Read Bleacher Fan’s argument that the state of Ohio has better high school football and Loyal Homer’s argument that Georgia has better high school football.
I am relishing this debate topic. Some of my greatest sports writing and reporting memories come from covering high school football. Two quick examples – one from each state (of course!).
I was in Warner Robins, Georgia sitting in the office of former Houston County High School head football coach Doug Johnson. My fiancé (at the time… now wife) was visiting from Ohio. This is important to the story, because she stands at 4-feet 11-inches. Imagine her gasp when a trim, 6-foot 5-inch defensive end, Kyle Moore, walked in to the office for our interview. He was only a sophomore at the time, but already scouts from around the country were taking an interest. He had power, and speed, and quickness, and enough toughness to get noticed by Pete Carroll, head football coach at Southern Cal. The highlight reel Carroll saw after Moore’s sophomore season was over likely contained one of the more memorable moments of Moore’s career. Against rival Northside (where now New York Jets wide receiver Chansi Stuckey was a recent graduate), Moore ran down quarterback Ferlando Williams for a 12-yard sack as Northside was driving to win the game, but needed to convert on an important third down. Moore ran down and tackled Williams from behind. Did I mention Williams had a 4.5 40-yard dash time? It was amazing, and all 12,000 people in attendance, no matter what color shirt they wore, oooed and ahhhed and the remarkable, clutch play.
At a football game in Barberton, Ohio I witnessed an even more dominant performance by an incredible high school football player. Barberton, for those of you who may not know, is also the hometown of legendary Michigan Wolverines football coach Bo Schembechler. It was also the home of the late, legendary decorated Olympian and former professional football player Jeep Davis. While Barberton has several legendary sports figures to boast about, it received a visit from one in the making on one brisk early Fall evening in 2005. Future Syracuse running back, Delone Carter, was in the stadium with his team from Copley, just down the road. What transpired after kickoff was truly remarkable. Carter proceeded to rip off one long run after another – including open field spins and jukes – on the way to a blowout victory. The mixture of power and speed was enough to get fans from both sides of the field to acknowledge.
High school football is compelling for many reasons. The talent is as raw as the emotion. No other sport – at any level of competition – lives up to the constant coaching reminder “leave it all on the field” more than high school football. I have been fortunate enough to experience high school football in both states. Experience is an important word, here. It is more than just watching a game. It is talking to the players and coaches and fans. It is smelling the grass. It is the tinny echo of an outdated PA system announcing a tackle. It is hearing the roar of 12,000 plus and a standing room only crowd to watch a high school football game.
This debate is important. It is important to highlight the greatness of high school football, that traditional Friday night pastime in towns big and small all over the country. It is also important to educate. Some high school football fans and players can have a difficult time seeing their teams, conferences, regions, and state’s football objectively. I totally get that… it is the right of a fan. But, hopefully, this debate will bring some additional perspective. I am proud to present the debate question:
Which state has better high school football: Georgia or Ohio?
Bleacher Fan, an Ohio native, will argue that Ohio has the best high school football. Loyal Homer, a Georgia native, will argue that Georgia has the best high school football.
Make sure your opinion is heard, too. Add your comments to each article in an attempt to influence my decision.
Having lived and worked in both states, I can honestly say I am objective about this debate. I look forward to reading the arguments.
