In Texas, they call it Friday Night Lights.
In the small town of Mason (pop. 2238), the State Championship game is the real Super Bowl. In spite of near-freezing drizzle, the bleachers were packed for the Punchers’ final home game at the Puncher Dome. Before the game graduating seniors were introduced on the field, along with their families. They did their families proud, winning 56-0. The Punchers went on to win the Division IIA State Championship two weeks later.
You can see the pride in these stoic cowboys as they clasped their sons on the shoulder. After the game, the kids gathered at church for ‘5th Quarter’, where they were fed chili made from locally raised beef.
Thanks to Texas Co-op Power Magazine for sending me to shoot, and to Texas Beef Council Communication Manager Misty Martin for rounding up all the model releases. Go Punchers!