Friday night fever has given way to the winds of winter. By this time, I should be relishing the fact that I'm covering sports in a nice, warm gym, but I had one more football game that I just couldn't miss.

There's a little back story to my trek out to the football field.

I started working here at the paper in 2000 and, by this time, I've held or contributed to just about every position in the house. For three years, I was fortunate enough to be employed as the editor of the Monitor-Herald in Calhoun City. Part of my beat was Calhoun County sports. I've spent and split time on more football fields than Carter's got pills, but the Boneyard holds a special place in my heart.

That was the first sideline I walked all four quarters on a regular basis, took notes and photos at the same time and learned how to get out of the way in a split second.

My tenure there brought on the first on many Monday trips to the coaches office for the overview of Friday's game and a preview into next week. As a female in the locker room and the new kid on the block, the Wildcats broke me in with exceptional kindness and care.

I appreciated that.

Now back in Chickasaw County, I still keep up with what's going on across the county line in Bruce, Vardaman and Calhoun City. Kids that were on the junior high and JV teams then have now graduated or are close to it. I remember amp"my kidsamp" that were so good to me when I was learning and so forgiving when I made mistakes - Taurus and Dontae and Ced and M.D. and Clevis and Justin and many, many others.

This past Friday night, the Wildcats hosted a quarter-final game against East Webster, another amp"just across the county lineamp" powerhouse rival. No way was I going to miss it.

I took nephew, Charlie, along for the fun. Charlie has been attending EW for the last two years and has a strong Wolverine mindset. I wanted to see a great football game, but mostly see what Mike Ray and amp"his kidsamp" had to offer.

Neither of us was disappointed.

I said later, after I thawed out, that it was kind of like watching two Mack trucks hit head on - over and over again.

I walked the sideline taking notes as Mack Spencer shot photos and the excitement never stopped until the final buzzer. CC got the 14-7 win and another shot at North Half and State.

Go, Cats! Go, City!

On the way home, Charlie and I listened to the scoreboard show on the radio and were sorely disappointed that Vardaman lost in overtime to Ray Brooks. It would have been just perfect if the Rams and Cats battled it out for North Half honors.

I would have parked my car at home and walked to watch it. That's probably as close as I could have gotten anyway.

I'll get back to the gym this week and I'll see some more of amp"my kidsamp" as Houston hosts tournament action with Okolona and Vardaman. The gym is a lot warmer and basketball usually makes for an earlier evening.

I touched base with one of amp"my kidsamp" on the sideline Friday night - amp"L'il Danteamp". He's in college now, still playing ball and carrying a 3.06 GPA. I know Eddie and Diane are proud.

The Wildcats will host Ray Brooks for one more Friday Night Fever game and a North Half Championship title.

This Friday's weather prediction looks cold - not the best for sideline walking.

Maybe an extra pair of socks....