Two Weeks In

I'm two weeks into this grand social media experiment, and now that this blog thingy is in somewhat readable format I want to share some observations with you.  First, let me reiterate that I am no football analyst.  My football playing experience involved flags and the word "Intramural".  I never played a down of tackle football at any level, nor have I participated in any coaching seminars.  I just see what I see.

First, some full disclosure:  my stepson is starting school on Monday at Reynolds.  He'll be a Junior, coming to Winston from a small, small school in Rocky Mount.  He doesn't play football, basketball or baseball.  So, I am NOT a Reynolds homer.  There's no cheering in the press box, but since I don't sit in the press box, I can cheer for both teams.  I don't care who wins.  However, if the Chucktacular One decides to run track or some such thing, I will be a Reynolds homer and won't cover that particular sport.  So there.

On to the football:

Quarterbacks
The winning teams in both games covered so far have one thing in common...a capable senior quarterback.  Reagan's JaShawn Joyner and East Forsyth's Garrison Duncan each commanded the offense with smarts and a touch of flair.  Joyner showed off an impressive arm along with general athletic ability.  I sat in front of a Reagan basketball coach, and he can't wait for him to get back on the court.  Duncan has quick feet along with his quick football instincts and rushed for over 100 yards, despite the fact that his starting tailback had over 100 of his own.

Atmosphere
This is what I care about most.  The football experience for this blogger is diminished if the energy isn't there.  The kids take care of the football energy almost every time, but I want to FEEL like I'm at a football game when I get to my parking spot.  I wasn't disappointed, although I WAS almost left out of the Reagan experience because I showed up 15 minutes before the Star Spangled Banner.  Note to fans:  get to Reagan early.  The Raiders even have a cool way of taking the field, although it does seem eerily reminiscent of West Forsyth's.  I'll have to get to Clemmons and see for myself.  Anyway, Reagan was great!  No unruly parents, and a spirited group of students. 

The walk to Mount Tabor's field was reminiscent of the walk through Clemson's campus to get to Death Valley, minus the tailgating and great unwashed.  It was cool to walk between building until it opens up into the athletic fields.  Mount Tabor has a great sounding marching band (as does Reagan), but I thought their student support was just outstanding.  Even as they were getting eviscerated by Lavaughnte' "L-Train" Smith, the students and the support squads were energetic throughout.  I thoroughly enjoyed my time at Mount Tabor.

Odds and Ends
Uniforms- Reagan and East have great helmets.  This is important.  Ask my friends.
Mike Muse- Longtime educator, coach, Wake Forest staffer, and now head Eagle basketball coach was working stats for the football team.  Of course he was.  He probably lines the football field and sweeps the court...at away games.  He was very helpful with game stats the other night.  Give him a Twitter follow at @coachmuse.
Uniforms II- Tabor head coach Laymarr Marshall was ejected for two illegal equipment infractions.  Apparently, if a player is wearing an elbow sleeve there needs to be an elbow pad in there.  I agree with this rule.  I still don't understand why coach Marshall had to be ejected.  Can't they just hold the perpetrator out for a quarter? 
Parents- There are a LOT of parent volunteers at these football games.  What a cool way to get involved with your kid!  Hats off to the parents manning booster club tables and concession stands.