Every day of the prep football season, whether at after-school practice or game time on Friday nights, players build an album of memories, one snapshot at a time, without even realizing it. Because they're teenagers, they're naïve enough to believe such moments will continue pouring in, and usually they won't even think to look back until after it all ends.
But four former area stars, each having reached the game's pinnacle level, have returned to where it all began for them - to the dusty practice fields and cramped locker rooms of high school. It's where they can now mentor from their own experience. Former Howard stars Terdell Sands and Rico Council, Red Bank's Gerald Riggs Jr. and Marion County's Eric Westmoreland have seen their playing days come to an end and are now working as assistant coaches at prep programs.
Each of the retired athletes has agreed to share what makes the high school game so much more special for them and why every player suiting up this season should soak in every moment as they happen - from the community rivalries to cramped bus rides on road trips. They should make mental snapshots to look back on later.
Terdell Sands, a 6-foot-8, 350 pound lineman for the Oakland Raiders, wears a jersey with his number when he played for Howard High School. Mr. Sands graduated in 1997.Terdell Sands
(played at Howard, UTC, NFL; now coaching at Howard)
"My biggest dream growing up was not the NFL, it was to play for Howard on Friday nights. I tell our players this is the last time they'll play something with all their friends just for the love of the game. At every level past this, it's a business. And for some this is the last time they'll get to play at all.
"For us older guys, there's a twinkle in our eyes on Friday night, the same as the kids. I'm getting chills right now just thinking about putting on that jersey and helmet one more time. I'd give anything for just a few more snaps."
Baylor School assistant football coach Eric Westmoreland directs defensive players while running through plays during practice. Westmoreland, a former NFL player, spoke to the Times Free Press about the recent bounty scandal involving the New Orleans Saints.Eric Westmoreland
(played at Marion County, Tennessee, NFL; now coaching at Baylor)
"There's nothing like high school football. It's the pride of playing for your school and your community, something bigger than you. When I played (NFL) in Jacksonville and Cleveland, the stories all us players told weren't about our college days or what our stats were in the league, we all bragged about what we did in high school or how good our teams were.
"Not everybody is blessed to go on and play college, but if you're dedicated to getting better, you can work your way to get on the field at this level, and that's a life lesson. Football teaches you how to be a good winner but also how to handle losing. When you get knocked down in life, how to get back up."
Gerald Riggs Jr.
(played at Red Bank, Tennessee, NFL/CFL; now coaching at Notre Dame)
"I spoke with the kids the other day about how quickly this time goes. I'm 32 and it feels like just yesterday that we won a state title. But that was 16 years ago. Some of these players aren't even that old now.
"One day you'll look back on this, and whether you won championships, you'll tell stories and say you had fun with your teammates. It's such a special time, and they may not realize it now but the game will make an impression on them that'll last the rest of their lives. I never recaptured that joy of just playing with my friends for the love of the game that we had in high school."
Former Howard standout Rico Council practiced with the Atlanta Falcons on Monday at Coahulla Creek High School.Rico Council
(played at Howard, Tennessee State, NFL; coaches at Mount Juliet Christian)
"There's so much tradition around football, it's just a big deal when you get to be a part of something you know so many other people care about and want to come out and watch and support you. That's a good feeling, and I think kids need to get the chance to feel that way. It can really boost your confidence and make you feel important around the community.
"One of my best friends is a guy I played ball with in high school, and when I come home for the summer or at Christmas, I always go to his house and we get the game tapes out and sit around and watch ourselves. That's one of those relationships that we made from playing on the same team, and it's lasted and only gotten stronger since high school."