My 9-year-old son politely tugged at my shirt while I was signing him up for his final year of flag football.
He pointed at the sign that said K-4, knowing my 5-year-old daughter was eligible to play.
I bent down, asked her if she wanted to sign up.
She said, "No, the end of the ball is too pointy."
For most of us, the oblong shape of the pigskin is inconsequental as high school football season kicks off Thursday with a host of games.
To prepare for Thursday's games, you need to do preseason work - just like those teams taking the field this week.
You, as a fan, player, parent or coach, need the 120-page Tribune Chronicle high school football preview magazine that is available today at the Tribune Chronicle office on 240 Franklin St. S.E. in Warren from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
The cost is $4.95 for the book, which is packed with plenty of team schedules, results, teams and players to watch for, stories and other items on 38 teams from Trumbull, Mahoning, Portage, Ashtabula and Geauga Counties.
Additional copies of the magazine will be available throughout Trumbull and Mahoning Counties later this week.
If that's not enough, come out to O'Charley's in Niles today from 4 to 7 p.m. as the Tribune sports staff and ESPN 1240 has a Kickoff Tailgate Party to celebrate the beginning of football season. Books will be sold for a discounted price of $3.95 at the tailgate.
"The Ryan and Christian Show" on ESPN 1240 broadcasts live and starts the festivities at 4 p.m.
In the preview, Mike McLain highlights new Warren G. Harding and area icon coach Steve Arnold, who is heading back to coach football after spending the past decade as the Raiders basketball coach.
Speaking of Warren, McLain looks back on the Warren Western Reserve 1972 AAA State Championship team.
The Warren Western Reserve 1972 state football championship reunion will be held on Saturday, Sept. 8, in conjunction with the Harding-Cardinal Mooney game.
The 72 team will be honored at halftime. The 1972 team and fans will meet from 3 to 6 p.m., before the game and again after the game at the Buena Vista Cafe.
All former players, cheerleaders, and fans are welcome. Cost for the reception is $20 per person or $30 per couple for both before and after the game gatherings.
Contact coach Joe Novak at 910-253-9031 or p1gsk1n@aol.com for more information.