At a time when the Gucci class of college football is being twisted by its own unbridled greed, its reliance on Congress to do what it can’t do itself, and the judicial system’s whims, Rapides Parish high school teams are a reminder that at its purest level, football is a game, not a business.
Winning is a big thing. It’s not the only thing.
Every one of the head coaches is truly just as concerned about the boys and young men on their teams, and the other kids, boys and girls who are student trainers and managers, as they are about their teams’ win-loss records. A chosen few players will go forward into college football but all those teenagers standing on a sideline this fall have a bright future within reach, although inevitably with some hurdles to clear.
They’ll chase the thrill of victory, hoping to avoid the agony of defeat, wearing school colors and running through hand-crafted banners behind cheerleaders, with buddies in the band cranking out the fight song.
Many have dreams of playing college ball. With the maturation of the NAIA program at Louisiana Christian, the launch of a Division III program up I-49 at Centenary, the range of Division II football in neighboring states, and the many community colleges near and far, there are more opportunities than ever.
At the same time, getting a shot at Division I, ranging from LSU to NSU, Louisiana Tech, Grambling, UL Lafayette, McNeese, Southern and ULM is tougher than ever. The power brokers have instituted roster limits and narrowed the path for walk-ons. The transfer portal has placed a premium on actual college experience over raw potential. College coaches don’t like it, but there are financial borders that for the time being are aimed at keeping some level of equitable competition – while smothering lifelong goals of those pulling on unis not just in football, but all sports.
For all but a few of these high schoolers, and their teammates, even those who will not run a play in a varsity game this year if ever, there’s not a lot of thoughts wasted on NIL or the transfer portal.
They are just proud to be getting ready for their time under the Friday night lights. Whether their teams win it all, or don’t win at all, this fall is not a given — but it is a gift, a treasure to savor. Bring on the scrimmages, the jamborees, the cheerleaders and pom pon girls, the bands. High school football is almost here, just a few minutes drive from where you sit.
You might not know a kid on the field, or for that matter, any of the youngsters in the stands. But the passion and intensity is palpable.
Go enjoy it!
Contact Doug at sbjdoug@gmail.com