In My Opinion: An Unfinished Season

It finally happened. The football season ended almost before it had begun as the season was forfeited with an official announcement on Facebook. The reason was too few players due to low numbers and injuries. It was the obvious correct decision. But oh what a heartbreaker!

This problem has haunted the Tigers the last few years. I guess the question is “why?” It is not just New London that finds itself in a similar situation. We are just one of the football programs around us that has forfeited what’s left of their season.

So how have we found ourselves in this unwanted situation. Where have all the boys gone?

The obvious reasons are just that. They might include not wanting to get hurt because they don’t want it to impact participation in their “favorite” sports. Another reason might be they need to work after school. Valid in many situations. They wouldn’t get to play, and who wants to stand on the sidelines. How do they know…football offers lots of different skill levels. They are too busy already. Probably not ... if everyone is honest. But it’s a personal decision and no one’s business. Yet every parent must help their students make the decision right for them.

On a personal level, I’ve had one son and four grandsons play high school football and I totally understand the “injury” reason. Believe me, prayers abounded before every game. So far, none of them have been “seriously” hurt, and I thank God for that. But it’s important to remember that risk is inherent in most of life’s endeavors.

As with all sports, football has many positive lessons to teach. They range from showing sportsmanship to being not only good losers but also the harder one, being good winners.

It’s a hard thing for the seven seniors who made up the majority of this year’s team. We are proud of you guys: Cale, London, Logan, Brigham, Nic, Paxton, and Carter. We wish it would have been different. Thanks for your hard work.

To the coaches, Darin, Damon, and Ben, thanks for your devotion and hard work with these boys. It was appreciated.

We will miss Dan Berner’s distinctive voice, the voice of Tiger football, has been stilled for now.

Thanks to the rest of the team. We hope next year is different.

Thanks to the administration who put the boys’ well-being first and foremost, and made the difficult decision to end the season.

Things may be looking up in next few years. The numbers are up in the JH and the grade school teams. Is that the future looking bright?

Football at New London started in 1915. Thousands of boys have proudly worn the Black & Gold since then. Almost to a man, those memories seem to be some of their best. The wins or losses don’t seem to matter in their reveries; there is just something akin to joy that they played the game. Mention football and it is almost certain that they will regale the listener with a story or two from their “glory days.” Seldom have I heard anyone express regret that they played. The regrets always seem to be that they didn’t play or that they didn’t finish out a season. It seems to be an American institution, a rite of passage. Keeping it viable at New London is worth the effort.