Yes, that's the mantra of Coach Eric Taylor and the Dillon Panthers on the TV show, "Friday Night Lights." It was their battle cry. It was a staple in everything they stood for. It was their rally point. It brought the team together when it seemed like they were about to fall apart.
It was just a TV show but art did imitate life when they painted a picture of what Friday Night Lights really does mean to a community.
This past Friday night, we got to experience our one home Friday night football game during this Spring season. Because the pandemic erased our fall season, our school (Oregon High School) put together an abbreviated Spring season to give these kids a chance to play.
As I looked around at the parents and fans during our pre-game activities and during the game, I saw clear eyes and full hearts. For three hours, the world seemed normal again. For three hours, time stopped and there was nothing else but a football game going on. For three hours, we could all forget the troubles of the times and just cheer.
That's what Friday Night Lights gives us all. Players, fans, families, and friends. We get to escape and experience the raw emotion of the night. We get to feel alive again. The smiles. The tears. The wins and losses.
"When I feel that chill, smell that fresh cut grass...I'm back in my helmet, cleats, and shoulder pads."
Friday Night Lights.
Can't lose.
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