A JV Football Game

My ex wife invited me to join her attending her sophomore son’s JV football game. He’s a member of the Franklin Lightning (changed from Quakers a few years ago).

Yes!

I picked her up and we drove to Franklin High School for the four p.m. game against Cleveland. Along the way, we passed dozens of tents and zombie RVs and commented on how much had changed in Portland and the ways we all have to adapt or nostalgia begins to paralyze.

We arrived a half hour early and sat in the stands and watched the warm-ups. Then my ex mother and father in-laws joined us and it was a real former family affair!

My ex’s son had never played football before signing up this fall. His friends were into it, so he was into it. My ex was a bit concerned because she knew nothing of football except it led to concussions and that I used to play and coach it back in the day and enjoyed myself.

Her son’s team was multi-racial. So was the other team. It’s called the future of America although a lot of white people in rural America can’t realize the obvious and choose grievance over acceptance.

Right before the opening kickoff, I saw one rotund lineman standing on the sideline live streaming on his phone while the coach was giving a pep talk.

It’s okay, the kids will be all right. Maybe he was trying to impress a girl and won’t end up an incel.

Both team ran the same spread offenses and ran all the same plays. I was a bit surprised when Franklin shifted into a single wing formation for a few plays. I still can’t understand why more teams at all levels of football don’t run the single wing. It’s so much fun!

It was a defensive struggle with a few long pass plays and several turnovers. Only once did I see a big hit. Frank;in’s quarterback got his bell rung and came out of the game. He received for some treatment from a Latino teacher who was some kind of trainer. Her youth staff consisted of three Latino girls who were apparently training in the arts of sports medicine. Like I said, the future of America. I’m ready for it.

The grandstands were surprisingly full of fans, fans of all colors. There was the usual teenage grab-assing and flirting and lots of Bro talk and urgent pleas to check phones.

To think I was a teacher for 25 years and part of this milieu. It seems like a century ago and I do not miss it at all but have a lot of respect for people still in the classroom.

During the game I frequently explained the rules and customs of football to my ex. He son didn’t start but but was on the field as a linebacker toward the end on some crucial drives. He didn’t exhibit that much football instinct but then again, he’s barely played. I think it’s great that he’s out there, running, sweating, tackling and hanging out with teammates and coaches. He’s out of the basement and into the world and yes, playing football can teach you a few important life lessons if you are lucky enough to have the right coaches to impart them.

My ex’s son’s team won 8-6 and stuffed a two-minute conversion with eight seconds left.

I drove home alone and marveled at how much fun I had.