Michael Henninger

Essays: Friday Night Lights

Every time I step on a field to photograph a Friday night football game, my mind floods with a hundred memories of the sport. I think about all the nights I’ve spent, standing on the sideline, eyes glued to my viewfinder as the crisp fall air cuts through my sweater. I remember the great victories, the crushing defeats, and the way a Friday night game can mean everything to a town.

When I came to the Star-News, I was assigned to cover my sixth season of high school football. Some news photographers spend their entire careers shooting Friday night football, and in time their coverage of the game can become formulaic. This photo essay became my way to avoid this.

Laney's Gage Gattone lies out in a silent locker room minutes before the Buccaneers' late August win against Havelock. Laney finished the regular season 5-5 to earn a No. 15 seed in the 4A state playoffs.
  
Laney players touch a sign hanging above the exit to their locker room as they take the field for their game against Havelock on Aug. 31. The Bucs commanded some that night, earning a 34-14 win over the Rams.
   
Topsail's Jeff Kath kneels to pray away from his team before the start of Topsail's game against Pender on Friday, Aug. 24, 2007.
     
  
Pender takes the field before its 34-0 win over East Columbus on Oct. 19. With the win, the Patriots clinched the top 1A spot in the Waccamaw Conference.
  
Tabitha Gainey, left, Sandi Iventosch, center, and Denise Loughlin, right, cheer on New Hanover's Vince Allen during the Wildcats' game against Whiteville at the BB&T 21st Annual Football Jamboree at Legion Stadium Aug. 10. Tabitha Gainey and Denise Loughlin are Vince Allen's aunts. Allen's mother is Sandi Iventosch.
   
Ashley player Eliot Suggs practices snaps before Ashley's game in the 21st Annual Football Jamboree. Eight local teams kicked off their seasons at the scrimmage, with thunderstorms ending the jamboree in the fourth game.
     
  
Laney cheerleader Alyssa Stolz, 17, practices with her squad at the 21st Annual Football Jamboree at Legion Stadium on Aug. 10.
  
East Columbus' Allen Bracey slams into the ground after missing a pass during East Columbus' loss to Pender on Oct. 19. After a 4-1 start, the Gators lost five of their last six to finish the regular season.
   
Hilary Piper, drum major for Laney, leads the band during their half time show on Friday, Aug. 31, 2007.
     
  
Hoggard mascot Montrel Williams, 18, peeks out from his costume to watch the Vikings play Greenville Rose while ducking out of the view of anyone in the stands on Sept. 14.
   
Lightning strikes over an empty Legion Stadium after the 21st Annual Football Jamboree.