Our local Tigers need a little help from the stands

By Rupert Howell, Managing Editor

It’s time for fair weather football fans to step forward.

What South Panola fans have experienced in the past few weeks is similar to what many high school football fans experience every year. It’s called reality. Okay, we’ve lost a few games—more than two for the first time in many years.

But let’s keep things in perspective. When we win, it’s us. When we lose, it’s them. South Panola has been on a hot streak since the 1990s with a few exceptions. Our brand is recognized throughout the southeast and nationally because of the success of this program

NFL Hall of Fame Quarterback Brett Favre said of South Panola on national television, “… one of the most if not the most successful football programs in the country.”

That’s some pretty good PR for the home team made of players that have brought our community notoriety for years on end, players by the dozens who have gone on to further their education through football and players who are willing to share their success by giving back to the community in some instances.

But we have started off with a bad year. Crowds have dwindled, even when they were winning.

Oh, how complacent we become. Maybe the crowds are staying home and live-streaming. Either way, when the stands are empty you lose home field advantage and no one will ever make me believe those kids don’t hear and respond to the roar of a crowd.

Our coach, whose legacy here is already written, has nothing to prove. He put us on the national map. He always gives credit to his assistants and the team for successes and takes blame for failure. He did his team a favor by announcing he would be leaving after this year, keeping the focus on the team and not on whether he should stay or go.

It’s a new season this Friday when the Tigers begin district play.

We could use some warm rears in the stands. Come early and yell loud.