Nothing says fall like football

Now let me start by saying that I am not what you would call a sports fanatic. I know a little bit about a handful of sports, I played in various little league teams, but never worshipped it like most men. I was the one taking piano lessons while the others were away on soccer trips. Is there any regret? Absolutely not. I mean, I wish I could have played HS football, I think I would have gotten a lot of aggression out, some that may be still here today... But, that's what college intramural football teams are for, right? Man, I pulled those flags so hard, wishing I could have sacked everybody out there. I was only invited once to play tackle when it rained... I wonder why.

Anyway, nothing sums fall football up like the college game, and to be more specific, The University of Georgia v. University of Florida. The Dawgs and Gators (respectfully, for all you lost souls) have been rivals forever. I know every team has their rivals, so maybe mine is not as important as any other. But, on Halloween weekend every year, it sure feels different.

The last weekend in October finds St. Simons Island more crowded than a KFC after a Baptist church service. We are located only 80 miles from Jacksonville, where the game is held. Every Dawg fan seems to make their way down and crash on the island, being the real last haven until the Florida border. Most of the fans rent charter buses for the hour and a half drive down to the game, enabling them to take part in extra pre-game activities. You get there, and tail-gaitin' starts. Red and black and orange and blue everywhere. See, you would think that everybody goes to the game right? Wrong. Most people just come to St. Simons for the weekend. Georgia has their fall break the Thursday and Friday before the game, so the island becomes a breading ground for red and black sorority bops. All the frat boys come down in their red pants hoping to get a piece of "gator-tail" (no, not the reptile), but in all realty, wind up passed out before the game begins.

What do I like so much about GA/FLA? I didn't go to either school. I don't love football as much as some. So why do I care? It's a symbol. It is one of the chapters that would have to be written about in the book on St. Simons. It's a mark of the fall; time to see friends, have partys, cookouts, fires. It's more than a football game.

Now it's time to share favorite memories! Whose in? The memory can be related to GA/FLA or not. Perhaps you have a different fall memory you'd like to share. Whatever it may be, post it below so we can all enjoy.