Sit back from table to ponder questions

Here we are, one day away from Thanksgiving, and I'm reminded of what really matters on a day like this: turkey.

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And perhaps mashed potatoes, maybe a little pumpkin pie. You know, the finer things in life.

By the end of the day, most of us have stuffed ourselves to the point that anything more active than criticizing John Madden's Magnadoodle skills during his analysis of the Cowboys game is too much to ask.

As we glutton ourselves into a holiday stupor with all our physical energy devoted to the digestive system, all we have left is our brains. So sit back, don't do anything too active and simply contemplate these thought-provoking, but not action-requiring, questions.

It's either this or the Cowboys.

1. Has the 2007 football season been a fluke?

For the love of everything holy, I hope so. Don't get me wrong, I'm thrilled that Evans and Augusta Christian have gone so far in the state playoffs, but the rest of the season hasn't exactly been something to put in the Columbia County visitors' welcome guide. Though the county's reputation has taken a hit when it comes to football, it's not the norm. There's never been a football season in Columbia County like this one. It's safe to say next year won't be all that similar, either.

2. So is this a one-time deal for Evans?

There's no doubt they'll lose a ton of seniors next year, but the 2007 JV County Cup champs are in that same program. It's way too early to tell how good any football team will be next year, but once a program starts to win, that taste can't be substituted by anything else. Though there might be a coaching change (or maybe not), Lakeside will bring the most starters back next year. No doubt, 2007 was Evans' year, and 2008 could be the same for Lakeside.

3. On to basketball, is Greenbrier going to be the usual girls basketball powerhouse this season without Michelle Swiec, Tiffany Blackburn and Brooke Jackson?

I wrote this column before the tip-off tournament. The Lady Wolfpack's performance there will indicate how much work needs to be done. Of course, when you lose that much firepower, you can't expect to simply pick up where you left off. The program and system itself will be tested this year more than ever.

4. Will the Evans/Greenbrier boys basketball rivalry be as big as last year?

Ha! Games such as the three close ones last season between these two schools don't come around every year. In fact, they don't come around every 10 years. You can't expect that kind of drama and competitiveness. Then again, the oldest clich in the book is true: Anything can happen in a rivalry.

5. When will Greenbrier's gym finally get a wood floor?

Good question. They're long overdue for one. Then again, the school system has more important things to deal with at this point.

6. Who will be the last wrestling team standing at the end of the season?

This is the toughest question of all. Gone are the days when Lakeside's wrestlers could pin their opponents at Greenbrier and Evans with one arm tied behind their backs.

The increase in wrestling participation and popularity at Greenbrier and Evans is astounding, but it will take more than numbers to win matches. This could be one of the most competitive wrestling seasons the county has seen in years.