2024 Year In Review

Midwest (WY) 94, Hulett (WY) 93

This was my second straight 6-man game. My 7th in the past four weeks. I enjoyed six-man. It was different. But it was football. A fun offshoot variety. A fact of reality in these small towns where even 8-man would struggle to exist. 11-man just wishful thinking for most who didn’t even have eleven players on their roster.

As with the game in Lavina, the internet was problematic. It said I had service, but no tweets would send out. And I could not connect to the internet to view anything. But I could call and text.

Before the game, I had a hot dog meal for $4. Which included the dog, chips, a cookie and a drink. Not a bad deal. I ate it then prepped for the start of the game. It was homecoming, and there was an excitement in the air.

The field sits to the south of town. Down a hill from the school. Several dirt trails taking you from the corner of the building down a few blocks west to the field. Houses overlooking the bluffs to the north behind the home side.

I wasn’t expecting much of anything from this game. And early on, it seemed like Hulett was going to run away with it. Going up 19-8 after the first ten minutes.

And then 76 points happened. In the second quarter, Midwest scored 36 points. While Hulett scored 40. Taking a tenuous, though emphatic 59-44 lead into the break. At halftime, the homecoming king and queen were crowned. And an entire second half of football was still on tap.

No matter how well Midwest played, they constantly seemed a step behind Hulett. Whose Hudson Reilly was their star player. For Midwest, it was Quincy Paris. Who at QB was doing everything he could to keep the Oilers in the game.

By the end of the third, Midwest trailed by just one score, 80-72. And my comment to the officials that we might hit 100 becoming much more realistic.

After scoring another touchdown, Midwest missed the kick that would have tied it at 80-80. Hulett retaliated, going up 87-78 on a single point conversion to make it a two-score game. But Midwest wasn’t wavering. Scoring a TD and conversion to cut the lead to 87-86. An onside kick and on the first play Paris went the distance for the TD to go up 92-87. A two-point kick made it 94-87. Hulett’s turn moves them down field, and with under two minutes remaining scoring another TD of their own. But the single-point try via pass fell incomplete after clanging off the arms of Reilly in the back of the endzone. Midwest recovered the onside kick, and one first down was all was needed to end the game. A nail-biting, exhilarating 94-93 victory by the home team Midwest Oilers.

It turns out this was the highest scoring game in Wyoming state history. Exclipsing the record by 25 points. And though neither team cracked triple-digits, it was still an incredibly memorable game for me. One that I wouldn’t soon forget.

Story from PA Football News:
Wyoming 6-man History: Midwest 94, Hulett 93 (Photo Gallery)

La Grange Keystone (OH) 7, Lorain Clearview (OH) 6

This was my first time seeing Lorain Clearview or La Grange Keystone. My only other time in this region was at Elyria when they hosted Lorain on a Saturday afternoon. The result of issues between the two fanbases. Though Clearview is unaffiliated with Lorain, it just shared the mailing address.

The game favored the home team, but they just couldn’t do much offensively. At halftime, the Clippers led, 6-0. In the third quarter, Keystone took the lead, 7-6. And then the end of the game went nuts. Clearview recovered the ball deep in Keystone territory late in the game. But couldn’t score. Going four and out. After another series by Keystone ended in a punt. Clearview had one last shot at a touchdown throwing a hail mary that was caught short and then a series of laterals that eventually moved the ball back to where it was thrown from before it ended.

I really enjoyed this game as it was a strangely scheduled Tuesday night game. With a 5:30pm kickoff. And I took my daughter with me. And it turned into one great game. My game recap of the night is lost, as I’m not sure where it disappeared.

Akron East (OH) 28, Akron Garfield (OH) 26

A slow back-and-forth game features a thrilling last minute comeback that falls just short for the Garfield Rams.

After trading touchdowns for a 6-6 tie, East jumped out to a two score lead, up 28-12 thanks to Ziaire Stevens and Braylon Bush. Late in the game, after turning the ball over on downs, Garfield secures an interception, and sets up an epic finish.

Josiah White scores on a 49-yard touchdown reception. After the two-point conversion, Garfield trailed 28-20 with 35 seconds left. Garfield recovered the onside kick. And in a few plays, were down at the 14 yard line. With another incompletion, just eleven seconds were left on the clock. With three seconds remaining, a pass down to the three yard line setup the penultimate play.

Quarterback Kevin Strickling cut to the right and dover over a diving defender for a 3 yard touchdown run. 28-26 with the pending PAT attempt. The run up the middle was stuffed by the East Dragon defenders. Giving them a playoff berth and the victory over Garfield, 28-26.

Story from PA Football News:
Akron Thriller – East 28, Garfield 26 (PHOTO GALLERY)

Peters Twp (PA) 7, Upper St. Clair (PA) 3

After a scoreless first quarter, Upper St. Clair’s Jacobo Echeverria Lozano kicked a 27 yard field goal for the first points of the game. On the ensuing kickoff, Nick McCullough answered with a long touchdown return for Peters Twp. The extra point made it 7-3 and that was it for scoring.

On the last drive of the game for Upper St. Clair, a pass on 4th and 26 was nearly completed at the goal line, but the ball slipped free of the receivers hands as he went to the ground. Peters Twp closed the game with the ensuing possession. Heading to Acrisure Stadium next Saturday for a Class 5A matchup with Pine-Richland.

Story from PA Football News:
Peters Twp Indians Stave Off Upper St. Clair, 7-3 in Rain Soaked Semifinal (PHOTO GALLERY)

Avon (OH) 20, Cincinnati Anderson (OH) 13

This one is memorable for the snow. A great game, but accentuated by a field covered by a thick layer of snow. I was just doing photographs, and Yappi was providing the writing.

Story from PA Football News:
Ohio: Avon Wins Division II Championship over Anderson, 20-13 (PHOTO GALLERY)

ECONOMICS

For the entire year, I drove 13,664 miles just for football. And gas costs were only $593.32. Though I may have drove more, some costs were work related, and sometimes I didn’t fill up during the weekend. Or not enough. But didn’t feel like counting or calculating how much gas was used for each trip. For short weekends, there usually was no gas as my vehicle averages 40mpg and I can get about 600 miles on a tank.

Food costs totaled 1,535.81 for the whole year. This included eating at the stadiums, any pre or postgame stops on game day, and any food while traveling on non-gamedays. Overall, it was not too high, averaging $15.06 per game attended.

I account for Tickets & Miscellaneous as well as Miscellaneous. TM and M, in my notes. For the season, I spent very little at the game and spent zero on tickets. Most of the miscellaneous was the few souvenirs or programs that I bought that went with my attendance. And the few times I paid to park get lumped in as game expenses. For the year, it was just $106.95. Meanwhile, Miscellaneous expenses are trip or travel related, but not purchased gasoline. This includes tolls, anything for the car, and some minor things such as gloves or hat purchased at a Dollar General in West Virginia, or things like batteries, charging cords, etc. The total for the season was $128.55.

And lastly, is hotel expenses. There were only six weekends where I paid for hotels. But seven that I stayed in hotels. Week One was with just saved points. So, no actual expense. Week Zero and Week Two were a lot for the early season. And the Ohio, West Virginia and Texas state finals all incurred hotel expenses. Mid-season, my only stand out game with a hotel was traveling to Niagara Falls for a Chuck Funke Bowl game at Niagara-Wheatfield. But the cost was just $35.85. Thanks to some discounts.

For a total season expense of $3,339.28.

NOTES and THOUGHTS

I didn’t expect this season to go as well as it did. Some personal issues disrupted things, and I didn’t plan out as much into the future as I did in the past. And Montana happening was kismet.

I’ve been trying to chip away at local stadiums and schools I’ve overlooked and been conspicuously missing from my lists. I finally got Warren and Cambridge Springs in District 10. Which leaves me just Girard and Cathedral Prep.

Over in District 9, I go out to Port Allegany for the first time, and it was the highest scoring 11-man game of the season. Aside from Bradford where I attended an all-star game, I have been to every northern tier stadium. In the central part of the district, I still have Ridgway and Johnsonburg open. And down south, along the old Keystone Shortway Athletic Conference, I still have Curwensville, Moniteau, Union, Clearfield, and Central Clarion’s new old stadium behind the high school. I finally saw a game at Brookville. Narrowing down my unseen places.

TRAVEL & FOOD

Travel Notes

Nothing too crazy happened this year. Being in Montana a lot made scheduling fun and got to fill in the middle part of the state. I was shocked, then, that I didn’t get to Texas until the state finals. The first time in a while I hadn’t been to the Lone Star State prior to the finals.

I was disappointed that I didn’t see a single game in the Dakotas. After starting 2023 up there, 2024 was decidedly devoid of games there. Though future plans in 2026, jumping over 2025, take me back to the Dakotas to start the season.

Food

David’s Steak House, Corbin, Kentucky

This has become a regular among my travels. Located in Corbin, it’s a decent halfway point between home and Atlanta. And the price is still a very reasonable $13.69 for all-you-can-eat. Including steak, chicken, and salad. Among all the other things they serve.

Puckett’s Family Restaurant, Eminence, Kentucky

This place was great. Located downtown in a strip of buildings, it didn’t look too inviting but had good reviews. Parking out front on the street and walking in, it was suspiciously quiet. Not a lot of people. But they had a good vibe and I got a Ribeye, mashed potatoes, coleslaw and mac-n-cheese for $13. It was cooked properly, but wasn’t seared. Which gave it an anemic appearance. But it tasted great, as the brine it was marinated in had permeated the steak. It was well worth the price.

Little Montana Chuckwagon, Grass Range, Montana

I have been by here many times, but hadn’t stopped since my last time seeing a game in Grass Range. And that was back in 2011. But this year, I was back for a game. And though the convenience store portion was closed, the small diner was still open. And they have really good pie. I got two slices pregame, and the rhubarb was worth it.

Crossroads Bar & Grille, Southington, Ohio

I had a rather short drive between games. Starting in Akron’s Kenmore neighborhood and heading to Southington, I originally was going to stop for sushi. But then kept going and got to Southington. Without much for options except this place on US422 that I’ve passed many times. Saw good reviews, so went in and opted for wings.

Viola’s, Niagara Falls, New York

This was such a great find. Getting a hotel not far from here, I found the reviews on this place exceptionally high. And they were well-earned. This is a cash only place, and has the decor of a Subway from the 1990s.

I got the Double Steak and Cheese, and it’s served tightly wrapped in cellophane, and the residual heat keeps the sandwich at a perfect, soft consistency. No dryness.

International Buffet, Niagara Falls, New York

The next day, I went to Niagara Falls, and then looked around downtown. There was a large number of Indian restaurants, but none were offering buffets, except for International Buffet and had mixed reviews. It was a small place, with limited options. But for the price for a lunch buffet, it was not a bad option. They only had curry chicken, and then also had wings, and some other non-Indian options as they were “international”, including having Italian. The little meatballs were pretty good.

Royal Buffet, Boardman, Ohio

I’m here a lot. It’s not far from home and the Chinese buffet is well worth it. It also has some great fresh sushi. And for dinner even serves Sashimi and not just rolls or Nigiri.

Sakura, Clarion, Pennsylvania

Buffets are great for short breaks, because you don’t have to wait for food to be cooked, or for your waiter to get to you. You just grab, eat, and go. And this place was pretty goo. A lot of options. The sushi was minimal, but the chicken and seafood on the hot bar was good.

It was good enough, that I was back in Week 15.

This time they had oysters. And they were well worth the stop.

Ponderosa, Vandalia, Illinois

A long time ago, I would consider this a chain. But it’s barely a chain at this point. And one of the few remaining locations is in Vandalia along I-70. It’s a perfect stopping point from home to arrive for an early dinner. The wingettes are still good, but they are rather limited with putting out fresh ones. But the meatloaf and baked chicken is well worth the stop on its own.

Chamas Do Brazil, Fort Worth, Texas

I love a good Brazilian Steakhouse, and this one gets rave reviews. Both for the quality and the price. Well under for a weekday afternoon. When most Brazilian Steakhouses aren’t even open. And like Texas de Brazil, they have Lobster Bisque. Which was great. The Picanha was the best of the steak options, as usual, with Brazilian Steakhouses.

On The Border, Arlington, Texas

The night before the start of a 4-day weekend, met with some friends for dinner at a quickly becoming a regular place to eat: On The Border. It’s near the hotels, and located, a short distance from the stadium. And on a Tuesday night is usually not too busy. And the food is great. In the past I had the fajitas, but the Ranchiladas might be the best. Sliced skirt steak, on enchiladas, with rice and cheese.

Ole Sawmill Cafe, Forrest City, Arkansas

After 2023’s food was disappointing, I wasn’t sure if I was returning for 2024. But, with not much better options at the time I stopped, I gave it another try and was glad I did. The food was much better. All much warmer in the trays. The ribs and mac-n-cheese were spectacular. Fish was great. They just didn’t have any corn on the cob. But was a minor loss. And it was only $14.99 for all-you-can-eat.

Stadium Food, Various

Ohio State Finals:

West Virginia State Finals:

Texas State Finals:

Fast Food Regulars:

Lee’s Famous Chicken

If you like KFC’s original chicken, then you’ll probably love Lee’s Famous Chicken. It’s less greasy. Better taste. And their mac-n-cheese is so much better. And the price is reasonable. They’re more common through southwest Ohio and Kentucky.

Cracker Barrel

I hadn’t stopped at a Cracker Barrel in a while, and on our trip to New Jersey we stopped near Harrisburg. It was worth the stop, but wasn’t quite as good as I remembered. Got the meatloaf and chicken-n-dumplings. And the cheesy hashbrown casserole. It was good, but for a chain whose prices aren’t as good anymore, was a tad disappointing. Still tasted good.

RETROSPECTIVE

#1 Wolverine Mountain

I’ve loved this place since the first game I attended. And I was there this year for what is most likely the last ever home game for the Sheffield Wolverines. There’s always the possibility the school reopens, or that a charter school opens in town. And even possible that another varsity game from another team is played there. After all, I finally got to see a game in Youngsville after years of thinking I had missed out my last chance to see a game there.

But, for the most part, the truth of the matter is that one of the most striking venues for high school football has seen its last varsity game.

Prior to that game, I felt compelled to write an article about the Mountain. And what it meant to me. And as an outsider what I saw in how it related to the town. And was quite proud of it. And ended it in such a way that got a lot of discussion among PFN, as I left it much more brusque and profound. Leaving it to the editors and other writers to decide how to finish it. In the end, the choice was made to PG-13 the final paragraph. I respect the decision and am just glad that my article was so well-received by the residents of Sheffield. And that I brought some sense of pride in some rather dark times for the town and the school.

Wolverine Mountain, A Sheffield legacy

#2 Montana

I’ve loved the state of Montana for a long time. And not just the mountainous western half. Or, even the southern border with Idaho and Wyoming where it acts as a gateway to Yellowstone.

Instead, I’ve also loved the endless high plains going for hundreds of miles from I-15 east to the Dakotas. The few routes of US2, MT200, US12, or I-90/I-94 going from small outpost to small outpost.

And I’ve seen games in Montana in the past. My first game in Jordan, along MT200, and the next day in Grass Range. One of my most memorable games. Seeing a Saturday night game in Savage and a couple games during the strange Covid season in Plentywood and Culbertson.

But this year, I got to see a lot of games in Big Sky Country.

I spent three weekends in Montana. And it was awesome.

The first weekend, I saw a neutral site game on a Friday night between Belt and Ennis, hosting it in White Sulphur Springs, east of Townsend and further east of Helena. The next day, was a long drive east to Grass Range, where I finally got my second game in one of my favorite places.

Though it looked different, it felt the same. The school had built a pressbox on the south sideline. And actual stands were setup for the visitors. Large hay bales were constructed as markers for GRASS RANGE near the northern parking areas’ perimeter. And they were hosting Harlowton, another team I have so long wanted to see. Having seen their home field just off US12.

It was only two games for one weekend, but with what I got to watch, it was worth it.

The next week, I was north of Harlowton in the small town of Hobson. As Harlowton had a co-op with Ryegate and now Judith Gap, the former three-team co-op of Hobson, Moore, and Judith Gap was known as the Tri-City Titans. As Judith Gap had changed their co-op southward to Harlowton, the TC Titans name had lived on, but also they team was more regularly known as the Hobson/Moore Titans. Hosting all their games in Hobson. They were hosting Great Falls Central Catholic.

The next day, I was looking forward to, as the four-team co-op of Denton/Geyser/Stanford/Geraldine was hosting Grass Range/Winnett. Giving me back-to-back games for the Rangers.

And DGSG was long on my list as two of the four schools are right along MT200 and I had seen their fields. Geyser and Stanford. Though this was my first time going to Denton. And was not disappointed. Other than that Grass Range/Winnett lost. It was homecoming, and the four schools showed up in large numbers for the game. The concession stand burgers were good and I had gotten into town well before kickoff.

The following week, I expanded things out and found a Thursday night game along the hi-line, in Shelby. A small outpost where I-15 and US2 meet, about 35 miles south of the Canadian border, was hosting a game between Shelby and Simms. The next day after work in the mountains, I was back east, and marked another must-see off my list: Broadview/Lavina.

I was disappointed to learn that the field in Broadview wasn’t used for games. Instead, all home games were held in Lavina where MT3 terminated at US12. A nice field, but incredibly dark as the lighting was not the best. But, it was a place I still wanted to see. Lavina is the next town east of Harlowton that hosts football. About 47 miles apart.

The game, unfortunately, did not live up to the expectations. As it was one-sided from the shortly after the start. My Saturday was going to be in Wyoming, for a game, and I had circled one game in particular as I had passed by this town many times in the past and though they’re from Natrona County, they aren’t part of Natrona County High School: Midwest. I’m glad I did as it was the highest scoring game in Wyoming history. A 94-93 final that was one dropped single-point conversion pass attempt away from a 94-94 tie score and given the lack of placekicking executed in the game, assuredly a 100 point game by one of the schools. But it was not to be. As the last couple minutes were ran out without another single score.

As with Midwest, most of the Montana games were 6-man. Grass Range/Winnett, Denton/Geyser/Stanford/Geraldine, and Broadview/Lavina being six-man. While Shelby and the game in White Sulphur Springs were 8-man. I have still yet to see an 11-man game in Montana.

Mostly due to lack of options. Along US2, the only option east of I-15 is Havre, Glasgow or Wolf Point. Along MT200 east of Great Falls, the lone options are Fergus in Lewiston and Sidney near the stateline. Along US12, the only real option is Roundup. And along I-94 there’s several more in populated areas including Custer County (Miles City) and Dawson County (Glendive). As well as towns such as Hardin or Baker. Baker being along US12 east of Miles City.

Districts of teams I’ve seen. Blue home, purple away.

For the year, there was just two places I really wanted to see a game in, and my schedule didn’t work out. One was to travel northeast from Denton to Winifred/Roy for a game. Or, to finally see one in Harlowton. Which I hope to sometimes in the near future. Aside from all the other obscure possibilities.

#3 Number 1500

Along with Montana, came my most milestone of milestone games, and that was my 1500th. And it featured one of my favorite teams: Grass Range/Winnett.

Hosted in Denton, Montana.

My 500th game was in 2014. West Middlesex defeated Farrell, 34-6 at Hornets Stadium in Hermitage.

My 1000th game was in 2019. West Des Moines Valley defeated Bettendorf, 35-7 at the UNI-Dome in Cedar Falls, Iowa.

And now, in bustling Denton, Montana, I attended my 1500th game.

It was not as monumental as hitting 1,000.As I attend nearly 100 games a year, I’m only 4 years or so away from another milestone at 2,000. But it still was interesting to see how it all came together. A Saturday afternoon on a beautiful day. Homecoming for DGSG. I can only imagine how many–or how few–people have attended 1500 high school football games. I assume it would be quite few.