Mrs. Linklater's Football Column Number Eleventy-One

This is about the fourth column I've written about my friends' son and his high school football season this year.  But who's counting?

Today however, instead of my usual riveting summary, I'm writing before the game. I missed the last two because I was partying across the pond.

Since I left and came back, my friends' son [let's call him JUNIOR] has racked up four touchdowns and some serious yardage. And he's just the backup tailback.

Last game his coach said he was going to get some more time than usual carrying the ball. But after the guy who starts uncharacteristically fumbled early on, the coach let them split the time, racking up over 100 yards apiece. 

The local NBC affiliate covered the game -- because at almost 100 years, the schools have the oldest football rivalry in the state -- or the country for that matter. One of his touchdowns was even on the nightly news -- a nice one too -- dragging three guys several yards, breaking tackles, running into the endzone.  A little flash and dash.

Apparently JUNIOR was a surprise to some coaches from the other team watching up in the box. They had no idea who he was. Even though he ran over everyone last year against their sophomore team. One of his sophomore coaches overhead them saying, "Who is this guy? Why don't we know about him?"  If they'd asked their own coaches, they might have known. 

The local paper did a nice job of giving both boys plenty of ink. [NOTE: After hitting SAVE, I noticed this entry has some weird artifacts I can't get rid of, and half the quotes in the article may not have posted, sorry]

It's probably only fitting that [JUNIOR] had his best varsity game for [THE] football team last Thursday. After all, last week was premiere week for most of the networktelevision stations -- and [HE] has moved up from best supporting actor to co-star in the [THE] backfield.

[THE] Incumbent tailback, a senior, and [MY FRIENDS' SON], a junior, each rushed for more than 100 yards and two touchdowns as [THEIR SCHOOL[ rolled past [THEIR] rival  45-18 in the division opener for both teams.

This wasn't just a case of the backup running back enjoying a big second half against a depleted defense. [JUNIOR'S] 118 yards in 16 carries were accumulated in prime time, as he alternated series with [THE STARTING BACK], who piled up 116 on 21 carries.

Not bad for a guy [MY FRIENDS' SON] who didn't even play football until his freshman year of high school.

[QUOTES FROM BOTH BOYS:]

"[JUNIOR] played an awesome game tonight, and he's a great athlete. He picked me up when I had a little bit of a slow start (including a first period fumble). Our offensive line did an unbelievable job for both of us."

That makes it a mutual admiration society.

"Both of the [BROTHERS] [THE STARTING BACK and his younger brother] have taught me so much about playing running back," said [MY FRIENDS' SON]. "[THE YOUNGER ONE] showed me a lot when I first started playing and [HIS BROTHER] is always giving me suggestions in practice."

Today will be another easy game I'm afraid.  Except for the team's first game, a non conference loss, 14-8 -- no excuses, but they had a chance to win that one -- they haven't had much to challenge them since.  Next week, that will change.

Time to put on my watching football in the stands outfit.  Lined waterproof pants, layers of shirts with a hoody AND a windbreaker, a hat, gloves, blanket.  Did I mention it's about 50 and the wind is blowing? Welcome to Chicago.

Fire up the hot dogs, Mrs. Linklater is going to lay down some mustard.

P.S. The team won 44 to 6. Next week is the first time they'll face some real competition -- a team that went to the state championship last year. They aren't doing as well this year, but anything is better than watching the fourth string kill time in a slaughter. 

P.P.S. If you want to read the missing quotes, drag your mouse on that weird purple bar that I can't get rid of over there left.