Coach's corner: 'Someone turned off the Friday Night Lights'

I tried to write elsewhere this week. I really did.

I didn't want to dwell on what we are missing. My instinct has always been to look on the bright side and stay positive, no matter what obstacles may be thrown our way. I would much rather concentrate on the many recreational and sporting activities we still have to be enjoyed in these late summer days.

I tried to write that story. But I couldn't.

My thoughts kept turning to this Friday night. The normal opening night for the high school football season. A special time of year that, to me, always signaled excitement, anticipation and optimism for another fun season of watching high school sports. The beginning of so many exciting moments and memories sure to be made, all kicked off on this special opening night.

But this year, of course, it is not to be.

So, being in mood melancholy, I took pen in hand (actually an old No. 2 lead pencil with strange bite marks on it) and came up with the following.

SOMEONE TURNED OFF THE FRIDAY NIGHT LIGHTS

(Sung to the tune of any song you want. Just make it a sad one)

Someone turned off the Friday Night lights,

No football this fall; it just doesn't seem right

Tomorrow should be the opening day

But the virus has spoken: "Not this fall, no way"

This year my friends, there are no games to be played

The silence will be deafening, not a sound to be made

Sports fans, I know, it can almost make you sick

When we realize there won't be that special opening kick

All the trappings we'll miss, all the fun and the games

Without football this fall, it just won't be the same

We'll miss all the fun, the anticipation so near

The first school event that brings in the new year

The school's parking lot crammed, for the pregame tailgate

Just trying to get in there - it could be a long wait

Parents, and friends, and classmates unite

Waiting to watch their home team's first fight

We'll miss the cheerleaders, pompoms and all the school spirit,

All come to halt, can't even get near it

No team to cheer for, no fans to ignite

The stands will be empty, a truly sad sight.

We'll miss that that special moment when the boys run on the field,

And the crowd starts to cheer, while refusing to yield

Then the national anthem is played, a moment to reflect

When the emotion of the game takes short, quick deflect.

Finally a whistle blows, and the great game begins

We know not the ending or which team might win,

The long wait is over - opening night has arrived!

Your football fix is now finally revived

But not this year my friends, not this opening night

You drive by the fields and there's only darkness, no lights.

The game that we love, high school football, so cool

Brought to a close by the IHSA rule

We'll miss all the fans, cheering and screaming,

Rooting on their local heroes, while smiling and gleaming

And we'll miss all the parents, so loyal and proud

Watching their boys play, supporting them loud

We'll even miss the coaches, pacing sidelines in emotion

Teaching and coaching with relentless devotion

Calling plays, using signals, waving in desperation

Getting lost in the game, without hesitation

But most of all, without any doubt,

We'll miss our young athletes and all they'll miss out

We'll miss all the tackles and quarterbacks sacks

The offense exploding, with aerial passing attacks

The many ups and downs that a single game brings

Even the halftime, when the marching band sings

We'll miss watching sidelines as players high-five

And exciting fourth-quarter comebacks, keeping teams hopes alive

It is going to be tough, not putting on pads

After all the hard work and the practices had

The game that they love, that they've played all their life

All taken away now - it just doesn't seem right

We understand of course, not a protest right here

Just realizing the sadness and shedding a tear.

We'll find a way to fill those lost nights,

But it won't be the same - just won't seem quite right

Someday we'll look back, we'll think of these days

All the wonderful games, all taken away

We'll look back, no regrets, and remember the nights

When someone turned out those Friday night lights

• Jon Cohn of Glenview is a coach, retired PE teacher, sports official and just an all-around local sports fan. Any topics you'd like to see him tackle? Email glenbrooknews@dailyherald.com and include "Coach's Corner" in the subject line.