Thursday Night [TV] Lights
Update: We're in the 4th quarter of the Lee/Permian contest...and it's no contest. Midland Lee is having its way with the visitors from Odessa. I normally wouldn't care one way or the other, but the interview with H.G. Bissinger before the game started tilted me firmly into Lee's corner. He displayed an amazing lack of class in his remarks about the city of Midland and Lee High School specifically, and for that reason alone, I hope Lee extends its current 44-7 lead by a couple more touchdowns. In the other contest, nearing halftime, Southlake Carroll is assuming control after unexpectedly falling behind early in the game.
For those who already think that high school football is overemphasized in Texas, tonight's TV schedule contains some depressing news: not one, but two high school games will be broadcast live nationally.
At 7:00 p.m. (CDT), Fox Sports News will carry the Midland Lee/Odessa Permian game from Midland. At 8:30 p.m., ESPN2 will cover the Southlake Carroll/Denton Ryan game, being played in Southlake (which is a suburb in the northern part of the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex, for those not familiar with Texas).
Although the football junkie can catch the significant parts of both games, here's my admittedly uninformed perspective on what to expect from each. If you're a traditionalist, the Lee/Permian game is the matchup for you. These teams are fairly evenly matched this year, but neither is a powerhouse from a statewide perspective (Lee is 5-1 and Permian is 4-2). Look for the outcome to be the same as the one shown in Friday Night Lights (no spoilers here!).
The Southlake/Ryan game should appeal to those looking for a preview of the state championship playoffs. Southlake Carroll is ranked #1 in the nation by USA Today, and Ryan is ranked #12. I predict a Southlake victory, partly because of the home field advantage but primarily because this team is talented enough to beat a number of college teams. Don't be surprised to see them go undefeated all the way through to the Texas 5-A State Championship.
One final note to highlight the distinction between these two games. I mentioned that Midland Lee is 5-1 for the season. Their only loss was in the first game of the season, when Southlake Carroll handed them a good old fashioned whipping, 45-14.
One of the things I like about HS football is how quickly the games go. Shorter quarters, no play-call challenges, generally more running the ball, shorter halftimes. You don't have to commit 3+ hours to watch one.
That said, I'm not sure I'll watch either of these games. Especially not once ER comes on, as MLB will control the control, IFYKWIM.
Posted by: Eric at October 14, 2004 01:42 PMAbout the publisher
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I never watch the stuff, unless Kman has it on the tube and I am passing through the den. Although, I am definitely a MoJo rooter. (My cousins live in Odessa)
Posted by: Cowtown Pattie at October 14, 2004 01:13 PM