Is it time to consider more football day games?

Wow! Saturday afternoon was a magnificent day in the Kasson-Mantorville area. For those who were able to witness our K-M KoMets crush the Winona Winhawks, it was one of those days the fans and players will remember until at least Friday.
Friday is when the KoMets face off against Byron’s Bears who stunned the entire football watcher in the Gopher state when they upset Stewartville, which had a record of 8-0 going into the game last Saturday. It was a 22-21 upset victory for the Bears who were 3-6 heading into that section semi-final game.
Roaming the sidelines at the KM vs. Winona game, I commented to Wayne Hendrickson, who was shooting as well, that most home games should be Saturday games. Saturday afternoon games would allow various K-M school activities to hold fundraisers in the parking lot before each game. In addition, fans could engage in tailgate parties similar to Gopher and Vikings games.
Think about it: Cars, pick up trucks and BBQ trailers offering some of the area’s finest foods to fans heading to the game. Who knows, it could be a factor in filling the stands. (Last Saturday’s game filled only about half of the KM bleachers.)
The more support our community gives these high school programs, the greater the results in engagement by the student body.
From a practical point of view, daytime football games would save on electricity. Yes, I understand the KMTelecom Stadium has recently installed LED field lights that make the field almost daylight for night games, but to have other activities prior to night games is not advantageous.
I know it’s a dream of mine, and the Minnesota State High School League would have to approve such a switch in scheduling, but it’s something to ponder.
I do know that officials have been in short supply for high school football games. That’s why Saturday’s game against Winona was schedule for 1 p.m. on Saturday.
I was audacious enough to ask a field judge during a break in the action if he preferred day games rather than night games. His answer was quick and clear: “Day games.” He was on the sidelines in shorts sleeves...highly unusual for Oct. 30.
Regardless of whether KoMet games are played under blue skies or under the brilliant LED lighting of our football field, we’ll continue to support these young players.
Oh, by the way, tomorrow evening the KoMets and the Bears will play in the Section 4AAAA championship game at Mayo High School in Rochester.
Go KoMets! Go Bears! Have a great game.
FOOTBALL
“Football is like life. It requires perseverance, self-denial, hard work, sacrifice, dedication, and respect for authority.”
—Vince Lombardi