone out let me know and I will get on it.