High School Football in Middle Tennessee

We went to the Columbia Central vs. Spring Hill high school football game Friday night. It was small town USA at it's finest. It raised my opinion of mankind in general, and it actually helped to soften my cynical attitude a little.

It was a prefect night for Football. There was a cool breeze and a big orange moon in the sky. (not UT orange)

The first thing that got my attention was watching and listening as the CHS Band marched on to the field to play the National Anthem. There was thunderous applause and cheers - most of it coming from the kids in the Spring Hill Band! Great Rivals cheering for each other - what's this world coming to?

The National Anthem always gets me. As the Colors were marched to the middle of the field there were many who didn't need to be told to stand. I looked around and there were many older men, veterans I suppose, who were already on their feet standing at attention. The heartfelt devotion and respect for the symbol of our country is alive and well here in Middle Tennessee.

The game was rather one sided but it didn't really matter. These young athletes were awesome and I would have been proud to have been sitting on either side of the arena.

Next was the half time show. Spring Hill's Band went first with a great oldies medley from the Beatles Magical Mystical Tour Album. The many hot hours of practice and the hard work these young people put into this show was evident. I loved it.

Central's half time show started with a short audio clip of a speech by John F Kennedy talking about the senselessness of violence. As if that wasn't moving enough - they played a beautiful rendition of the old hymn, "When Peace Like a River" (It is Well With My Soul). I was blown away.

As my wife and I were walking out after the game I got one more very moving surprise. I looked back on to the field to see a very large group of people huddled on the 50 yard line. The group was made up all of the coaches, athletes and cheer leaders from both schools. I noticed that there were even a few Officials and some parents in the group. They were all on their knees praying together.

I believe that many wars and acts of terrorism could be avoided if we would just invite the world to come and enjoy High School Football in Middle Tennessee. It just doesn't get any better than this.