Football Friday in Fremont Ohio

It was a cool damp Friday night. The air had the aroma of tomatoes simmering at the H J Heinze plant mingled with the aroma of the huge bonfire from the pep rally. Yes it was another Football Friday in Fremont, Ohio. Harmon Stadium was packed with the loudest fans in Sandusky County. The bass drums in the band were providing the beat to which we all chanted...

Many generations had performed this ritual here. The memories of Liggins, Tiller, Fiber, Wilhelm, Chudzinski, and the whole Bier family still echo in the minds of the fans. The music of many marching Little Giants and Crimson Streaks echo through the souls of many too. Our two schools have shared this stadium for many generations. The pride of high school alumni have continued to be shared again this year. Myself the aroma of popcorn, hot dogs with mustard, and steaming hot Columbian coffee being the memory of football. Let's not forget the cheerleaders. My generation and many before this was the only athletic event the gals could participate in... Thank God that has changed.

The band had played the fight song as the team took the field. Now we all stood and and the Stars Spangled Banner as the Boy Scouts raise the colors one more time. I know it's against the law but most of us also prayed for a hard hitting but safe game. I defy any court from stopping a parent or grandparent from praying for their child's safety. I know even several Tuba Players with two left feet need an occasional prayer too.

I would like to believe that the guys from my generation were just as tough as those playing the game tonight. I must be honest those pads and helmets hitting together with such force you can hear and feel it at the top of the stadium make me believe I could be wrong. Some of those fellas are going to hurt in the morning...the smiles and memories will take the ache out of the bruises.

The game finished with a furry of cheering students screaming "Hold that line" Then the silence covered the stadium and yet another football Friday was complete. The Pizza Places were jammed. The stories of what was great and what was wrong again are told over pitchers of beer and pizza.

Tomorrow was the beginning of the preparations for next week. The parents would once again clean the stadium. The guys would watch the films for clues to improve their performance. The band would begin learning new music and formations for next weeks half time show... It's High School Football in Fremont, Ohio..... Mizpah ;-}}>