A view from the sidelines

The high school football season has begun, so sports writer Paul Gadbois and I know exactly where we will spend every Friday night (and some Saturdays) for the next 10 weeks – on the sidelines at a football field.

There are a few different ways to cover a football game. We could sit in the stands among the parents and fans, and take in the game from their point of view, although that is never an option when we are each also taking photos.

We could also sit in the press box, which provides a panoramic view of the game as it unfolds, but again unless we magically inherit Sports Illustrated-quality cameras with high-powered zooms and flashes, the pictures would be horrible.

Nope, for us it’s the sidelines.

Before I had even worked my first day as sports editor, I went out and bought a sturdy and warm pair of boots, with which to log miles in while following the action up and down the field.

I also keep a tote in the back of my car packed for the season with gloves, hats, sweatshirts, a rain poncho and even extra socks.

The only times I have retreated to the confines of the press box were in order to protect the camera equipment during rainy games.

The sidelines provide a unique view to the game, where you not only get to see the plays up close, but are also privy to coaches communications with the players and other coaches.

We are also often in earshot of the sideline conversations between players while their teammates are grinding it out on the field.

Not to worry guys, Paul and I have also developed “selective deafness” when it comes to what we report. In other words, if it doesn’t have to do with the game, we don’t hear it. Besides, writing about who is dating who, and who got roped into closing at the pizza place does not make interesting sports writing.

We will continue trolling the sidelines because the sights, sounds and yes, even smells on the sidelines are truly unique, and are also football at its finest.

It is from there that we hope to bring you football coverage you also feel is the finest it can be.

Craig Purcell is sports editor of Tri-County Newspapers. Contact him at 824-1036 or sports@tcnpress.com.