It’s common sense when you think about it.
High school athletic programs must have community support to thrive and be successful. Think about it, you don’t see too many winning programs without it. Come to think about it, you don’t see any that I know of.
That’s why the scene at the Banks County High School football stadium last Friday night — for a preseason scrimmage no less — was so great to see. As the start of the scrimmage against Johnson High School arrived, the crowd on the home side of the stadium was indeed a sight to behold.
One long-time Leopard fan said there have been plenty of regular season games where the stands were not as full. It was great to see the support and enthusiasm of those who took the time to come to support the players and coaches. After the work they have put in during the offseason they certainly deserve it.
While some fans know about the hours of work that go into the preparation for a new football season, many do not. It’s really not possible to know unless you see it first hand. Parents of players probably have more of an idea because they know how much time their sons are at the weight room or at the practice field taking part in offseason conditioning.
Perhaps word of all the work that was done this offseason has spread throughout the community because the fans turned out in mass last Friday night. During halftime of the scrimmage I had a few minutes to talk with the Leopards No. 1 fan, Brother Jim McLendon. Like me, he was impressed with the turnout of BCHS faithful. We both believe the 2008 season can be something special for the Leopards. We both agree the program deserves everything positive that comes it way.
As I stood on the sidelines Friday night I watched BCHS head coach Blair Armstrong in action. This is the man who is responsible for a great deal of the excitement surrounding the Leopard program. It’s strange in a way because many times a coach who generates excitement is one who is a showman of sorts on the sidelines. In pro football you think of coaches like Mike Ditka or Jerry Glanville.
Armstrong, however, is more reserved on the sidelines. He remains calm in the eye of the storm. However, what he is good at is generating support and belief in the program he is coaching. He has done that everywhere he has been. He is doing it now at BCHS.
The countdown clock to the 2008 season opener is almost expired now. I’ve always been one who likes to have the first game of the season at home. However, I have a feeling when the Leopards load the buses and make the trip to Washington-Wilkes Aug. 29, a large group of fans will be making the trip as well.
In fact, I wouldn’t be surprised to see the visiting stands just as full as the home side. Excitement is here for BCHS football.
Chris Bridges is sports editor of The Banks County News. Contact him at 706-367-2745 or by e-mail at chris@mainstreetnews.com.
