Bison ready to push talents to the limits

A lot of things have to come together for a successful football season -- a good supply of talented players who are healthy enough to play, competent coaching staff, the support of parents, fans and school. McCook has had all of them over the past few years, and looks to have them again next year and beyond.

All those factors, plus our luck, will be pushed to the limit Saturday night as the undefeated Bison take on the unbeaten Crete Cardinals in the state Class B championship.

We hope the teenagers on the field Saturday night will have the time to breathe in that Memorial Stadium air and appreciate the opportunity they have to play on Tom Osborne Field. Not many high school football players can say they've done that.

The players can't help but feel the pressure, but we know they're ready to go and give it their very best. We're confident it will be good enough to win, but the only way to find out is to play the game.

That's the true value of sports -- pushing ourselves to the limit and then some, and learning from the results. That's the lesson members of the football Bison squad of 2007 will carry with them the rest of their lives, one that will serve them in challenges far more significant than a football game.

But there'll be plenty of time for philosophizing, reflecting -- and celebrating -- later.

For now, Go Bison! Beat Crete!