The boys of fall– Hook, Line and Sinker

By Tony Hooker

What is it about high school football that so captivates folks all across America? Maybe part of the secret can be found in KC’s lyrics above. It truly is an exclusive club, and it’s only offered on a limited basis during an athlete’s career. 14 is the maximum number of games a team can play here in Illinois. Very, very few players will have an opportunity to play for a state title every year, so that number is more realistically 10 or maybe 11 games a season. So, we’re talking about 40-42 varsity games over the course of their careers. Throw in JV and freshman contests and we’re still talking about 60 or 70 games at the most. And there are very few rec league football leagues, and even fewer tackle leagues in full pads. Is the secret in this exclusivity?

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