Though Odessa got alot of
PR over their program, they are no different than alot of HS programs around the country. I live along the Okla-Texas border and yes... football is big, but it isnt any bigger than in Massilon, Ohio... or Valdosta, GA, etc, etc.
Football isnt the problem, those that make it into the things we despise is the problem. We do what we do in the game of football I think in part, is because we love the game itself... and in my opinion, there is none better. It would seem that with all this maoney that is available, there would be enough to pay officials a "decent" wage for the job they do. $65.00 to call a state playoff or championship game doesnt seem in-line with the other monies spent. To me... some of the best games to call, and the most enjoyable, are 8 man games with 200 fans on each side that yell for good play and fine young men on both sides.
If we arent part of the solution, we are part of the problem... if we overlook, profanity, bad sportsmanship, verbal tirades by coaches, showboating, etc... do we not contribute to that which we despise most??