AMARILLO, TEXAS -- Former high school football players now have the opportunity to relive the glory days for one night thanks to a new organization.
Football Legends of Texas brings football alumni back together for a game against their high school rivals.
The first Texas Panhandle game on Saturday featured the Highland Park Hornets and the Pampa Harvesters. Highland Park's biggest rival, Panhandle, was not able to get a team together in time, but that didn't stop the Highland Park Legends from playing full force in hopes of one last win on their home turf.
"You know, this is just a composite of all 15, the last 15 to 20 years of football," said Highland Park Class of 2006 Alumnus Robert Soleyjack. "You know, it's just basically the all-star team. Everybody wants to come out and represent for our school. Individually, you know, it doesn't matter. We're all just trying to get the win."
Soleyjack played four years of college football at the University of Texas at El Paso, and with his NFL free agency on hold, he decided to come back to his old stomping grounds and join other alumni for a night of sacks, tackles and touchdowns.
"I take a lot of pride out of being in a small 2-A school and taking it to the Division One level," he said. "So, I felt my help could be needed and, you know, I just love to play."
All the memories of the Friday night lights, from referees and ambulances to fans and fight songs are part of the alumni games. For 85 dollars, the organization provides jerseys, pads and other equipment needed with the exception of cleats. The teams begin practicing a couple months in advance to regain a feel of the game.
Some schools are even asking their cheerleading alumni to come back and support the guys as they experience one more night of football glory.
When the last game of their Senior year is over and done, so many boys wish they could have just one more chance. Football Legends of Texas gives them that chance, that opportunity to shine again as they walk onto the gridiron of their alma mater.
Three other Texas Panhandle games have been scheduled and others are in the works.
-Sanford-Fritch at River Road: September 17, 7 p.m.
-West Texas High at Gruver: October 1, 7 p.m.
-Pampa at Borger: October 15, 7 p.m.
For more information about Football Legends of Texas or to register for a Legends team, go to www.footballlegendsoftexas.com.
