Even though I am not calling anymore, the official shortage got me last week. My son calls and asks if I can help with a 7 & 8 grade combined "B" game. I told him no because he had three dads that were going to do it. He called me an hour before the game and said that he wasn't sure who was going to be there to call the game. Even though I had gotten rid of my shirts, I found something appropriate (my old chapter shirt). When I got there I found out that I was the only one there to call. The three dads had withdrawn for various reasons. While I was talking to the coaches, one of my golf buddies (72 years old) came out and said that he was going to help spot the ball and headed to the chains. I had to stop him a let him know that he was my HL. My son stayed and worked U. Interesting tidbits.
1) After the coin toss (I always talk to the captains), my son asked me "You really miss it don't you?". I ask him why. He said that he could see it in my face and the way I talked to them.
2) Watching my friend try to sidestep, jump or avoid the chain on a sweep was priceless.
3) There were three LONG gains in the game. The first play from scrimmage was one of them and it happened three times. The quarterback got the snap, took a step back and held the ball out for the running back. A 200+ d-lineman walk through the line, took the handoff and here we go. Touchdown.
I do miss it. Mostly on Friday nights.
