SportTalk: THEN VS. NOW

FILM STUDY

 

THEN: “Coaches trading film and showing players on Sundays with a projector.” -Quake

NOW: “Film study is a major part of the week’s preparation. Nutrition, practice, and film study all go hand in hand. High school football is quickly becoming as sophisticated as college football.” – Cowboy Joe

 

 

MEDIA COVERAGE

 

THEN: “Essentially, you had a rep from the local paper out to cover the game. That was it. Maybe you got lucky enough to have your picture in the paper! If the game was big enough, you might get a highlight on the local news.” – Cowboy Joe

NOW: “In-game updates and now video clips are available on social media everywhere and especially @redzonescores on X. If something big happens, you can see it within a minute or two.” – Quake

 

GAME-DAY MUSIC

 

THEN: “You could take a ‘jam box’ into the student section and rock Twisted Sister’s ‘We’re Not Gonna Take It’ and become a legend. It might get you voted ‘Most School Spirit.’” – Quake

NOW: “Back in the day, the players didn’t have much say in what was played before the game or in the locker room. Today’s players seem to have more control of the music you hear in the locker room and before the game.” – Cowboy Joe

 

 

HALFTIME ENTERTAINMENT

 

THEN: “The school’s marching band had a tight grip on the halftime show. Throw in a sponsor and a local politician and wait for the second-half kickoff.” – Cowboy Joe

NOW: “If a school is serious about their band, you can tell. Elaborate costumes, props, and huge participation numbers can really stand out. Ringgold, Heritage, and Walker Valley lead the way.” – Quake

 

 

CONCESSIONS & GAME-DAY FOOD

 

THEN: “You had the basics back then. Go grab some nachos, a burger, or a hot dog. It wasn’t much, but it always tasted like the best meal of the week.” – Cowboy Joe

NOW: “Ooltewah’s nachos and Tyner’s fish sandwiches are spectacular. A lot of schools have a specialty item at the concession stand, but a great hot dog still rules the roost.” – Quake

 

EQUIPMENT & SAFETY

 

THEN: “The equipment was bigger. The shoulder pads would make you look like Arnold Schwarzenegger, and the neck braces added to the intimidation. Players actually wore thigh pads and knee pads back then.” – Cowboy Joe

NOW: “The helmet development has really improved safety, and the players have solid ways to hydrate nowadays. No more salt pills and garden hoses to get refreshment.” – Quake

 

 

 

SCHOOL SPIRIT

 

THEN: “Wearing your jersey on game day was huge. That tradition still goes on today. Signs dominated the hallways, and the big pep rally ended the school day.” – Cowboy Joe

NOW: “Very organized chants and cheers, face paint everywhere, colored baby powder in the air, and hanging on to each play’s result. At Signal Mountain, the students all wear their favorite athletes’ jersey – pro or college – whether it be Ty Simpson, LeBron James, or Tom Brady.” – Quake

 

COACHING STYLES & LEADERSHIP

 

THEN: “Screaming and yelling at guys to make them tough and be able to tolerate intolerable situations. Lots of running in the heat and little water breaks.” – Quake

NOW: “Coaches have way more to deal with. NIL deals, player happiness, etc. Coaches have to find a way to reach EVERY player. Each player reacts differently to a coaching style, and it’s the staff’s job to find out what that is. Otherwise, your star players might transfer.” – Cowboy Joe

 

 

UNIFORM STYLE

 

THEN: “Uniforms would be used for five to 10 years, passed down from team to team and year to year. They could have small holes and worn marks, but they definitely had the flared sleeves and were cut off at the navel.” – Quake

NOW: “Let’s talk about jerseys. It seems like we went away from the comfortable fit to the one-size-too-small fit. Have you seen a player trying to take off a jersey? It takes two to three people to scrape that thing off. I’m guessing the think tank behind the form-fitting jerseys didn’t have the body of a lineman.” – Cowboy Joe

 

 

RECRUITING EXPOSURE

 

THEN: “College coaches would hear about this great player out of Rhea County and then request his ‘tape.’ That means his VHS highlights. After seeing this incredible player named Cowboy Joe, they would sign him immediately. Maybe I just made that all about me. Maybe it’s all a lie. (It’s definitely a lie.) However, the VHS tape exchange was a thing.” – Cowboy Joe

NOW: “Each player can build their own recruiting profile on Hudl and other similar websites. Social media is a must for contact with coaches and recruited players connecting.” – Quake