It’s that time of year when the football juices begin to flow. I had my first had taste this week when I attended Panthers camp on Wednesday, followed by a visit to Independence High School on Thursday. While the title of this article could be about the fact that I’m ready for football season, in as much as I am on TV, I have never referred to myself as “The Big I.” My wife would kill me, and it’s just not my style.

The big “I” I’m talking about is Independence High School. Head coach Tom Knotts never ceases to amaze me on many levels. The guy is in incredible shape and is always showing off his guns. Yes, I do admit a little bit of man envy in that department. I’m not sure if he stays in such good shape because he’s a workout freak, or if he wants to make sure that his players know he can back up that loud yapper he uses all through practice. I’m sure it’s a little big of both.

Knotts is entertaining beyond observation. When you talk to him, he is so bold with his confidence that many times you ask yourself, “Did he just say what I thought he said?” Sure enough, when I get back to the station and rewind the tape, he did say he feels his team is the best, and will win an eighth straight championship.

Some call him cocky, others arrogant, but he backs up the talk and I think he is bold. His results over the last seven seasons have inspired players to move into the school’s district to play for the dynasty.

Some would call that cheating or recruiting. I spoke briefly with Anthony Carrothers’ father at practice, who told me that he was more interested in the attention his son would get in the classroom than what he would learn on the field at Independence. Sure, there are some who say, “Yea, right!” but knowing coach Knotts like I do, the last thing he is going to allow is one of his athletes fail in the classroom.

And if a kid’s quality classroom experience is better because of a quality and successful experience on the football field, is that a bad thing? It’s the free market. Moving is a big sacrifice for any family no matter how far, even if it’s just across town. But if a family moves, and a kid can play, then that is playing by the current rules and I see nothing wrong with it.

We’ll continue to do high school football previews as we get ready for the season, so stay tuned for more blogs.