SWIM HOLES AND FOOTBALL

Friday nights in the fall have always been about more than football.

At the end of the workweek, Friday means hopping in the truck — or maybe a minivan — and following your team, no matter the distance or the traffic. It means a good meal before and some- times during the game.

It means a bit of sightseeing, too, while you proudly show off your school’s colors.

Each week this season, we’ll tell you why you should go, where you could eat and what to do if you have time to kill before kickoff. This week, we make the drive to Wimberley.

So gas up and go.

Giddings at Wimberley, 7:30 p.m., Texan Stadium

■ What to see: It’s Texas. It’s Sep- tember. It’s still hot. Fortunately, this scenic Hill Country town nestled on the banks of spring-fed Cypress Creek has a couple of the best swimming spots in the state — Blue Hole and Jacob’s Well. After you dry off, explore the quirky collection of boutiques and shops in the downtown square.

■ Where to eat: With an eclectic mix of eateries, the square will satisfy any palate. Stop by the Leaning Pear, whose creative menu will satisfy the kids as well as that craving for a BLT with brie. Save some room for frozen yogurt at the nearby Wooden Spoon.

■ Why to watch: Wimberley has one of the most exciting quarterbacks in the state in JoJo Weeks, who threw for 349 yards and four touchdowns in a win over La Vernia. Giddings, which lost its opener by a point to powerful Geronimo Navarro, counters with Tavion Page, who had 164 yards and a pair of TDs on just eight carries last week. But defensive play probably will determine the winner between two of the best small-town teams in the area.

■ Previous road trip: Sept. 1, Connally at Lockhart.