In America we have laws: laws about speeding, laws about killing, laws about stealing. In Odessa, Texas, they have their own laws. Their laws lie on the football field, where high school football is a way of life. As we look at our lives and what we consider important, we come to the conclusion that we differ greatly from those citizens in Odessa, Texas. In the Lake Region area, we do not have to deal with racism or ethnic diversity or the pressure of winning state titles in football. We surround ourselves in a society where we enjoy our own lives. We are not given a free ride through high school no matter how great we are at any sport. In Odessa, Texas, racism, pride, expectations, and free will was a major part of every person's life, especially those who play football.

Life in Odessa revolved around their...