Jill's Journal: Where's the respect?

I’ve been standing on the sidelines of high school football games for more than three decades, and I’d like to believe that I’ve seen it all.

I’ve witnessed coaches nearly have an aneursym when a play goes awry.

I watched the highs and lows of winning and losing.

I’ve seen too many kids carried off of the field from injury or wiping away tears when the opposing team puts their stamp on the end of a season.

But at last Friday’s game against a very powerful Sioux Falls Lincoln team, I’d never witnessed what went down within an earshot of me. In fact, I even questioned myself – and others – if I was hearing just what I thought I was hearing. 

It was just after Lincoln scored their second touchdown of the night. The Patriots quarterback was within close proximity of the Lynx sideline, where three of our assistant coaches happened to be congregated. Obviously very satisfied with what his team was accomplishing on the Brandon Valley turf, Lincoln quarterback Tate Schafer let them know that was No. 2, and that he could do this all day.

One of the referees then wrapped his arm around Schafer, escorting him away from the Lynx assistants.

At that point, I wasn’t the only one on the sidelines wondering why a flag wasn’t thrown for unsportsmanlike conduct or taunting.  

A flag at this stage of the game likely wasn’t going to change the outcome of which team won and which team lost that night. But it should have served as a teachable moment for the senior quarterback and every other football player in uniform that night.

You can be good. But when you’re that good, you shouldn’t flaunt it in an over-zealous manner, especially to adult coaches of the game.

I understand the Lincoln quarterback has solidified his intent to continue to play the game for the University of Sioux Falls Cougars.

I’m happy for him. 

But my happiness isn’t for what his football talents have achieved for him, but more so for the program that’s going to instill being humble in victory and gracious in defeat.

I’m certainly not oblivious to the fact that Sioux Falls Lincoln is the team to beat in 11AAA football this year. And with all the hype that led up to Friday’s clash, that likely elevated the QB’s ego just a tad.

But respect my friends will win over ego anytime.