Under the lights

 The air was cool on an October night as families gathered at the football field. Parents, classmates, and teachers came together to watch the last game of the season. Food trucks circled the field, offering hot chocolate, coffee, and the all-time favorite fruit smoothies. Under the watchful eyes of their parents, younger kids, some from the local school and others from nearby schools, played together. It was amusing to see these little ones, largely uninterested in football, creating their own games, like handstands and hide and seek.

The cheerleaders, dressed in colorful uniforms that some mothers had sewn in between organizing bake sales to fund various sporting events, practiced on the sidelines until it was their turn to perform. 

The coaches, all volunteers, dedicated their time not only to teaching the rules of the game but also to instilling the values of teamwork and supporting one another. I have always admired a coach's ability to leave a lasting impression on every child they coach.

As the evening grew colder, some spectators wrapped themselves in blankets and sipped hot cocoa to stay warm. They jumped up to applaud when the team ran onto the field. Many spectators thought they knew all the calls made by the referees, loudly shouting their opinions and often embarrassing their wives or girlfriends, who sank deeper into their blankets. There was always at least one person who reminded them to keep it down; after all, it was just kids out on the field.

Friday nights under the lights have always been something I cherish. I never miss a chance to watch a game where my kids or grandkids can experience the excitement I felt decades ago. Back then, football meant everything to me, and my coach was Mr. Miller, whom I still have fond memories of whenever I watch a game.

Mike 2025