Football season has been over in Snook for a few weeks now. But as the town turns its attention to basketball and baseball, the historical season in which football returned from its 50 year hiatus is still a hot topic.

"It gave a lot of the kids that never had a chance to play football before a chance to play, and they all really seemed to enjoy playing," said Head Coach Mike Tomme. "When the year was over with, there was some disappointment, but I think the kids enjoyed playing the game of football."

One senior that really enjoyed hitting the field was John Wheeler. Even though Snook only had a Junior Varsity team, John was allowed to hit the field for his senior season, something he wanted for a long time.

"All the people we played said it was ok to play seniors, otherwise, he would have never gotten a chance to play football," said Tomme. "He was very appreciative of the chance to play something that he's always wanted to play, but because he lived here in Snook all his life, he wasn't able to do that."

"I wish I could have done it as a freshman or even in Junior High. I was built for it, it's my sport and we learned it in 12 weeks. Not many people can do that, but we did," said Wheeler.

Playing football isn't the only thing that John and his teammates figured out. They also learned how to have fun and never gave up, despite winning only one game all season long.

"We didn't win every game but we tried hard and we should have probably won a couple but I think everyone looks up and sees what we get to do out there. Putting the pads on and getting to hit people for fun," said Wheeler.

For now the pads are put up and the practice field is back to being a full time playground. There aren't any plans for a stadium anytime soon, but Blue Jay Football will be back in 2009.

"The long range plan is to do the same thing again next year, continue to play a JV schedule and a Junior High schedule. Re-evaluate that at the end of the year and hopefully have a final decision by the time the UIL realignment comes around," said Snook Athletic Director Duane Fikac.

For Coach Mike Tomme, helping students like John live out his dreams of playing football and hearing everyone in Snook talk about how happy they are to have football back, well, that is what means the most.

"Coaching doesn't get a lot of appreciation, so that helps," said Tomme.