The sidelines are where it’s at

Marques Hunter

of the Gateway

Who can argue with covering high school football from the sidelines?

Last year, I sat in the cluttered, wooden press box at Roy Anderson Field for most of the games. The weather on Friday nights has been perfect, which is sure to change.

But while it’s been nice outside, it’s made for a great view from the hometown sidelines.

You don’t get the same feeling when you’re up in the press box as you do on the field with the guys.

When the rain eventually arrives, my viewpoint will be relegated to the press box or general seating so my notes don’t get soaked.

On the sideline, the energy — good or bad — surrounds you. It was electric during the second half of the Gig Harbor-Central Kitsap football game last Thursday night. After Gig Harbor junior tight end/wide receiver Austin Seferian Jenkins scored on a 13-yard touchdown, I remember seeing him take his helmet off and yell all kinds of intense phrases.

That team was extremely pumped; it wasn’t about to lose a third game in a row. After Gig Harbor lost a close one to South Kitsap two weeks ago, I could tell the Tides had a lot of pent-up energy.

Blowouts seem to happen a lot in high school football. And it couldn’t have come at a better time for Gig Harbor.

The Tides discovered that, by not turning the ball over, they can compete with quality football programs and be victorious.

I love hearing the coaches discipline their players for not executing a block, or encouraging them for making a good play. You can look into the players’ eyes and catch a glimpse of disappointment or achievement.

Peninsula Seahawks quarterback JR Grosshans was under the weather against Auburn Mountainview last Friday. I would’ve never known he had the flu if I was up in the stands.

But he stuck with it and scored four total touchdowns. He seemed fine to me.

You pick up so much more when you’re trotting up and down the sideline. And it’s the details that I love to experience, like a closeup of a hit or the spring of a long run.

Or maybe it’s just being around the football players that heightens the game’s significance.

I’ve come to enjoy covering high school football on the field, especially now that both Gig Harbor and Peninsula programs are back to their winning ways.

But in less than two weeks, there’s only going to be one winner. It’ll happen in the crosstown showdown they like to call the Fish Bowl.

For that game, I’ll have to stand on both sidelines.

Reach sports reporter Marques Hunter at 253-853-9246 or by e-mail at marques.hunter@gateline.com.