Last night (9/31), we did our fourth VideoCast of the season on FNN.  While we're getting better and understanding the "ins and outs" of doing radio with pictures, the improvements we've made in delivering the games to fans pales in the sincere hospitality and clear appreciation that showcasing these kids that has come from the staff and fans of the schools we've visited so far this season.

For us, the season started out a little rough.  Last minute delivery of thousands of dollars in high tech video and intercom equipment had us scrambling to be ready for our season-opener at Weaver in Week 2.

That first night, NOTHING worked right, but the game went on, and most that watched (about 250 people) seemed impressed and pleased with our effort.  I wasn't.

To me, if you're going to do something and put your name on it, you better do it right, and be at least as good and hopefully better than what the viewing public is used to.

We had a pretty clean slate here in that high school football done live on a regular basis online or on television around here hasn't happened.  Sure, there's been an occasional game here and there, but nothing weekly.  We wanted to change all that with FNN, but to be honest with you, I had NO IDEA it was going to be the kind of work it has been doing this, and the learning curve to deliver the product in a fashion I can say that I'm proud of has been "steep".

But in working through all the issues we've had in getting this endevour under control and performing like we expect it to, I've clearly noticed one thing.  The coaches and fans of each school we've visited truly LOVE these kids and are extremely appreciative of what we're trying to do to make their product available to the public each week.

The humility shown at Leeds was incredible to me.  Here's a program that's won not one, but two State Championship in the past three years and they couldn't stop falling all over themselves to help us prepare for our VideoCast there in Week 4 as the Green Wave hosted Wellborn.  Here's a program that has every reason in the world to be full of themselves, yet they acted like they hadn't won a game in five years.  Nice kids, great coach.

Then there's Wellborn.  Going to "The Hill" is just special.  Don't ask me to expalin it, because I can't.  You just feel it when you walk into the place.  The elevated Press Box provides one of the more spectacular views of a high school football field that I've seen in my 30 years of doing sports.  Then there's the people. 

We had barely gotten out of our trucks to begin set up when we were greated by two men that said "Coach Smith asked us to make sure you have everything you need.  Here's some Poweraide...just let us know what else you need."

Ladies from concession stands coming to our production trailer asking if we wanted something to eat or drink during the game.  Fans coming up thanking us for covering the games as we begin the ardious task of putting things up for the night after what has already been an extremely long day.  People just being the kind of people my mama and daddy always told me we were supposed to try and be.

Now I won't bore you with all the technical mumbo-jumbo, but I will say this.  What we do to deliver a high school football game LIVE each Friday night from a different stadium each week isn't easy.  We have a crew of about a dozen folks that make this happen and they are all people I'm proud to say work with us.  They care about giving you great games to watch as much as I do.  Aside from that, there are others outside our circle that have stepped up to be a part of FNN.  Cable One has become an invaluable partner in providing stable, secure high speed internet access at every stadium where they have service nearby.  Terry Womack deserves a "thank you" from each of you that has enjoyed a game online, or by watching on Channel 2 on their system. 

Since August 7th, when our first box arrived with some of the equipment we use to deliver the VideoCast each week, until last night's thrilling game at Saks, I've come to realize more than ever.  Life, and the enjoyment of living it is more about the people than we ever stop to realize.

To the schools, their principals, coaches, support staffs, players and fans...THANK YOU for making the first month of FNN a period in my life that I'll never forget.