Commentary: Klondike at Ira

What a game! It was a battle to the very last second. I have watched both teams this season, and I saw much improvement in both Ira and Klondike. That District 5 race could come down to the last games next week. Borden County sits in the top spot and Hermleigh, Ira, and Klondike are battling for the second playoff spot. This one could get interesting if Hermleigh has a misstep!
 
It was good to see Coach DeGraffenreid from Klondike and Coach Goodwin from Ira. I talked to both about how the game would play out. Both were optimistic and thought it would be a good one. Both were correct! Conversation with both coaches turned to enrollment numbers and where the UIL might set the Division I and Division II cutoff. Will it be 56 or will it be 60? I’ve heard several opinions about it. Coach DeGraffenreid said that Klondike was at 56 for enrollment. He is unsure if they will be DI or DII in 1A next year. Both coaches are anticipating good district alignments – I think every coach may be a little anxious about realignment!
 
While I don’t normally talk about players, I do need to mention #1 from Klondike. Kylar Pepper is a freshman and is a tiny guy, but he plays big! He does all the little things a player should be doing out there. I saw him get pummeled several times, but he jumped right back up. Kylar, you will grow and someday soon you’ll be a beast… I think you already are! Here’s a big SHOUTOUT to #1 from Klondike. Keep doing what you’re doing!
 
This Division I, District 5 match-up did not disappoint. I did something last night that I never do. With about seven minutes to go in the game, I put my camera up and went into the bleachers and stood and watched. The vantage point was great! It was loud and exciting and could see a lot from up there! I guess every once in while I need to take in some of the game from the vantage point of the fans. Gotta say… I really enjoyed my few minutes watching from the stands.
 
Observations from my visit to Ira

• The Ira concession stand had peanut butter and chocolate kiss cookies. I wanted to buy them all! I normally don’t get them until Christmas. Well… Christmas came early! They were delicious! Oh… they also had a choice of sweet or unsweet tea in a cup with ice. Hey, it’s the little things!
• I left two boaster coasters in Ira. I have noticed that most people won’t pick them up, SO, I have decided to place the “pretty” side down so the tag with “You have found a Texas 1A Boaster Coaster” is facing up. Let’s see if that works. I’ve been told that people are probably just keeping them. And that’s ok, too. They are out there to make you feel good by reading a positive or funny phrase! But DO take a pic and post to the Facebook page… even if you’re going to keep it J
• The Klondike horn is louder than the Ira horn. Much louder. But not as loud as Balmorhea. There really is nothing louder than that!
• Some Ira fans sit in the corner of the end zone in lawn chairs. A fan in a golf cart joined them. The quote of the night comes from one of these fans, “Man, these lawn chairs are worn out. It’s time to get new ones!” Not something you expect to hear at a football game, but it is actually pretty fabulous. Anyone up for sitting in the lawn chair section? I sure am!
• I really thought the lighting for the game wouldn’t be all that great. Four light poles. Each pole has one row of four lights in a horizontal line. I was WRONG. Whatever light bulbs you have, Ira, you need to share with some other 1A schools! Those lights are brighter than many I’ve seen with three rows of lights. You all may not think this is worth mentioning, but anyone who has ever taken photos at a football game in near darkness will completely understand.
• The moon was pretty amazing.

 
To all of you road warriors going to your team’s next game, travel safe and remember to
Go Forward and Do GOOD!