By HARRISON HAMLET
When making plans for this weekend, consider this:
Consider that Magna Vista (7-3) and Bassett’s (6-3) football teams are both good. Like, really good.
Consider that the Warriors and the Bengals played one of the best games in the Piedmont District against each other just days ago in Bassett.
Consider that the regular season finale in Bassett felt more like a college game than a high school contest, with an incredible atmosphere and two stellar bands punctuating the cold November air.
Consider that either Bassett’s Kevon Smith or Magna Vista’s Louis Taylor will see their season, and high school career, come to an end. Both are remarkable players on both sides of the ball.
Consider that Bassett’s Austin McDaniel and Dominic Gill or Magna Vista’s Logan George and Freddie Roberts will see their season, and high school careers, come to an end. All are remarkable, and underappreciated, defenders.
Consider that Bassett’s Jaricous Hairston or Magna Vista’s Dryus Hairston will make a throw that they will brag about when they are sitting in a rocking chair with a grey beard. Both are remarkable quarterbacks.
Consider that Bassett’s Simeon Walker-Muse or Magna Vista’s Tyler Johnson could write their first chapter in the VHSL playoff record book. Both are remarkable sophomore playmakers.
Consider that I could make a case that every player that steps on that field on Friday night is remarkable. I have watched them, trust me, they’re all good at what they do.
Consider that we are lucky to have the coaches on either sideline. Staffs led by Brandon Johnson and Joe Favero shaping the next generation in a positive way.
Consider that local sports, so long a positive stalwart in a community plagued by an inferiority complex when it comes to the economy, are once again on the radar of more than just local students and parents.
Consider that Friday night’s contest in Ridgeway, slated for a 7 p.m. kickoff at Magna Vista, is likely to be sold out.
Consider that, years from now, this could be the game that 3,000 saw and 30,000 claim to have attended.
Consider that we are lucky to have this event in our community, where 90 boys, and one girl, will trot out onto the field and give their best effort to show they are the roughest, toughest, rootin’-tootin’-est, baddest team in Henry County.
Consider that no matter which side of the rivalry you are on, you have family that wears the wrong shade of blue.
Consider that no matter which shade of blue you wear, a team from our community will likely keep winning after Friday night and represent us all deep into the playoffs.
Consider that Magna Vista and Bassett’s football teams are both good. Like, really good.
Now, cancel those other plans. Then, on Friday night at about 6:15 p.m. (because we all know it takes 20 minutes to drive anywhere in this county), bundle up in your warmest clothes (hopefully in the right shade of blue), and drive down towards ‘The Hole’ and watch this game. Because ‘The Hole’ is the place to be on Friday night.
