Things I’ll miss about opening night

BY IZZY GOULD
Times Staff Writer
LOS ANGELES – If you’re reading this then my email works.
I’m out here on the West Coast and my only lifeline to the first night of football in Pasco County is my iPhone. Yes, I bought one and yes, as John C. Cotey points out, it’s gluttonous. But I can stay in touch and more importantly, stay informed.
I’m out here for a family wedding, but before we head up to Santa Barbara we’re stopping at a high school football game.
Turns out it’s opening night here, too.
I’ll get to see Harvard Westlake vs. Pasadena. Neither is in the Los Angeles Times Top 25 poll, but HW is one of those private schools where I’m told some famous parents send their kids. I’m told I might bump into Tom Hanks at the concession stand and Steven Spielberg might give me a high-five if HW scores a touchdown. Seriously.
Still, there’s something special about football in the Bay area, and I my heart particularly aches for all the fun I’ll miss in Pasco County.

Boiled peanuts
They’re a staple at Zephyrhills and Pasco games. You can buy them along State Road 54 just past the Reutimann Collision Repair. These hot little numbers go along with the charm of Pasco County. They're warm, soft and the melt in your mouth. Awesome.

Gerald Newton’s voice
The self declared Pasco High historian should be the public address announcer at Land O’Lakes-Pasco. From the highest seat in W.F. Edwards Stadium, he’ll guide the fans through Tom McHugh’s first game. He’ll point out the dean of coaches in the Gators’ John Benedetto standing on the enemy sideline. It’s Gators vs. Pirates, two of the traditional powers. The stands will be stuffed and the fans will hang on Newton’s every word.

Pregame at Hungry Harry’s Bar-b-que
It’s a sportswriter tradition in Pasco County. The pregame meal. And for the two seasons I’ve covered high school football for the Times that meal has been at Hungry Harry’s. You can’t miss it driving up 41 on the right, two red buildings with an American flag painted atop the main building. I usually get the ribs, but the pulled pork is outstanding. Don’t forget the sweet tea and leave room for desert. You can walk it off to the lake about a football field away tucked behind the parking lot. It’s a great way to kick it off.

Plant vs. Armwood
I’ve been hanging on every word of the controversy of skipped classes the suspensions and who’s really No. 1. My brother-in-law listened to our fresh new audiocast and couldn’t believe Cotey would suggest someone might trade a Playstation 3 for a ticket to be among the expected 6,000 fans in attendance. The talent in the Southland – that’s what they call this region of So Cal – has plenty of talent, but the passion for high school football here isn’t even close to the South. People are too busy walking down Santa Monica Boulevard looking for Lindsay Lohan.

Deadline
Rushing to a WiFi spot at 10:45 p.m. after gathering quotes, fighting traffic, adding stats and finally finding a connection to type at blazing speed to get you the news in a neat, insightful, well-designed package for your viewing pleasure all by 11 p.m.

PS - Email me at izzygould@gmail.com and let me know what's happening. I'll be happy to respond with celebrity dirt in exchange.

Comments

[Murph]

Yo Izzy - Spielberg's actually in town here to check out the Hernando-Central game. He and I are actually heading down to Hungry Harry's right now. Everyone told me he was a cool guy, but he just ruined my entire childhood: E.T. isn't real!

[Gould]

That's cool. I just Paris Hilton in West Hollywood on Robertson. Okay, not really but I saw the dude from Road Trip - the main character, forgot his name - at a breakfast joint called Quality in Beverlywood on Wednesday.

Izzy,

Why didn't you bring Nick Carter's dog to LA with you. You could have picked the dog up at the Hernando pound before you left. Nick probably would have shown you the town while you were out there. http://www.sptimes.com/2007/09/01/news_pf/Hillsborough/_Singer_s_pooch_stuck.shtml