THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1994, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Friday, September 2, 1994 TAG: 9409010256
SECTION: VIRGINIA BEACH BEACON PAGE: 22 EDITION: FINAL
COLUMN: The Sports Editor's Column
SOURCE: Lee Tolliver
LENGTH: Medium: 76 lines
Grab your cushioned seat, get your blankets and sweaters ready - 'cause it's football time.
Granted, it will be too warm the next few weeks for the blanket and sweater, but it won't be long.
For now, maybe I should just advise you to grab your mosquito repellant and raincoat.
Whatever.
The bottom line is that high school football season begins Thursday and Friday and it's just about my favorite time of the year.
Fall is a great season. The leaves change into beautiful colors and the air turns cool and crisp. The holiday season is just around the corner.
The fishing is great this time of year and you know how happy that makes me. And I love sweatshirts and boots.
The fall is a great time to camp by a babbling brook. And friends around the campfire is just about as good as it gets.
Hunting season is also drawing near and down at the farm, there are pecans to rake up and peanuts to roast.
And to top it all off, there's nothing like working the sidelines of a football game - taking in all the excitement and energy these high school players and coaches expell.
Many reporters cover the game from the press box, where they get a birds-eye view of the overall field. It sometimes is an advantage.
But I prefer to walk the sidelines.
In the press box, you are isolated from the conditions - the sounds and feel of the hits. On the sidelines, you can hear the on-field chatter. You hear the coaches discussing things with their assistants and players.
On the sidelines, there is color and atmosphere to take in.
I like to feel like I'm part of it all and being on the sidelines is the best way to be there.
Of course, you have to have your wits about you.
I learned that several years ago, covering a game at Kellam High, when the opposing team was running a sweep to the near sideline. The Kellam defense strung out the play nicely, forcing the runner closer and closer to the sideline.
Almost before I knew it, they were there - five or six kids twice my size wearing pads and helmets - hurling their bodies at the ball carrier with abandon.
And there I was, clipboard in hand, no pads to protect me, wondering what in the heck to do.
Only a nifty hurdle move over three players saved me from getting creamed.
``Suit him up,'' then coach Harper Donahoe shouted at me with a laugh. ``Nice move.''
Not one I want to have to make very often.
But the scare wasn't enough to keep me from doing my thing on the sidelines - something I've grown accustomed to after 18 years.
The only thing that will chase me off now is the rain. I could never figure out a way to write on wet paper.
Friday night fun: In my opinion, high school football is one of the best entertainment values going.
Of course, you have to like football.
But if you do, there is plenty of talent to provide many exciting moments.
And it's kind of neat to be able to say you watched players like Bruce Smith, Matt Darby and Keith Goganious of the Buffalo Bills when they were high schoolers.
I find it a bit of a shame that more people don't go out and support these kids. I remember the day when games typically drew 5,000 or more fans.
Now, a game with 1,500 looks like a big crowd.
But there are still a few people who return every year to the stands to watch high school football on Friday nights. I see them year after year.
They are the people who understand the true value of what's going on.
See you at the stadium. by CNB