High school football, which wraps up the regular season tonight, is one of the best bargains in town.
Decent weather, talented players and teams, and a ticket price of $6 make for an inexpensive evening of entertainment.
The economy has put the squeeze on lots of folks – and football programs – but crowds have been steady this fall. School administrators stress that there isn't a more festive yet safe venue for teens to meet and greet than at a high school football stadium.
And the best is yet to come with the playoffs starting next week.
Week 10 games tonight will decide league races across the region, making these games even more enticing.
No. 6 Placer hosts No. 14 Center for the Pioneer Valley League title in Auburn, a foothill town that has lived for football since the 1950s.
In a Capital Valley Conference showdown, No. 8 Del Campo visits No. 19 Rio Linda, where the community embraces coach Mike Morris so much that there's a move to have the stadium named after him.
With a playoff berth at stake, No. 10 Rocklin plays at No. 13 Del Oro in Loomis, where football games are more like community carnivals.
Even newer schools are in on the fun, with No. 20 Antelope visiting No. 12 Whitney to decide the Capital Athletic League championship.
"You can't beat high school football," Whitney coach Mike Gimenez said. "Nothing better."
We tend to agree.
What to watch
High school football, "Final Quarter," 11 p.m., FOX40: The Bee's Joe Davidson talks about the Del Campo-Rio Linda game.
Today's poll
How do you get your high school football fix?
• Attend games
• Through media
• Word of mouth
• I couldn't care less.
Vote above or leave your comments in the comment field; or, go to www.sacbee.com/sports
Thursday's poll results
Who should win the N.L. Manager of the Year award?
• Dusty Baker: 6%
• Bruce Bochy: 81%
• Davey Johnson: 8%
• Mike Matheny: 5%
• Other: 0%
Total votes: 262
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