Friday Night Lights

Some things I learned at the local high school football game:

1) It's kind of neat when the bands applaud each other after they each finish their shows. Chances are pretty good most of their applause in the stands comes from their parents, as many folks hit the concession stands or the restrooms, so getting applause from people who know how hard you worked because they've been doing the very same thing since the first of August probably feels pretty good.

2) "Blitzkrieg Bop," complete with "Hey! Ho! Let's go!" chant is a marching band song? I'm not sure if the brothers Ramone would think this was cool or just plain weird. Although they might hold it to be both.

3) Note to a local player: When you're down 20-3 and you've just made one of the rare tackles on an opposing receiver that actually stops him shy of a first down, you should probably cut out the trash-talking on the guy you put down. Or at least tone it down enough the line judge doesn't have to yank you by your sleeve towards your own side of the ball. There'll be plenty of trash to talk after you've done your job more than once in a row.

4) Note to some of the other local players (and coaches): If your quarterback has to run for his life on a regular basis from someone pursuing him from the right side of the line, it is OK to move a blocker over there.

5) There are few sights better than the sky slowly darkening behind stadium lights and grandstands as those lights and the full moon brighten.