It is always nice to have plans for a Friday night. For the first time since the 1989 season, the West Branch football team took an in-season Friday night off. That year, Clear Creek decided to fore go its season. Of course, that was not the road the Bears were planning to travel in August. It is just the hand that was dealt them. Van Buren (Keosauqua) had just 19 kids sign up to play football for the 2010 campaign. So, just two weeks before the first game of the season, the Warriors administration decided to cancel the season rather than play a varsity only schedule. The Bears were then faced with a few options. First, try to find another opponent who has the same week free. Some of the teams available were: Danville, GMG, and Mason City Newman. West Branch Athletics Director Lynnette Poula contacted each school, but had no takers. Now each of those schools play Class A football, which boasts smaller enrollment than the WB district. Second, perhaps one of the available schools would be willing to play at the UNI-Dome - a neutral field. Of course, that would mean each school having to pay a small fee to use the facility. An estimated $1000. Newman Catholic would have been the logical opponent for a game on the mondoturf, weather controlled, domed stadium field. But, again, they nor anyone else was open to the idea. Third, be faced with a bye week. Obviously, that is what occurred. I do not think it was the case of a team being 'scared' to face the traditionally strong Bears football team. Well, perhaps it was. The aforementioned Newman squad currently sits at 7-0 on the season and ranked number two in the current Iowa Newspaper Association Top 10. OK, it's now back to business for the Bears. Tomorrow night, October 15th, 2010, marks Senior Night for West Branch as it faces Cardinal of Eldon. The Comets enter the game with zero wins on the season, but it's not because they have given up the ship. But, you can rest assured the 15 Bear senior football players will not feel any sympathy for their opponent. In fact, they will have nothing but respect and focus as their guide. Some people feel this game is just a lilypad to momentarily hop on before the final resting pad next Friday against the undefeated and 6th ranked North Cedar Knights. Others feel, due to that, complacency may play a role in a slow start for the Bear offense. Well, complacency or not, the Bears, including their 15 senior football players, will be taking Oliphant Street Field for the final time this year....which will come after a bye week....for the first time since 1989....which was the historical first state championship season....that led to two more championships....and the Bears winning 89 percent of all games played since that season; its 91 percent when you talk about Friday games only....and, a win will earn the Bears at least a share of an astounding 15th conference or district title in the last 21 seasons. Waking up in the fall on a Friday means one thing: it's Bears Day. For many people in the town of West Branch, that is sacred. It is welcomed. It is a rite of passage for young boys growing up in the community. It is building for the next state championship. It is a path many across the state travel, but few have walked where the Bears walk. It also means one more thing: I have plans for Friday night. www.westbranchfootball.com - The Bear Facts