Prescott eNews

Today is the biggest day of the year for television ratings and many Americans even think it should be considered a national holiday. But you don't really have to understand the rules of the game to be a true football fan on Superbowl Sunday.

I have many fond memories of Superbowl games over the years. My entire family watches the game in earnest, and my sister Denise won't even consider leaving the house when her favorite teams are playing or the big day of the year, Superbowl Sunday, has arrived. But to tell you the truth, I just don't seem to get the sport.

Yet, once again, I find myself writing about it.

"Millette!" I remember hearing the old-school Daily Courier editor Jim Garner bellowing across the newsroom years ago when I worked there as a reporter and features editor. "Uh, oh, I think I crossed the line again," I thought. Garner had assigned each reporter to find a local angle on the Superbowl game and I stuck with what I know: How to organize and prepare for a festive party that everyone will remember. After all, they teach reporters in J-school to write about what they know and sports are not exactly my area of expertise.

So, I focused on the human element of the event, which brings together Americans from all walks of life to celebrate with a major gathering. Food and drinks must be exactly perfect and believe it or not, there's an art to putting together the proper spread and knowing how to be a gracious host. This includes knowing how to identify when guests have had too many libations and gently prodding them to switch their beverage of choice to something non-alcoholic, finding them a safe ride home or tucking them into a cozy bed in the spare room.

My Superbowl food section that year was filled with recipes for appropriate football fare, tips like the one above and techniques for saving money when preparing for the big day.

Garner wasn't exactly pleased about the angle I took, bless his soul, but the chilling glare he gave me, with a raised eyebrow, warmed up to a glow and he offered words of praise for the unusual coverage after public response to my food column and accompanying stories started rolling in.

Now, I've learned a thing or two in the past 15 or so years since that time. But I still believe my professors at ASU's Walter Cronkite School of Journalism and Telecommunications were right when warning up-and-coming reporters to stick with what they know.

My knowledge of football has broadened over the years but still lacks a technical sports perspective. But that's OK because there are a number of people who also appreciate the game from a different perspective.

Take my friend, Beth, for example. She says she can enjoy the game while her husband, Mike, and my beau, Tai, are glued to the set. "Tight ends, scoring, I get it," she says, "That's my favorite part of watching football! Well, besides eating all the snacks."

Hot wings, cheese and crackers, a log of hickory smoked sausage, a fresh veggie tray and pistachios are key to enjoying the sport, she says. And she's right. Keep it simple! I might not know much about the rules of the game but I do know nuevo-football tail-gate tidbits touted on some top foodie websites, in magazines and on the Food Network are not what football fans consider to be the fare of choice.

"You barbecue brats, and burgers," adds Mike. "Who wants to eat that fancy stuff they're saying football lovers want? It's got to be simple finger food so you're not distracted while watching the game."

Football is a real sport that demands real, rib-sticking food.

Keep this in mind, ladies, and you'll "score" a true "touchdown" with those you're enjoying the game with. The last thing you want to do today is distract the football fanatics in your home from their focus. Another bit of advice: Refrain from turning the channel, even for a moment, and especially during commercials. After all, the commercials are an important part of Superbowl Sunday and offer some of the top amusement during the game. Besides, you're sure to kill the festive atmosphere if you make this mortal mistake.

Another major no-no is talking during the big showdown. Sometimes this is unavoidable but be prepared for the wrath that comes with it.

"It's getting close to sacks," one commentator announced when the four of us were gathered for play-offs. "Does that mean it's time to go shopping soon?" I asked Beth, launching a discussion about Sachs Fifth Avenue and giggling between the two of us. "Girls!" we were warned, in unison from the guys. "Not during the game, pleeeease."

That may have slowed us down, but of course it didn't stop us.

A few moments later, the commentator catches our attention when he announces,"But it's no problem, he's going through the change again. "That's too bad," Beth says. "Those hot flashes can be brutal." We can't contain ourselves. Beth and I are in stitches, again. The glares from the guys follow.

"What's so funny?" Mike asks. "They always change plays in the call."

We do our best to compose ourselves; having no clue what he's talking about but trying to show a little reverence.

I tried to score some points acting like I knew a little something about the Bengals, when Beth (also attempting to be interested in the game to earn back the guys' respect) asked "Who made that play?" "That was Ochocinco," I answered with confidence. "I thought you didn't know anything about football?" queried Mike, as he stared at me with amazement. That's where my college Spanish classes paid off! The guy was wearing number 85 on the back of his jersey. Got to pay attention to details!

Another detail worth noticing is the fact that football is not about pushing and shoving, pounding each other on the field, gnashing teeth and hollering at the referees. These beefy, macho, athletes are a sensitive bunch with tender hearts. You can tell by the way they pat each other on the behinds; sink their heads into each others' shoulders for consolence; and sit on the sidelines with their faces sunk into clasped hands, tears streaming down their cheeks, when they've botched a play or one of their teammates has experienced a misfortune.

The most moving display of heart during these games, though, is the patriotism and pride these players exude. It's obvious they are proud to be the principal contributors to the great American pastime when they grip their helmets tight over their hearts while the national anthem is sung.

This is the moment that most everyone gathered around the tube for the big game, whether they understand the game of football or not, unites in an appreciation for the sport.

It is the time we should use to reflect on how fortunate we are to have the freedom to gather in homes, at public places where the Superbowl game is tuned in on big-screen TV's or at the Sun Life Stadium in Miami, Florida, where the game is being played today.

It is a time to remember those who are fighting for our freedom overseas so we can continue to have the freedom to enjoy the game, however we so choose.

(This column is dedicated to Jim Garner, who served as a beacon for this community with fair and objective news coverage. He taught many reporters during his reign the significance of accuracy, spelling, grammar, punctuation, AP style - but most of all, journalistic ethics and "getting it right!")