It’s one thing to love prep football, it’s quite another to be prepared for it.
Through 30 years of covering games, I’ve learned a few things. It took time, but eventually I dialed in to the perfect pregame routine.
Consider this week’s High Five a guide for those wondering how best to prepare for Friday night lights.
5. A balanced meal
There are different schools of thought on the pregame meal. Some chow down at home, others grab something on the go. Still others save their appetites for the stadium concession stands.
I’m in the middle, although most of the time I like to grab something on the go and eat while relaxing before the game. I consider it a treat heading into the highlight of the workweek.
Don’t get me wrong, concession stand grills offer delicious treats. The tempting smells always seem to draw me closer to the brats and burgers, but I typically avoid the long lines.
Just give me a sub sandwich from our local shop, and I’m fine. An extra tip … I usually grab a little something extra to snack on after games.
4. Settle in
The less stress, the better. That’s why I prefer arriving at games as early as possible to avoid parking searches.
Some places, like Neuqua Valley and its acres of spaces, aren’t an issue. But others, like Glenbard West, can be tricky.
So I gauge my arrival time based on the site. I have no problem getting to games even two hours early because there’s plenty to do, whether it’s watching the sophomore game (as rare as they’re becoming), catching up with folks I haven’t seen in a while or — of course — enjoying that pregame meal.
3. Pick your spot
Finding a good seat isn’t my strong point because most of the time you’ll find me on the sideline. On that rare occasion where it’s pouring buckets of rain, I’ll carve a place to stand in the press box.
As far as seating is concerned, midfield high in the stands is obviously ideal. Like with parking, snagging those seats often requires early arrival.
As much as I love a good student section, you probably don’t want to sit too close unless you want to stand the whole time, sing along to “Mr. Brightside” and jump around to “Jump Around.”
And, as much as I love a good marching band, you don’t want to sit too close to them either. That brass section gets a little loud.
2. Know the names
It’s a necessity for reporters to have the rosters of both teams before getting to the game. Don’t count on programs being available at the stadium.
Sure, most of the information is online and accessible on your cellphone. But — maybe this is the Gen Xer in me — I’ve always preferred the hard copy at every sporting event I’ve attended, whether it’s high school, college or pro.
Another extra tip … also grab the lower-level rosters. They become especially important later in the season as varsity injuries arise and frosh/soph players earn promotions.
1. Weather or not
I’ve seen it all too often. The slightest threat of rain, or the slightest dip in temperature, and crowd sizes plummet.
Don’t let that happen to you.
I’m not very good at many things, but I consider myself an expert at dressing for inclement weather. Rain jackets, hats, hand warmers … I’ve got it down to a science.
The keys are the head and feet. Keep them warm and dry, and that’s half the battle. Layer the body, block the wind and you’ll be fine.
One final extra tip … while I love hand warmers, I’m not a big fan of foot warmers. I haven’t found a brand that works well.
It’s not your feet that need to stay warm, it’s your toes. So what I like to do is curl hand warmers under my toes. It’s not comfortable at first, but after a while you get used to it.