Football Fridays: Central vs. Demopolis

Friday night I found myself back at Central High School for another night of football. Two weeks ago when I was there I was surprised to find so many empty seats in the stands and so few enthusiastic fans. I thought maybe since it was opening weekend people just hadn't got into the spirit yet. Then again this Friday the fans came in a pathetic trickle. There were no painted faces, shakers, or hoards of giddy teenagers. The away team Demopolis filled out their bleachers much more fully than the home team. It is true that Central has been struggling in the last couple of years. They are now 0-3 with a young team and a first year coach. However after a few years of covering Georgia teams in podunk towns with little success or large programs in floundering seasons, that just doesn't seem like a good enough reason to me for the lack of fanfare. Despite winning or losing every team I've ever shot has always had a loyal following. Everyone from the students to random members of the community have showed up in full force. Never have I seen such a sad display of football pride. I'm left wondering if folks in Alabama take high school ball as serious as folks in Georgia? If that's not the case, then what has happened to Central High School's school spirit?


A Demopolis football player warms up before the Central vs. Demopolis football game at Falcon Stadium in Tuscaloosa, Ala. Friday Sept. 10, 2010.


Demopolis cheerleader Anna Stuart Cramer, 15, does a flip in the air before the Central vs. Demopolis football game at Falcon Stadium in Tuscaloosa, Ala. Friday Sept. 10, 2010.


Central senior majorette Kayla Patterson dances in the stands before the Central vs. Demopolis football game at Falcon Stadium in Tuscaloosa, Ala. Friday Sept. 10, 2010.


The Central Falcons take the field before the Central vs. Demopolis football game at Falcon Stadium in Tuscaloosa, Ala. Friday Sept. 10, 2010.


Demopolis' James Wilson (12) stumbles over Central's Tavares Doss (13) in the first quarter of the Central vs. Demopolis football game at Falcon Stadium in Tuscaloosa, Ala. Friday Sept. 10, 2010.


Central's Demetrius Houston (15) just misses a pass with coverage by Demopolis' David France (13) during the first quarter of the Central vs. Demopolis football game at Falcon Stadium in Tuscaloosa, Ala. Friday Sept. 10, 2010.


Central head coach Dennis Conner yells to players in the first quarter of the Central vs. Demopolis football game at Falcon Stadium in Tuscaloosa, Ala. Friday Sept. 10, 2010.


Demopolis head coach Tom Causey talks with Wiley Isaac (8) during the 2nd quarter of the Central vs. Demopolis football game at Falcon Stadium in Tuscaloosa, Ala. Friday Sept. 10, 2010.


Demopolis' DaMarcus James (4) stiff arms Central's Colyn Meadows (10) as he gains extra yardage in the 2nd quarter of the Central vs. Demopolis football game at Falcon Stadium in Tuscaloosa, Ala. Friday Sept. 10, 2010.


Central's Ronderek Rice (9) wraps up Demopolis' Damarcus James (4) as he is hit by Matt Sellers (56) in the 2nd quarter of the Central vs. Demopolis football game at Falcon Stadium in Tuscaloosa, Ala. Friday Sept. 10, 2010.


Demopolis' Wiley Isaac (8) hauls in an interception in front of Central's Demetrius Houston (15) in the second quarter of the Central vs. Demopolis football game at Falcon Stadium in Tuscaloosa, Ala. Friday Sept. 10, 2010.


Demopolis' James Wilson (12) breaks away for a touchdown in the second quarter of the Central vs. Demopolis football game at Falcon Stadium in Tuscaloosa, Ala. Friday Sept. 10, 2010.


Demopolis' James Wilson (12) breaks through the grip of Central's Colyn Meadows (10) for a touchdown in the second quarter of the Central vs. Demopolis football game at Falcon Stadium in Tuscaloosa, Ala. Friday Sept. 10, 2010.


Demopolis' James Wilson (12) celebrates after scoring a touchdown with teammates from left Rodney Harper (88), Allen Tucker(72) and Taylor Polk (71) during the second quarter of the Central vs. Demopolis football game at Falcon Stadium in Tuscaloosa, Ala. Friday Sept. 10, 2010.