Fall is in the air

It certainly took its time but it looks like the weather has finally changed and the heat has taken a break. Hopefully we will see some remnants of it next July, not June. Today it feels like football weather and that is a great feeling to say the least.

I can’t imagine what it would be like to play football in Arizona, Florida, Texas, Alabama, Louisiana or any southern state that gets hot with a lot of humidity.

Dealing with heat is one thing but playing football in a sauna can’t be a lot of fun. But it doesn’t seem to bother these kids as much as I would think it would.

But around here those crisp, cool nights in late September and October are awesome when it comes to watching a football game from the stands or the sidelines and hearing the pads pop.

Every young athlete needs to take the time to sit back and see how lucky they are to be able to put on the pads and a helmet and glide on the grass to make a block or tackle or even score a touchdown. It is a special feeling that isn’t for everybody both those that put forth the effort will never forget what it took to be successful.

There is a lot of joy in playing this game but often times it takes a year or two away from it to understand how much the game can be missed.

For those that are playing the game now they need to work hard and be grateful for the opportunity to play for their school and appreciate the family, fans and coaches that take the time and effort to support and mentor these football players.

It is very exciting to watch the kids mature as athletes and young adults. Of course, there are a few that take a lot longer to grow up both physically and mentally and a few more struggle for a much longer time but hey, that happens.

We’ve been fortunate to see championship teams playing on Friday nights in Ritzville. Now with Lind and Sprague athletes mixed in there is still a lot of winning going on at Jimmie Snider Field.

The size of the athletes has increased as well as the speed of the athletes. The offensive sets have changed quite a bit and the passing game is utilized a lot more than it was back in the day. But very few teams passed a lot years ago. But the game has changed at the college level and that carries over to the high school level, which is fun to see.

There are some great games coming to Jimmie Snider Field starting tomorrow night when the LRS Broncos go up against the defending state 2B champion Okanogan Bulldogs. Later this season the Reardan Indians and Colfax Bulldogs will be coming to town to try to do something they’ve failed to do for several seasons now, and that is defeating the Broncos.

So if you happen to be a Bronco fan don’t stay home. Support the Broncos and let them hear your excitement. Fall is in the air and there’s no time like the present for fans to enjoy some hard-hitting football. Be proud and support your Broncos. The time is now!