"Football is like life — it requires perseverance, self-denial, hard work, sacrifice, dedication and respect for authority."
Vince Lombardi
Upon these fields of grass and turf and endless possibilities, thousands upon thousands of young men sacrifice their bodies, their minds and their time to play football.
For most — whether they be students, administrators, teachers, parents, fans or even players — a high school football game is simply an event they are drawn to, though they're not completely sure why.
Perhaps it's something only football players get — real football players, anyway.
Some will simply scoff and color players as jocks or meatheads, the Al Bundys of the world. They just don't get it, though.
There is an "it" factor to football unlike any other athletic endeavor. It is summoned by the violence of it all, the camaraderie, the magnitude of every game and the simple fact that it is irreplaceable once it is gone. There is no band, no cheerleaders, no helmet and no shoulder pads when you're playing catch in the backyard. You can't go to any playground and strike up a pick-up game.