Bleacher Banter

I'm a sports guy plain and simple. Chances are, you are too. For people like us who get serious kicks from competition, there's nothing better than sitting in the stands watching a game. We enjoy getting up close and personal with great competition. The sport itself doesn't really matter; it's just fun to watch athletes make that amazing catch, hit the three at the buzzer for the win, or dive for the game saving catch in the outfield. Whether it's team versus team or man versus man, it's the competition that reels us all in. There's a very easy way to get up close and personal with great competition. In fact, you can find great action from the stands while supporting your community at the same time. I am, of course, talking about local high school football. It's an easy and fun activity that lets you stay connected with what's happening in your neighborhood. Plus, in a time of slumping economy and ridiculous gas prices, it's a simple and affordable family outing to unite your household. Football starts August 22 and there are some great games throughout the Triangle that will feature spectacular hits, leaping receptions and nail-biting finishes, enough excitement to satisfy everyone from the hardcore fan to the little ones just learning to catch a ball. The Wake Forest-Rolesville Cougars, the reigning CAP 7 league champs, finished last year ranked in the top 25 in the state and look strong going into 2008. The Cougars have Defensive Cap 7 Player of the Year - junior linebacker Terrell Hartsfield - back and along with up-and-coming junior running back Trea Jones and senior Quarterback Tim Hartman (who completed 52 of 91 passes for 731 yards with 7 TD's in 2007) and outside linebacker Taylor Hansen, the Cougars are looking good to three-peat as kings of Cap-7. Elsewhere in Wake County, Garner is looking strong again and is expected to capture another title in the Greater Neuse River Conference with Apex looking good to take the Tri-Eight Conference. Look for Southern Durham, lead by wide receiver Anthony Creecy, to dominate the Pac-6 Conference. Southern's homecoming game on September 26 against Hillside High School is sure to be a passing exhibition when the Spartans' Creecy matches up with the Hornet's Desmond Scott, another stand out at wide receiver. Chapel Hill High School brings back two talented players that might help them make a run in the Pac-6. Top lineman Rob Crisp will dominate the line of scrimmage. Junior Justin Kircher will return as the starting kicker which should help out with field position in terms of putting points on the board from outside the Red Zone. Kircher will also handle kickoffs for the Tigers and is pretty consistent in placing the ball between the end zone and five yards deep setting up opposing teams for long drives from deep in their own territory. My parting advice? Get yourself in the seats for some of these local high school football games this fall to watch some of the best sports action in the Triangle. For more great sports insight, tune into 99.9 FM The Fan.