In Dramatic Fashion.

Happy Friday everybody! It's back...

Something very interesting happens when you get to the final weekend of August and work your way into September. School, classes, clothes, and oh yes-FOOTBALL! The #1 spectator sport in the world takes on an even bigger dimension in Texas. 

I learned this firsthand in November 2001 when I attended a high school playoff game in Dallas at Texas Stadium with Plano East and Mesquite. Not often you see a 17 year old kid (Jeremy Parker) kick a 50 yard field goal in a high school format. I was reminded of the BC Bissinger classic 'Friday Night Lights' which I read back in 1994. Over 35,000 fans in attendance. Huge.

Yes, there are superstar high school programs in Highland Park, Southlake Carroll, Celina, Kilgore, Longview, Katy, Permian-Odessa to name a few. A subtle change begins to commence. You see it in the local communities and you can feel it in the cooling air. Part of fall's impending beauty alongside the changing leaves.

Another sign of change is watching baseball in a playoff format. I had that privilege last night in Grand Prairie, Texas. The AirHogs battling the Wing Nuts of Wichita. Best of 5 format. Game 1 had a bit of everything. Pitching, defense, and some dramatics. David Espinoza with a 4 hit game. John Alonso with an opposite field homer and walk-off walk for a come from behind 4-3 victory for Grand Prairie! The Hogs came to bat in the 9th trailing 3-1, waiting until there were two outs before staging an epic comeback.

The only person I felt badly for was Jason Jennings. Talk about a class act after a nine year career in the majors. 8 innings of 1 run ball, allowing only 7 hits only to get a no-decision. Great job by JJ.

The staff at Quick Trip Park are first rate. Again my sincerest thanks to Renee Lucchesi for the hospitality and amenities. This team has a system in place that I hope will improve over time. Put me on record on saying tey can win it all. No fear whatsoever.

Game 2 tonight with Wichita. I hope to be back next week for the Championship round. This will also mark my first time in 2011 I work on a Friday night with football back on the airwaves. My Monday routine will return on September 12th.

Dear LSU and Oregon fans: Bring it to Cool River tonight and tomorrow-Please! We want your business.

Make it a great day!

Over and out in Big D.

Mr. Will