No doubt the 2020 season was one of the most memorial, if not the most memorable season in the history of Texas high school football existence.
We all know why.
Thousands of players, parents, coaches and support staff made this season possible. Yes, there were cancellations, postponements and general concern that the season might not even finish.
Put me in that category of people that thought were would never see State. With a virus that became out of control, especially in Texas, I figured the possibility of completing the year as very slightly more than 0 percent. Maybe slightly greater than a 50 percent shot with the small schools but definitely didn't think it was possible with big schools.
I'll eat that crow. Everyone banded together and made it work. Kudos to those.
But this column isn't about that. In being around the sport for six full seasons coupled with some things that occurred this year, I have some ideas I think would make things better.
3. Change Up the State Sites
Since it opened in 2009, AT&T Stadium has hosted UIL State Championships 10 times. The two years it did not: 2009 in San Antonio; 2015 in Houston.
And while I greatly appreciate having State be so close to home to be able to cover it each time, UIL needs to implement a rotational system, similar to the College Football Playoff.
Outside of the terrible press angle at AT&T Stadium, there is more to this state than DFW.
AT&T Stadium might be the crown jewel of Texas stadiums, it cannot be the only place available during that time of year.
It would be beneficial for fans and players to be able to see of the state, if they haven't had the chance previously.
Let's get a rotation of NRG in Houston, Alamodome in San Antonio, DKR Stadium in Austin, Sun Bowl in El Paso - basically any other stadium in the state that can hold up to 60k fans.
I get the case for only using domed stadiums, so the weather does not affect things, but at the same time, 99 percent of the games through the season are played outdoors.
The sterile environment with the biggest, most ridiculous video board is becoming tiresome. The entire state should not have to descend upon Arlington every year. Make the DFW folks travel, too.
And to that end, move the 1A Six-Man games out of the stadium completely. This is not a shot at those schools or the type of football, although it is not my cup of tea.
However, I have heard anecdotally from a number of people that cover Six-Man that the trek to Arlington is overkill and the magic of the stadium has worn off. That's entirely fair.
Even in a normal year, AT&T is just too big/cavernous for the amount of fans that show up. If they have to come here, play those games at the Ford Center where the atmosphere is a tighter/more electric while still eliminating the elements issue.