There is an old saying that the best bosses make a habit of catching their workers doing something good, then praising them for that behavior.

All of us respond to the attention and praise of others. It makes us feel seen and appreciated. The best bosses (and parents) look for ways to tap into that dynamic.

High School football is in full stride across the Golden Triangle, which also provides us – parents, friends, neighbors – a chance to catch high school kids doing something good.

There is much concern in modern society about our disaffected youth. The term typically refers to young people who are disengaged from other people, groups or activities. The disconnection can have negative consequences – truancy and poor performance in school, a lack of interests and hobbies and an inability to form friendships.

For many teens, Friday night football is more than simply performance or competition. It’s healthy for mind, body and spirit. As adults, we should view these events as opportunities to catch the kids doing something good, whether it’s on the playing field, in the marching band or with cheerleading.

While it may be true that they will compete, play or cheer with or without our presence, there is something about an audience that elevates and encourages the idea that what they are doing has importance. Who doesn’t want to be appreciated?

Attending these games is an enjoyable and affordable form of entertainment and an opportunity for parents and neighbors to enjoy each other’s company.

There was a time, long years ago, when the Friday night football game was something the whole town rallied around, the biggest social gathering of the week. Times are different now. Even in small towns, there are other entertainment options.

The communities where football is still a big deal seem to develop an esprit de corps that extends far beyond the football stadium. It helps foster a positive vibe and healthy self-image for the entire community.

Every year, Golden Triangle teams, both public school and private school, compete for championships. In fact no team in the state can claim more state titles than West Point, which has 13. Starkville and Noxubee County always seem to be in the championship mix. The success of these teams has created a large public following.

But there are other teams whose success is best measured in other ways.

Most people are familiar with the paraphrase of lines written by sportswriter Grantland Rice more than 100 years ago: “It’s not whether you win or lose but how you play the game.”

But Rice’s actual and full quote goes:

“For when the One Great Scorer comes

To mark against your name,

He writes – not that you won or lost –

But how you played the game.”

As Rice realized long, long ago, events such as football can be a metaphor for something of deeper meaning and greater value.

We encourage you to buy a ticket, find a seat in the stands and watch a game Friday night. You’ll find all sorts of things over the span of a couple of hours. What you won’t find are disaffected youths.

And that makes winners of them all.

The Dispatch Editorial Board is made up of publisher Peter Imes, columnist Slim Smith, managing editor Zack Plair and senior newsroom staff.

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