Ever been to a high school football game? I mean, they’re fun and all when you’re in high school, but have you been since then? Here’s the deal:

They’re still fun.

There are so many things wrong with high school football, so many kids permanently injured, so many educational dollars misspent, so much emotional energy and time dedicated to what really amounts to just a bunch of boys running around on a field and bashing into each other… in pursuit of what? School spirit? Professional aspirations? Personal fitness? Entertainment?

But those happen to be actually really good reasons. School spirit keeps kids from doing stupid things with their free time. It makes them feel like part of something bigger, which encourages them to work harder, socialize better, and achieve more. High school athletics does indeed keep a large portion of our population out of the obesity that plagues so much of our under-18 population, making health care cost less for all of us. The dreams of college and professional glory do indeed get kids into great schools, where they often get great educations and become really well-educated, intelligent, productive contributors to our society.

But the entertainment factor is unignorably huge.

Tonight, I was at a high school football game. It was 60 degrees out, and I was with good friends, had a big thermos of hot coffee, and watched my team get beat. I mean, beat bad. Like, 37-0 at the half bad. Like, I think we got one or two first downs in the whole half. And the other team blocked a punt. A PUNT.. But nevertheless, I had a really, really good time. The bands were great, the faculty of the school got out onto the field and danced and made fools of themselves, to the delight of all the students in the stands… Even though our team was doing brutally poorly, there was real community.

And this goes on every friday night, all over the country.

So despite the bad that comes out of this sport, don’t discount the good. Get to a football game. Buy some hot chocolate and a brownie from the band booster club. Cheer the kids on. Make some new friends.

Or at the very least, rent Friday Night Lights. It’s a start.

By the way, here’s some music:

Background Tunes: Brad Mehldau – Largo

As I write tonight’s thoughts.

Ah, nevermind. I got nothin’ to say. Here’s music.

Background Tunes: Ben Allison – Peace Pipe

Seriously, hottest booth ever. Why is it that as soon as the temperature in Texas drops below 70º, everyone thinks it’s time to turn on the heater? I’m about ready to throw a water fountain through the window, Chief Bromden style.

Yugh. Here’s music:

Background Tunes: Herbie Hancock – The Essential Herbie Hancock

Pledge again! Pledge again! Pledge again!

Thanks. You guys are the best. And I mean that.

Background Tunes: Ben Allison – Cowboy Justice