There was once a time when most guys played football just for the love of the game. A time when there were no referees, no late flags, or late hit penalties for that matter, and hardly any penalties were called, unless it was offsides. A time when the end of the game was decided when the sun went down, and everyone had to leave just to make it in time for supper. Everyone who played in those games, back in the days of yonder, all had mutual respect for one another, but the pride that each person had inside was enough to cause both teams to talk trash to just for the hell of it.

Whether it be a game of tackle in a grassy field in the country, or a pick-up touch football game on a busy city street, every man played as hard as he could just to prove that he was the best.

Unfortunately, after a while, organized football took precedence, and those quick pick-up games became less popular because everyone wanted to focus on little league.

A few years later, after the glory of organized football was gone, the men were separated from the boys when it came time for tryouts for the high school football team. For most of those who made the cut, the days of the old sandlot games only became a memory, and mostly all of the players’ energy was focused on making it to the college level.

Those old days of playing just for the fun of it was passed down to the younger kids, and most of the older guys just watched the games and thought about the time when they just loved to play.

Well, a few Nicholls students rekindled the spirit of the old sandlot days in a game that most students around campus know as ‘The Country vs. City Game’.

‘The Country vs. City Game’ draws a large crowd of players and spectators alike, and everyone there is rooting for the team which represents where they come from. This game in particular brings back memories of the days when the game was played for fun, and the only thing on the line are bragging rights for the team that wins.

“One day a group of guys were in the lobby watching Monday night football, and the guys from the city said that there were more players in the NFL from the city than the country. The guys from the country disagreed, and we said that we were going to play just to see who was the best,” said a four-year country player, Brandon Brooks.

Every year, the game is played in the field behind Long Hall, and a large crowd of spectators are always there to watch.

This year, the Country team won, 28-14, with the help of former Colonel football players Nehemiah Lucas, Curtis Johnson, and Sullivan Beard, although the City made it a close game with the help of freshmen Fred Brooks and Randy Craig.

“I just wanted to show everyone that Nicholls players are not fake,” said Johnson. “It was a good game.”

According to Brandon Brooks, this year’s game had the biggest turnout the game ever had.

Although the Country has the bragging rights so far, the City team will get a chance to redeem itself in the spring semester.

For the guys that go out there and play each year, the love of the game is not lost.