High school football has unending passion that makes it memorable.
Playoff high school football, though, has a finality that makes it mesmerizing. And at times unforgettable and at times tragic.
All of those feelings were alive on sidelines across the area last week.
At places such as South Pittsburg, North Jackson and Calhoun – traditionally strong programs that don’t normally measure their seasons until they are scheduling practice around the Thanksgiving holiday – quick knockouts of early playoff opponents offer solace from the pressure-packed drama that surely lies ahead.
At places such as Soddy-Daisy and Sequatchie County, special seasons were ended by overpowering opponents. One-sided playoff losses – while never pleasant – can be somewhat easier to handle than the alternative.