Friday Night Lights

So we all know it is football time. That means something a little different here in Texas. Football is Friday night here, not Saturday as we grew up. A few years ago, Erin and I started a tradition of watching a local high school game. Normally, Erin is my homecoming date, but this year I expect her to trade me in another fella by homecoming, so we went to opening night.

Our favorite place to watch in Texas is Southlake Carroll. It is Texas high school football meets 90210. The stadium has luxury boxes, paratroopers bring in the game ball, sponsorships by the local Lexus dealer (the fan field goal kick winner gets free use of one for a year), and tailgating. There are RVs, BBQ Grills, & full spreads that rival some Saturday eats I've experienced, and this is on FRIDAY. I can only guess that people get off work early to prep for it.

Did I mention this team won the Texas 5A title the last three years? They are the high school football version of the Yankees. Erin and I have yet to sit on the home side, even though we are always "visitors" in their world. To get home tickets. you have to inherit them and pay around $900 a seat for 6 home games. Only senior parents are guaranteed seats in a reserved section around the 20yd line. I'm guessing the stadium seats around 20k or more. It is redonkulous, but always an experience.

And the football is just part of the experience. The halftime is very Texas with Drill Team (shout out to MJFW). It's a cross of Rockettes meets cheerleaders meets dance team, but all T-E-X-A-S. Every team has them, but of course Carroll seems to dress more girls than the entire football team. They do a routine while the band plays backup.

So, if you get our way in the fall, maybe you can catch a game for a true Texas experience, or watch these guys next week on ESPN - yep, high school football on ESPN (#1 in the nation and #2 team from Miami are playing at SMU's stadium). I know, redonkulous, right?

Thanks for reading...