You mean to tell me that the 2010 football season is halfway over? It's week five already people! Where has all the football gone?
Oh wait, here it is. I see it now. It's all bunched together in the last three weeks. Huh?
I could have sworn that the football season lasted 10 weeks in high school but, sure enough, it's all right there in weeks eight through 10.
Ok, ok. I'm sorry. That was a failed and pathetic attempt to try and say that the real football season hasn't started yet, for me anyway.
Don't get me wrong people of the masses, I do enjoy the regular season as much as the next guy. As long as the next guy also knows that we're biding our time with basically practice games until they actually start to count.
The rivalries, the blow outs, the nail-biters and the blow outs during the rivalries that has every one biting their nails, are like interesting previews that have you talking for about nine seconds before the movie that you actually paid to see begins.
Every football team in the state ultimately cares about the last three weeks of the season. So, why should I/you think any differently?
Which is why I'm stoked about this season's district races.
The biggest one in question should be a no-brainer.
After somewhat of a challenge in Class 4, District 1 presented by Poplar Bluff last year, the Sikeston Bulldogs will no longer be looking at the Mules as a possible threat down the road. That threat, and possibly the biggest opposition they've seen since their semifinal game against Helias last season, belongs to the newly crowned team to beat in Southeast Missouri; the Cape Central Tigers.
The Tigers have made a massive u-turn this season as their current 4-0 record has people talking about a possible deep playoff run. And now that they're in Class 4, who's to say it's not possible.?
I'm sure Bulldog fans would have a small, tiny comment about that.
Sikeston has had one of the most promising two years that any program can hope to have. One game away from a state championship possibility is nothing to look down upon. Who's to say it's not possible for the Bulldogs to do it again?
I've been noticing that as this week nine match-up between the two approaches, it's already starting to drive out the 'my team will beat your team' screen names on semoball.com.
I love the banter. It's why sports are so great. The reasoning people try to conjure as to why their team is going to win, is not only funny, it's roll on the floor, shed a few tears, slap yo momma funny. Then, sometimes, it's slap your forehead, 'oh my lanta why do I know how to read' awfulness. And then, every once in a blue moon, you will get someone with a bit of knowledge about the situation that makes you realize there is hope for this world yet.
With all that aside, the game of the year will be Sikeston and Cape Central's (both unbeaten at that time would be my prediction) week nine game. The second time they meet, however, may overshadow it since the district now allows the top two teams to move on.
That is to say if Farmington doesn't come in and rain on both of Sikeston and Cape Central's parade; which they are very capable of doing.
As far as the rest of the district races will be concerned, don't be fooled by New Madrid County Central's slow start. They have one of the area's best in the backfield and once they get things figured out with their young front line, reaching the post season may be closer than Eagle fans may think. Although Dexter and state-ranked Fredericktown might have a say.
East Prairie may have a tougher road. They have to contend with defending champion Caruthersville and an up-and-coming Malden team. Not to mention, a near upset by Charleston last year will definitely have the Bluejays eyeing the rematch with their cross-county rivals.
Both Chaffee and Scott City both have stout tests ahead as the Rams have Herculaneum and Crystal City standing in their way while Chaffee has a true powerhouse in Valle Catholic.
Sorry to get ahead of the schedule but I figured before I get to do another one of these districts will be upon us. Until then, seriously, enjoy the remainder of the regular season. You might not have another chance to see a last second touchdown to win a game mean absolutely nothing.