By Harold Keller

I enjoy high school football. I like the excitement and spirit, but I have a problem with the fans.

As years go by, it seems that the parents are becoming more vocal, vulgar and vicious.  I feel sorry for the coaches and, especially, their families who have to sit in the stands and hear all the abuse.

My appeal to the parents of the players and to the fans is for everyone to have enthusiasm with class. If you do, the coaches and players will know that you unselfishly support them.

Remember, football is only a game, and with that in mind, I would like to share the following prayer with all the teams.

The Game of Football

“Dear God: Help me to be a good sport in this little game of football. I don’t ask for any special place in the lineup. Give the coach wisdom to play me where needed. I only ask that I can give you 100 percent of everything I have, and in doing so, the coach will be satisfied.  If all the hard drives come my way, I thank you for the compliment. Help me to remember that you never send a player any more that he can handle.

And, help me, Lord, to accept the bad breaks as part of the game. May I always play on the square, no matter what the others do. Help make me thankful for me.

Finally, God, if fate seems to be unfair to me during the season and I’m benched for any reason, help me not to whimper, or squeal, that the game was a frame-up or that I got a raw deal. But when the season is over, and the banquet is held, I don’t need any special recognition.  I just want to feel that I’ve been a team player, not only on the football team, but also in the most important game – the game of life.  My only desire is to please you, and in doing so, I’ll please my coaches and will be an influence to my teammates.

And when the final game is played, all I want to hear is, “Well done, good and faithful servant.’ “

**** INDIVIDUALS WIN GAMES – TEAMS WIN CHAMPIONSHIPS ****

If you have any questions, or comments, please write to Get High on Life, P.O. Drawer U, Reserve, LA 70084, call (985)652-8477, or e-mail: hkeller@comcast.net.