Five Big Things: 08/13/14 by Chris Doelle
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Updated: August 13, 2014
Its that time again... time for my Five BIG Things! These are the things that stood out for me recently as it relates to Texas high school football. As usual, they are not listed in order of importance - just as they come to me.
1. Lone Star Gridiron is 10 years old! - Sure, Mike and myself have been involved in Texas high school football for nearly 30 years (yes, we're that old) but Lone Star Gridiron was born just a short decade ago. In that time, we have seen some amazing football, some amazing athletes, some amazing coaches, amazing fans... you name it. We have see life-changing events. We have seen boys grow into men. We have seen the bounce of a ball decide some of the biggest game in Texas high school football history.
With our recent relaunch, we have responded to the demand by bringing you more football news, more recruiting news, more interviews, more records, more team histories.... much more of the greatest sport in the greatest state.
2. Two-a-days are here! – Around the state, the sweat glands of hopeful Texas high school football players are in high gear. The traditional start of the 'real' season brings enthusiasm as every single team in the state is starting with a 0-0 record and the opportunity to fight their way to whatever definition of success they have set for themselves.
In addition to the optimism, there will be skeptics. It is this time of year when the invertible cries of "football is dangerous" "it is too hot for these kids to work out" and "we need to rethink football as a sport" begin being heard.
Yes, there will be accidents. There will be injuries. Tears will be shed. There will be other affects as well.
Character will be developed. Trust will be instilled. Confidence will be created. Healthy bodies will be honed. Unfit bodies will be strengthened. Young men will mature physically, emotional and mentally. The leaders of future generations will be shaped.
3. Class 6A football has begun! – Thursday August 28th will be a historic afternoon in Midland when at 4:30 pm at Grande Stadium, the Midland Lee Rebels play host to the Keller Indians. This will be the first kickoff for the season and mark the start for the race to not only the first ever Class 6A State Championships but 10 other titles as well.
4. Opening week showdowns - I could do FIFTEEN big things just on the opening week games, but I wanted to give you a taste of what is in store for that opening stanza of 2014 TXHSFB:
- Aledo vs. Cedar Park at new Baylor stadium - anytime you have two storied programs like this going at it, we are talking about a great way to start the season.
- Austin Westlake at Southlake Carroll - The Todd Dodge era at Westlake starts off against the team where he had his most success. This one will be full of emotion for both teams.
- Cibolo Steele at San Antonio Madison - two San Antonio powerhouses get the season rolling with a knock-down, drag-out to see who is ready for 2014!
- Allen VS Denton Guyer at the Tom Landy Classic - just a couple of previous state champions taking their undefeated streaks up against each other... nothing major.
- Longview at Lufkin - what better way to start the fireworks in the Piney Wood than with an epic East Texas rivalry? Just the first of many amazing games in Eastex.
- Cedar Hill at Dallas South Oak Cliff - if you haven't heard about South Oak Cliff, let this game get things rolling. We already know how tough Cedar Hill is but we're about to find out if a DISD team has the stuff to compete at the highest level.
And these are just a fraction of the great games around the state, and these are all in the opening week! I am sooooo ready for this!!!
5. Five - I'm moving. Yeah, that may not be a big thing to you but hey... it's my column. We are moving to the Hays Consolidated School District. That means we will be District 14-6A. I will be minutes away from historic Bob Shelton Stadium where I will catch more than one game. The Hays Rebels moved up in classification and have landed in Central Texas' own version of the "district of doom" as they go up against the likes of Austin Lake Travis, Austin Bowie and Austin Westlake.
by Chris Doelle
What were the biggest things for you in Texas high school football this weekend? Comment below or call in the voicemail line and be on the show 713-568-6361!
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