A prep football wish list

Pardon my giddiness today.

After months of waiting, we’ve finally made it to opening night of the IHSA prep football season.

We’ve helped you pass the time this summer by bringing you a weekly countdown to the momentous occasion — seven of the area’s top season openers, six of the top senior recruits, five new head coaches to watch, the four toughest schedules, three bold predictions, two things to remember and one final thought heading into the season.

With the countdown complete, and kickoff rapidly approaching, it’s time for our wish list for the season.

— First and foremost, we wish good health for the hundreds of players ready to take the field. It’s the unfortunate nature of the sport to see injuries, but let’s be smart and safe out there.

— I’m fine with the occasional rain shower, or even a burst of snow, but can we please enjoy a lightning-free season? The last thing we need (especially those of us with a publishing deadline) is a weather delay.

— We’re lucky to have so many great historic rivalries, but how about building new ones? We’ve got a few first-time opening matchups — Batavia at Glenbard West, Hersey at Warren, Barrington at South Elgin — that are prime candidates if we can keep them going.

— Let’s see full stands. Take advantage of the great games throughout the season and become a superfan. Even if you don’t have a vested interest in the teams, there’s nothing better than watching prep football on a Friday night or Saturday afternoon.

— I’d also like to see packed sidelines. Player participation numbers seem to have leveled off since the pandemic sapped the energy from the sport. They’ve even increased nationwide the last two school years. Let’s keep that trend going.

— I’m wishing for crowded concession stands. It takes a lot of money to support a vibrant football program, and the funds raised through selling snacks and drinks help that cause. And nine times out of 10, the grub coming off those grills is pretty darn good.

— We know the superstars heading into the season, whether it’s UCLA-bound Hersey quarterback Colton Gumino or Georgia-bound Geneva receiver Talyn Taylor. But it’d be great to see a bunch of newcomers emerge as leaders of their teams.

— Here’s a wish for an abundance of officials. For the last few years, schedules have been adjusted to account for a shortage. You’ll see games at various levels nearly every day of the week. Let’s treat officials with respect to keep them coming back.

— I know I just mentioned deadlines, but I can’t help it. I love overtime football. While I’m not wishing for a bevy of overtime games, let’s see a handful. There’s nothing better than the chess match between sidelines, whether or not to kick that field goal or try a two-point conversion. Exhausted players always find a way to dig deep for a final push to victory.

— Next to good health, my biggest wish is for at least one state champion from the area. Cary-Grove gave it to us last season. Only once since 1994 has our coverage area failed to bring home at least one title Thanksgiving weekend. I have all the confidence in the world at least one of our teams will come through again.