But I had to get better because we have some awesome high school football games going on this weekend, as my 2nd favorite week of the season is here, the State semifinals! Championship Saturday is my favorite and the opening week of the season comes in 3rd.

The headline game is so big, it’s been moved from Friday night to Saturday night.
I’m so fired up for the Butler/Independence rematch Saturday at Memorial Stadium. There are some events that are not to be missed, a handful of games that I will always remember. The ones that I tell people with pride, “I was there”.

As you know, the first game was a classic, highlighted (and there were a ton of highlights) by Adam Irving’s diving interception in the end zone, which prevented Butler from taking a 28-0 lead and jump-starting the Patriots to 21 unanswered points, powering them to an epic, two-overtime comeback win, 30-24.

The quote from Independence head coach Tom Knotts following the game is still ringing in my ears, “We just showed a lot of character. A lot of teams would give up after being down 21 – 0, and I’m proud of that. We’re going to win the state championship, one way or another, it’s going to be a lot of blood, sweat, and tears, but we’re going to win it.”

That’s a prediction reminiscent of Broadway Joe Namath, as he quarterbacked the New York Jets to an upset win in Super Bowl III. If Independence wins, it won’t be an upset, but given all the talent on Butler and the way they played the Patriots the last time, I’m not so sure that if Butler wins, it’ll be an upset. This game is so big, I’ll be reporting live beforehand at 6 p.m. and after the game at 11 p.m. with all the highlights on Saturday night.

Friday night will be our final Blitz of the season and we’ll also have plenty of great highlights from the other playoff games. Langston will be in studio to take your questions and talk about the match-ups. I’m really looking forward to seeing the work of Willie Smart, one of our ace editors here at WCNC, who has put together a great music video tribute with highlights from the season that you won’t want to miss.

It’s been a great season on the Blitz and we’ll close it out in style this Friday night. See you then!

Ira