Saturday night high school football.  Not the normal for my schedule as the games I photograph are normally Friday night.  I was excited though to be photographing a playoff football game between Mason and St. Xavier high schools.  It was an intense game with great crowd support for both teams.  Below are a few of my favorites, all are available through the Game Images link above.

Waiting to go out for the coin toss.

Looking for an opening.

Coming up just short of making the catch.

Attempting to get to the quarterback.

Making the tackle and trying to get the ball out.

Trying to escape the defense.

Making the interception.

I had ever intention of doing this post on Friday but I got distracted by my new computer.  The plan was to not touch it until I finished all my tasks for the day.  It sat there looking so tempting so I gave in and opened it.  Trying to setup the new Mac was more frustrating than anticipated so the blog post got pushed back until today.

I have never been to a high school football game that went to overtime.  The game between Lakota East and Winton Woods went into four overtimes!  It of course had to happen on one of the hottest game days I can remember.  The temperature was 100 degrees when I arrived at the game.  Even with the heat both teams gave everything they had until the final 2-point conversion play was completed.  Lakota East could have attempted the extra point which would have tied the game again and sent the teams into the 5th overtime.  Instead they elected to go for the win.  The quarterback found a gap and made it across the goal line for the win.  All the images are available through the Game Images link above, here are a few of my favorites:

Looking for a clear path while catching the ball.

Sweat & field turf go flying on the hit.

Linemen clear the way for the running back.

Following his helmet across the field.

Some instructions on the sideline.

Open field tackle.

Getting ready for the goal line stand.

Everyone looking at the ref to see what the result is.

Lakota East made the stop in the 3rd overtime.

Game over after the successful 2-point conversion.

Western Hills high school played Lakota East for the official start of high school football here in southwestern Ohio.  It was definitely a running game between the two teams.  Lakota East came away with the victory.  All the images are available through the Game Images link above, here are a few of my favorites from the game:

The player ran over a lot of opponents throughout the game.

Unsuccessfully trying to strip the ball away.

Pumped up after a big run.

Throwing tacklers out of the way.

Getting the pass off before getting crunched between two East defenders.

Upended but still scoring late in the game.

Once again this year I produced a book for the 2010 Lakota East Football season. The book contains images from weight training, 2 a days, scrimmages, in season practices and all games. Below you can view the book and if you like, purchase. I would love feedback on what you think about the book. Thanks for looking.

Lakota East versus Lakota West Varsity football.  That’s all you have to say to get interest of local football fans.  Last Friday night was the big game between the schools and the fans definitely came out to cheer on their favorite teams.  Lots of tailgating in the parking lot before hand but I think most people were in the stands for the opening kickoff.  Being on the sidelines I could feel the tension of the players and coaches.  There seemed to be extra focus and preparations being done by both teams.  Here are a few of my favorites from the night, all are available through the Game Images link above:

Taking the field for warm-ups.

The fans showing their support for their coach.

The Cheer teams from both schools.

Preparing to sack the quarterback.

Taking him down.

And then celebrating.

Fumble recovery.

Highly contested catch.

Trying to stop the run.

Scoring late in the game.

Helmets hitting hard enough to send sweat flying.