We are all ready for the escape of Friday night

With all the acrimony and division going on the United States right now, something hit me like a brick while I was out watching the dedicated young men who play the demanding sport of high school football go through their respective practices.

I saw black, white, hispanic and Asian players all pulling in the same direction. All striving to be the best they could be, regardless of color, religion or political slant. And, sad to say, that is a refreshing sign for a country that suddenly looks as ugly as the bad old day of the early 1960s. All of a sudden it did not matter to me if Coatesville would win the District 1 title or if Downingtown East could topple the Red Raiders or how many teams could make the Class 5A playoffs from our area.

We desperately need a sense of civility in our nation and a sense of togetherness. And football is the ultimate “we” game. Unlike any other sport, football demands that the guy next to you does his job or you risk the possibility of being carried off the field.

NFL coaches constantly talk about the importance of having a good locker room void of any division. and high school coaches constantly crave a good group of seniors who bring the younger players on the team into the fold and become examples of how things are supposed to be done in the program.

High school football in 2017 is not just a diversion from the stresses of everyday life. It now hopefully becomes an example of how different people can pull together for a common cause, regardless of color or political beliefs.

When we look at Washington, D.C., right now we do not see unity or compassion for others. So, we have to do it ourselves and become a beacon of change that hopefully rights this unites States ship in the right direction.

So, to me, it is more that who wins tonight and who is ranked higher in the state, It is about something odd, something that pulls people together and is something to be lauded. High school football has always been the greatest game around. Now, maybe for a another reason.