When I was asked by a client to photograph the No.1 ranked team in High School Football, in the entire nation, I wasn't sure what to expect, just another high school football game, or something unique. What I saw, the players on the James F. Byrnes Rebels bring to the table is the simple fact that even those a the top of their game have an off night, it is just in how you handle those setbacks that seem to make the difference in champions and everyone else.
The, Rebels, began their season ranked No.1 in the USA Today Super 25, and after last night's game, now stand at 2-0. But last night's opponent, Ridge View, turned out not to be the pushover that many expected. With six turnovers (4 of them by the quarterback Chas Dodd in the first half alone), the final score of the game was 45-20. Even with the Byrnes offense not performing at their best, when things clicked, the athleticism and work ethic of these players really came out, and was something amazing to see.
I don't know if this will be my last high school football game or not. I'm really starting to dread having to deal with the dis-organization, and egos, and professionalism (relating to the organizers, and officials) that go along with covering these sporting events. Its really sad that all of the positive efforts put forth by these kids and their coaches, gets tarnished, because the adults involved can't seem to play nice, be professional, or act their age.
Images from the Byrnes at Ridge View, are available for license for editorial use and publication, through my archive on Photo Shelter, at the following link http://pa.photoshelter.com/gallery-show/G0000iyrv9n9Cjd0
1 comment:
I went to a game in Duncan the other night and as expected, Byrnes is in the big time. The level of emphasis placed on playing championship football is at a premium. As such, the whole experience is top-notch.
Big stadium, big booster club, big business. It's sad that egos have to get in the way of the purity of high school athletics.
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