MidValleySports.Com

Robin Renay and her husband that “49er Fan”.

By Robin Renay

October brings not only the blended hues of orange, yellow, and red, nestled into the emerald green pine tress, but local Homecoming football games too. You don’t have to have a football player, a cheerleader, or a band player, to go enjoy your local football game.

Gentlemen, suggest going to a football game for a date night. Buy your gal some popcorn and a hot chocolate; nestle together under a blanket, enjoying the sport you love so much.

Ladies, you can surprise your guy and suggest going to the game too. The Homecoming game is always a bit more fun for gals, because they can catch up on the newest style of dresses the girls who are on Homecoming court wear, and reminiscence about the good old days.

For me, going to the football game was two fold. Yes, my son is on drum line, so my husband and I were there to root him on and shout, “Woo hoo, Go Drum Line,” as he marched in front of the crowd playing a cadence, but I also knew I was going to take the opportunity, watch the game closely, and look for some plays I had recently been educated on.

Right away in the game, the opposing team’s quarterback threw an interception that was returned for a touchdown. “A pick six,” my husband exclaimed.  “There is a new football term for you,” he said, looking my way. There really wasn’t much explanation needed for the pick six, since I could clearly see that what went wrong for the opposing team resulted with 6 points being added to our side of the scoreboard.

Later in the game, right when time expired in the second quarter, there was an offsetting penalty.  Bright yellow flags went flying everywhere and suddenly, the zebra’s were in a huddle discussing the play madly. “What’s happening,” I asked my man. I was told that there was a hold on offense, and unsportsmanlike conduct called on defense, which results in an offsetting penalties. It was even more unique of a play, because it happened when time had expired for the first half, which resulted in an un-timed play.

My interest in the game peaked. I was learning quite a bit at this local high school football showdown. The game resumed after halftime, and shortly after I heard our friend, who was sitting behind us say, “Look at that! He is rolling out right for a lefty.”  Immediately, I shot a quizzical look in his direction, demanding what the heck he was talking about.  “Explain yourself,” I told him, as I had never heard this phrase before.

My friend patiently told me that usually, the quarterback would run to the side that is the same as his throwing arm.  For example, a right-handed QB will run to the right to throw down the field. The opposing teams quarterback had run to the right, but threw with his left. It was a bit unusual I was told.

The game ended with our school winning its homecoming game, and myself learning even more about the sport that I found myself wanting to watch more and more.

Later, on Sunday, while watching the 49er game, I witnessed a record being broke. Houston Texans quarterback Matt Schaub threw a “pick six”.  It happened to break the record of most consecutive games, with it being his fourth pick six.  “Poor guy,” I thought to myself. How horrible to break a record that you are not so proud of. My remorse was forgotten as I watched the 49ers destroy Houston with a win of 34 to 3.

There are still a few high school football games left to take in. Support your local school and enjoy a game or two. If not, enjoy Week 6 of the NFL!  May your favorite team win!

*** Zebra—A nickname for any member of the officiating crew.