Nearly all of Bel Air High School’s population attends, or has attended, a Bobcats varsity football game. Out of these students, it is questionable how many of them actually know what’s going on while they’re watching the games. These are the people who stare blankly at the field, are confused when everyone starts clapping and cheering, and yell, “Homerun!” when their team scores. That person is me.

With the football season and powder puff game over at Bel Air High School and professional football heating up, I figured I needed to start actually understanding the game my fellow Bobcats enjoy so much. Then, I realized that will probably never be an attainable goal for me. I decided to explore the alternate world of football spectators, those like me who don’t know anything about the subject. I don’t usually go to our school football games; I’ve been to about 3.5 in my years here as a junior. So the select times I’m sitting on those benches, I can’t help but wonder if anyone else feel as clueless as I do.

Senior, Claire Howard, offers some reassurance on the matter. On a scale of 1 to 10, Claire says she would score about a 2 on the scale of football knowledge. She knew four football terms: tackle, down, interception, and fumble. I quizzed various students, who would consider themselves not very knowledgeable when it comes to football, on football terminology.

Junior and member of the Drama Company and Reverie, Madison Krchnavy thought a challenge – reviewing a referee’s ruling under video – was, “when they look at each other weird.”

When another member of the Drama Company, Senior Sabrina Claridge, was asked what a P.A.T – point after touchdown or extra point – was, she answered confidently, “Pat’s Pizzeria. Next question.”

Junior Savannah Dean explained that a down – essentially a play – was, “when someone falls down.”

Even though some may laugh at these responses, I didn’t have the slightest clue what these terms meant. After some much needed research, I would now promote my football knowledge to being close to a 3. That’s something I can be proud of.

Even though many spectators don’t even understand why they’re cheering at a football game, the atmosphere just creates excitement amongst everyone and invigorates an innate sense of pride. I remember multiple times where I don’t have the slightest clue on what play was made, if play is even the proper term, or frankly even paying attention, yet I still cheer when my peers do. But, I will admit, I’m usually too busy taking selfies or drinking my Pumpkin Spice Latte to even do that. Even the generally simplistic cheer headed by our cheerleaders, “Bobcats in the front,” with the choreographed claps and stomps is too advanced for a novice of school spirit like me.

Sophomore Louisa Musser supports this idea, “I go to the school games to be supportive and hang out with my friends. Even though I don’t know much about the sport, I still get excited when we get a touchdown. Everyone there has so much school spirit.”

Savannah Dean agrees, saying, “I don’t really know what’s going on, so, I mean, I just kind of do what everyone else does.”

Despite a lack of knowledge on the sport, school football games give students an opportunity to see their friends and finally unearth their school spirit they must suppress in class. But, if you’re like me and are constantly asking surrounding spectators what’s going on, you may want to read up on the game. It also may prevent some pointing and laughing that may be directed your way when you don’t know what a P.A.T. is. But if I was being completely honest, I would rather have the pizza.

When asked if she gets made fun of for not understanding football, Savannah responded “Yes. On the daily.” I can most definitely relate.

The best part about being a journalist is meeting people just like me. In this case, it’s those who just can’t quite tackle the concept of football.