My articles are submitted on Friday. My lovely editor has everything else finished, and she is patiently waiting. I do my best not to leave her hanging. I have been on a roll here lately. Perhaps I conquered my struggles with mobile freelance procrastination. Yes. There are so many great stories to tell. I lost count. But I believe it has been 18 fun seasons of part-time scribing. I owe a lot to the Webb Weekly. The feedback and praise are amazing. Sometimes, it is overwhelming. I enjoy the many interactions with my tales. There is never a dull moment in Lycoming County. Getting to know our local student-athletes is fantastic. I have been very blessed to have several other gigs that allow me to do this. Many years of coaching and broadcasting, but writing is my favorite. It keeps me in the loop.

By now, week three of the high school football season is in the books. And instead of recapping a game several days later, I tend to rebuke. I love watching or calling a game. There is something very special about our Friday Nights. My mother always said that I had a face for radio. I have been in the business for several years. A lot of people still give me a hard time. I get a few strange looks when I am shaking hands. Most folks know that I am a basketball guy. They are rather puzzled when I plug in my headset. WHAT DO YOU KNOW ABOUT FOOTBALL? Dude. I have been calling games for 20 years now. I have a resume in my pocket.

I would like to chime in on something in particular. I tend to stay out of the social media drama. But there was a story that was trending. First, let me say that I love Hughesville. I have nothing but respect for their great community. Long story short. There was a football banner that was taken down Monday. Many teams in the area honor their senior members with these large photos. We did the same thing back when I was coaching. This removal caused a stir. It went viral immediately, too. Everyone seemed to have an opinion. I wasn’t going to respond until my lovely bride told me more of the story. Everyone was talking about it. It was everywhere. I then made a few calls.

I reached out to Jackson Lunger, a youngster from Hughesville. He was the one who was pictured. My man was wearing a hat and some shades. JD had a chain around his neck. He was holding a jar of grape jelly in one hand and a tub of peanut butter in the other. Personally, I thought it was hilarious. In fact. I have seen several of these tributes where the seniors use props to get creative. Unfortunately, someone with a microscope eventually complained. They found it so offensive. Administrators agreed. It was removed without reason.

Jackson, aka JD, is a great kid. I really enjoyed talking with him. He is an honor student, and he plays baseball. JD loves to tinker. He works on cars or anything with an engine. Well-spoken lad who enjoys fishing. I was moved by his conversation. Yes. We spoke about a number of things, but I wanted to hear his side. He laughed and seemed to be handling it just fine. Instead of bashing everyone and pointing fingers, Jackson took everything quite well. He wanted to thank the folks who reached out as I told him he was the most popular kid in Lycoming County. They are now selling T-shirts and mugs as a fundraiser. FREE JD. Peanut Butter and Jelly sales have since tripled. He mentioned the team has rallied around it. They are not trying to think of it as a distraction. Jackson did his best to explain. His hat is from a popular ranch in Texas. JD and his friends have many of their clothing. Does it say Whiskey? Yes. But not in that context. The chain around his neck symbolizes his brothers. A team is only as good as your weakest link. This reference is quite common. Peanut Butter and Jelly sandwiches also have their special meaning. JD and the other linemen usually share them before and after practice.

Again, folks, who knows what will happen? The banner is still down. Maybe it will be back up over the weekend. I will say that there are far more important problems that require our attention. Everyone needs to calm down and relax. Don’t judge a book by its cover. JD is the man, and there is nothing offensive with his banner. Our school administrations sure are quick to act without asking questions. Think. Cheers.