FORT BENNING, Ga., (Oct. 9, 2013) -- While many may not remember the song in the headline of this week's 2-Minute Warning, it was a song sung by Rufus and Chaka Khan, written by Stevie Wonder and released in 1974.
And, yes, I remember it well. I was a junior in high school and times were good.
I bring it up because I think when something is good, you say something … and conversely, when something isn't so good, you say something about that too.
In this case, it is something good.
On my way home Thursday from the Fort Benning Bengals football game against Eastside, I felt the same kind of good feelings I had when I was in high school, but this time, it wasn't something I had done. I felt proud having covered the Fort Benning Bengals.
I walked the sideline the entire game listening to the announcer blasting out over the loudspeaker "Number 5, Johnny Quest (fictitious name, of course) juked the entire Bengals defense and ran for a pick up of 30 yards."
Of course, that is just a made up rendition, but you get the point.
Then when the Bengals' No. 5 broke off long runs and scored, the tone of the announcer quieted down and could barely be heard. In some instances, not announced at all, unless it was a good play by the opposing defense.
Coupled with a few bad calls by the referees, serious bad calls, that even the novice football fanatic knows is a bad call -- Bengals players, coaching staff and parents all maintained their calm throughout the adversity.
I took special notice of the parents.
With the many years of coaching under my belt and having covered hundreds upon hundreds of sporting events, I have never witnessed the good sportsmanship and support for a team than I did last Thursday.
I was more than surprised, I was shocked.
In the final six minutes and with the Bengals facing possibly their first loss of the season, I heard nothing but encouragement and an outpour of faith in the players from the parents on the sidelines.
This is one time both players and coaches should be proud of the activities of the parents on the sidelines -- this group of parents really gets it.
Some teams have what is called a 12th man. Most football fans know there are three phases to the game -- offense, defense and special teams. But, I believe in the Bengals case, there is a fourth phase -- parents and supporters.
I believe this Bengals team, with all four phases of the team in sync, will go a long way -- including winning the Peanut Bowl.
Now -- that -- is telling something good.
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