Growing up in a rural town and small high school usually means that Friday night football games are where you can find the vast majority of the high school and town. It is one thing that can bring an entire community together.

The atmosphere is filled with excitement and school spirit. You are decked out in school colors and reserve your spot in the student section. The smell of fresh cut grass and crisp air reminds you of autumn. The fans start to go wild and the boys of fall take the field.

Parents, students, faculty, and town citizens fill the stands. There is also, without a doubt, one mother obnoxiously yelling and ringing her cowbell. Girls are cheering on their crushes and hoping he will ask her to homecoming. Halftime approaches and the band takes the field. By the last buzzer of the fourth quarter everyone is filled with anticipation. No matter the outcome of the game, everyone will be back again next Friday.

This is a feeling that I still appreciate. There is nothing like coming home from school to see yards filled with players' numbers and signs lining the road. To the girl in the stands, don't let these days pass you by. Don't try and grow up too fast and run away from your hometown. Nights like these are what you will remember down the road and smile about. To all of those boys of fall, play every game like it could be your last. Finally, to the townspeople that come to every game regardless of the team's record, thank you for keeping the small town tradition of Friday night football alive.