Sam Houston High School defeated Patterson High School last night, 21-20. Patterson scored a touchdown with 30 seconds to play, but without a functioning placekicker, they were forced to go for the 2-point conversion. I understand the quarterback option was stopped in the open field inside the 1.

However, I left with 2½ minutes to play in the third quarter, with the score tied at 14-14, when it came to me: I really didn't care how this game ended.

Last night was a cross-class social. Members of the Sam Houston High School classes of 1987 & 1997 intermingled. Saw a bunch of familiar faces, but couldn't remember a single "new" name. Oh, there were people that I'd kept up with in the past few years (I even mentioned one member of the Class of '97 in my Brickfest report.), but I found myself just leaning on one of the columns in the cafeteria, remarking to myself:

I don't know these people.

Oh sure, I know some individuals, but my class as a whole: I don't know these people. I have nothing in common with them.

It was sad. So many people knew my name. More than a couple people with whom I did not get along (and was on the receiving end of derision) 10-12 years ago, did come up to chit-chat. Apparently, I am, or was, noteworthy. But I have nothing to talk about, nothing to say to all these people.

It was a unique brand of "alone" that I was feeling. I am an island unto myself in my high school class.

IMPORTANT LIFE LESSON/ANNOUNCEMENT.

(pay attention)

Be very guarded of the kinds of friends you make and the company you keep when in college, not high school. The friends you make in high school, you more than likely will only see at reunions, and will be non-factors in your adult life. The circle of friends you create in college (which may include friends from high school: the groups aren't necessarily mutually exclusive) those people will be your buddies for your adult life. They will be the ones you call to help move, to bunk up when out of town, when disaster or personal tragedy strikes.

If your college buddies are of poor character, you may find yourself bailing them out (figuratively, and perhaps literally) more than you want to afford later in life. Or it might even be you in with them...guilty by association. Never underestimate what you might get yourself talked into 8 years from now.

</IMPORTANT LIFE LESSON/ANNOUNCEMENT>

In other words, it is important to be with the right crowd out of high school.

More football today. I know you guys are going to get tired of this pigskin addiction, but it can't be helped. This evening, I'm going with my parents to see the first night football game (as opposed to a 76-0 "exhibition" against West Virginia Tech 3 weeks ago) in Cowboy Stadium after Hurricane Rita last year.

South Dakota State at McNeese State.

Saturday night in "the Hole."

Gonna be something.

-KIE