The last high school football game I played in was on November 1, 1985.  Only recently have I looked at 1985 to feel like that was a long time ago.  It was, I suppose.

Last Friday I had the opportunity to hang out at a Regional High School Football Game between the Evansville Memorial Tigers and the Brownstown Central Braves.  My was it ever cold.  I had five layers of clothes on and I the wind chill in the 20s was not what I was hoping for when I realized that I would be attending this game.  Did I say it was cold?

I knew the Braves would have an uphill battle.  I did not expect to see Memorial to be as strong as they really were and are.  That was one of the most explosive high school offensive units I have ever witnessed.

What drew me to the game, of course, was my history with Brownstown Central.  Before the game I saw a few old friends, but during most of the game I was watching in  corner of the end zone one the Memorial side of the field.  I was there to watch and I was there to take the game in.  I did not feel a great desire to socialize.  That is why I kept to myself.

Barry Hall and me in pregame.  Barry played for my Dad at Brownstown from 1974-1977.  I have written proudly about knowing and appreciating Barry Hall as a friend and as a man.  I am proud to know him.  In addition to being a coach for the Braves, Barry has two grandsons on the team.

Braves warming up before the game.

Historic Enlow Field was the site of the game.  1926 was the year the first game was played here.  It is a great football venue.  The Evansville folk I had speaks with were friendly and this is a place I would like to visit again.  I’d rather it be 65 degrees.

Brownstown Central on offense.

Of course I am always drawn to the kickers.

As the Evansville Memorial kicker warmed up on the side line, I thought I would try to capture a unique image or two or three.

Teeing it up.

Walked it off.

Putting it through.

Two plays later, I took this picture:

One of 8 extra points for the Tigers.  They defeated the Braves 56-14.  BC ended their season with 11 wins and 2 losses and not a thing to be ashamed of.

In an effort to motivate players, I heard the axiom that “the games you remember are played in November”recently.  I get it.  You do what you do to get guys going.

I am glad I played a high school game in November.  It was better left forgotten, much like the pasting BC took last Friday.  But I was glad to be there.  I have more fun thinking about games we won that season.  In 1985 Sectional play was introduced to Indiana high school football.  My team won our school, North Harrison’s, first ever sectional game in October.  I kicked a field goal in that one.  That is one I like to remember.

Speaking the rights…

Danny Johnson