The high school football playoffs are important in any state you go to. Reason being the kids have practiced so hard for so long to finally be able to show their talent while playing against the best players of their region. They playoffs usually have the rule lose and you go home. Win and you go on.

For all practical purposes high school football playoffs was a new experience for me so naturally I had no idea what to expect. I figured that my family and I would attend the games, watch our son kick a few balls and enjoy an evening out. Simply put, football is addictive. There is so much emotional purity involved at this level that you cannot help but get caught up in all the excitement. I think the reason for this is that the fans are more vested than at the college or professional level; the high school setting is much more intimate.

It's that time of year to plan your playoff football parties, whether you are tailgating at Soldier Field or celebrating at home with friends. This month's column will be devoted to tailgating party food that complement these spicy dishes and stand up to those bold flavors.

This is when the best football teams in the state meet up to decide who will go to the championship game. High school playoff games are really exciting to go watch because usually you know someone who is playing. You can go support your kid or friends kid to help them believe in their dream so they can make it to the next level.

You have 4a schools 3a schools 2a schools and 1a schools with 4a having the largest number of students that attend that particular school. All of these games are very competitive

Who could have imagined that kicking field goals in gym class for fun would have resulted in such a magical journey? Prior to this season the last high school football game I attended was in 1992 when I was a junior. Now, we're football people.

As professional football player T.O would say bring your bowl of popcorn and enjoy the game.