Friday night high school football brings out small town spirit in nearby Burnet

On Friday nights in Texas during the fall, it’s become a tradition for the residents of most small towns in Texas to head under the lights at the local high school football stadium to take in the action between rival teams.

Having attended a private boys’ high school, I’d only seen an imitation of this tradition, as there was something lacking in authenticity when people would get revved up for the games.  I was also pretty socially awkward in high school, and I knew that you were supposed to do anything but watch the game.  Not knowing how to initiate conversation with the girls who flocked over from our “sister” school, I mostly avoided attending the games.

So, I was excited about seeing a game at Shannon’s alma mater, Burnet High School, home of the Bulldawgs!  Plus, it was Homecoming, so we’d get to see a special halftime performance with her sister, Sheridan, leading the drum line at midfield.

After arriving with Shannon’s mother, Betsi, we took our seats behind the Highlandettes, who are the school’s dance troupe, which performs throughout the game, including a unique, choreographed dance at halftime.

I immediately indulged in my burger and fries, which Shannon had excitedly described in the week leading up to the game.  Being a vegetarian, Shannon can no longer enjoy the charcoal-grilled burgers, but after devouring mine, I understand why she misses them.  Meanwhile, Betsi and Shannon shared an order of the deliciously salty fries.

Sheridan stopped by the stands before the game to greet us before she rejoined the drum line.  Their sister, Shelby, also joined us in the stands, along with Shannon’s high school friends, Lauren and Ryan.  Everyone was decked out in Burnet green and ready to cheer on the ’Dawgs!

Both Burnet and their opponent, the Gatesville Hornets, started out slow, with the score 5-3 halfway through the second quarter.  But the ’Dawgs jumped on some ill-timed Gatesville turnovers, opening up a 19-10 lead at the half.  Despite his diminutive size, star quarterback Weston Cozby guided the ’Dawgs the rest of the way, including a 40-yard touchdown pass that sealed the game in the second half.  Compared to the Gatesville QB, Cozby was probably about six inches shorter, but he showed that there’s no substitute for smart play and heart.

The team may not have the star-caliber players of the past glory days when Jordan Shipley could explode for a score at any moment, but they’re a solid group that’s anchored by a stout defense, and they should have high hopes of success entering district play.  A goal line stand from the one-yard line late in the first quarter showed that this is a team that’ll make opponents earn every point they can get.

But I realized that it’s about a lot more than the on-field football game on Friday nights in Burnet.  The town is there to support everyone who takes part in the festivities, which includes the Highlandette dancers, the band, the cheerleaders, and most importantly (to us!), the drum line, featuring Sheridan.

Sheridan (left) leads the drum line at halftime.

Shannon described the Burnet slogan for its football Fridays: “One team, one dream, one heart beat!” While winning certainly lifts the fans’ spirits, that type of attitude unites the town even during seasons when the team can’t win every game.  It’s a feeling that’s markedly different from the “win or else” mantra of most competitive college and professional teams.  And that’s what made this high school football game such an eye-opening and rewarding experience.  Go Burnet Bulldawgs!