The 2026 Boys of Fall Kick Off
Every year around this time I try to talk about this slice of Americana. Across our country this weekend many high school football programs will play their first football game. The 2026 version of the boys of fall will kick off.
There will be powerhouse cross state matchups that Max Preps will feature. There will be intense scrutiny on the highest recruited players. Yes, there will even be well deserved attention given to coaches with record breaking number of wins.
Here is a tip. All of that is good, but here is what is great about this weekend and the entire football season at every level.
An immeasurable amount of character that has been built over days, weeks, months and years will be put to test. Words like courage, discipline, and most importantly, team, will be on display.
So Many Of Us Owe This Game Of Football So Much
Ask any player or coach who has invested in this game of football and they will tell you what it does to build you as a person. Winning teaches you and so does losing. The game builds you. It helped build me.
My sentence goes like this: My life was changed immeasurably for the better because I played high school football for Tony Demacio and his staff at Riverheads High School.
I challenge you to think about and complete your sentence.
My life was changed immeasurably for the better because I played _________________ football for ______________________ at ___________________________.
One of the most beautiful things about this game is that it continues to teach regardless of age. Take a close look at this timeless video and you will feel an important message. 7 to 70 this game grabs us.
After that, football releases a part of us to go out into the world to make it better.
To all you naysayers out there, before you start, the good far outweighs any bad. Here’s to the 2026 version of the boys of fall. Embrace it and enjoy it because you only get to have it for a short while.