The Sports Life

The Allure Of Texas High School Football

Even if you?ve never been to a Texas high school football game, you probably know that these games and the fans who follow them are somewhat different than other high school football games and fans. In Texas, football isn?t a sport and it isn?t an extra-curricular activity. No, it?s almost been elevated to the level of a religion. To say that Texas high school football fans are passionate about the spot would be an understatement; a huge understatement.

Friday Night Lights may have been first a popular book and then a film but it all started with the true story of one season with the Odessa Permian Panthers. Hollywood didn?t need to pump up the real life story of this Texas high school team with fabrication; the real story was already enough of a legend to carry it all the way to the silver screen.

If you think you know high school football, you haven?t seen anything until you?ve seen it from the Lone Star State. Even the smaller schools really get involved. It?s not uncommon to see entire caravans traveling the Texas highways on Friday nights; the football team, drill team, cheerleaders, marching band and sponsor. All of that can easily require a dozen buses or so. And that?s not even including the hordes of parents and fans that travel right along with them. In relatively few other events will you see devoted fans travel hundreds of miles for a playoff game; and keep in mind that in Texas that?s entirely possible. The border from east to west stretches almost one thousand miles.

So, what is it exactly about Texas high school football in particular that seems to appeal to such a mass audience? While there may be no definitive answer for that question, there is definitely one certainty: nothing else on earth has quite the same intensity and passion to it. You can feel it reverberating in the air when you step into any high school football stadium throughout the state.

High school football fans in Texas are not just passionate about football; they live it and breathe it. On any given Friday night during football season in Texas you?re likely to see just about as much violence in the stands as you are on the turf if one fan happens to aggravate another.

And that?s not even mentioning the rivalry that can take place between teams in Texas. While it?s not uncommon at all for neighboring towns throughout the country to form high school football rivalries, Texans take it to a whole new level. In many cases, extra policeman have to be called out during big rival games just to keep the peace among the crowd. In a few instances, some towns had to stop even playing one another at all because of the violence that ensued between fans in the stands and on the sidelines during rival games.

The exact allure of Texas high school football may be somewhat difficult to describe, but one thing is certain: you feel it when you experience it.

If the rest of the world loves soccer, Texans love football.

Joe Kenny writes for his beloved soccer forum http://footballtalk.org/. Visit the UK football forum today at http://footballtalk.org/forums/ and join in the discussions!

MORE ARTICLES:

Basketball Bags
Whether you are a basketball player or just a fan, having a team bag is the coolest thing these days. During a time when physical fitness has become a big deal, it is very convenient to lug a team bag around where you could store everything you need either for playing an actual basketball game or for just working out in the gym at the end of a working day.

The Popularity Of American Football
The term ?American football? refers to a type of game, not a regional sport. American football is enjoyed world-wide. Professional American-style football leagues exist in Canada, Europe, South America and Japan. NFL Europa is a organization operated by the US based National Football League. NFL Europa has teams in six German and Dutch cities. In Canada, there are 2 organizations, the Canadian Footbal Leage, a professional league, and Canadian University Spot, which is a network of nonprofessional University level teams.

Learn The Basics Of The Game Of Soccer
The game of soccer is played in two halves, the lengths varying between age groups, but professionals, college and high school play two 45 minute halves. The most obvious rules to soccer are that the game is played between two teams, consisting of nine players and a goalie. The players on each team are divided into offense and defense, and are only allowed to play the soccer ball with their feet. The main objective in soccer is to kick the ball into the opposing teams? goal, scoring a point, or a goal. Only the goalie is allowed to use either his or her hands as well as feet.

Get a Soccer Jersey and Celebrate Your Team
Soccer has been a popular game in England for a number of centuries, but it has only been in recent years that it has become famous worldwide In the field of international team sports, soccer is said to ?rule the arena?

AFA In Search Of Potential Semi-Pro Football Hall Of Fame "Class Of 2007" Candidates
The American Semi-Pro Football Association (AFA) recently defined 3 ways Semi-Pro'ers can have their names placed on the AFA Hall of Fame nominating ballot - in consideration for induction as a member of the "Semi-Pro Football Hall of Fame" - Class of 2007.

6 Ways to Pass a Basketball
Passing the ball is the most effective way to get the ball down the court and into scoring position It is also the best way because it allows for little interference by the other team

How To Draft Your Own Fantasy Football Team
If you have been considering starting your own fantasy football there are several aspects of which you should be aware. Fantasy football has significantly grown in popularity in the last few years and there are now a number of different ways you can get involved with fantasy football. If you?re interested in winning some of the larger prizes that are up for grabs, you will need to consider joining one of the fantasy football teams offered by several web sites as well as quite a few football magazines. Most people; however, opt instead to join a small informal league simply for the fun of the game. This type of league can be organized with just about anyone. Such leagues are frequently organized with relatives, co-workers or friends. If you ...

Brackets Hit The Big Screen - Projector123 Gives College Basketball Fans the Best Seat in the House
Basketball fans can create larger-than-life tournament viewing parties in their own home by renting a high-tech LCD projector rental from Projector123 (www.projector123.com) with rates starting at $99/day. With its secure online order processing and expert technical support available 24/7, renting a projector is as easy as 1-2-3.

Beijing Olympics Provide No Gold Yet for China Stock Market, China Stocks Close Down
China Stocks closed down today going into the final week of the Beijing Olympics. China Stock Market Expert Jim Trippon expects a rally in Shanghai Stocks and Shenzhen Stocks after the games. Trippon, Editor in Chief of the Dow Jones #1 rated China Stock Digest newsletter and host of the recently released "The Hidden China" a documentary on the China Economy teaches investors How to Invest in China.