Early kickoff

I was among the six media types in attendance for Thursday's Class AAA Big Seven Football Conference Media Day at lovely Cedarbrook Golf Club in Belle Vernon.

The event, organized by Ringgold athletic director Lloyd Price, qualified as a success in my opinion. It afforded the opportunity to speak with Trinity coach Ed Dalton and Ringgold coach Jeff Petrucci without having to place a phone call or make two trips. It also gave me an opportunity to acquaint myself with conference coaches outside the coverage area.

Possibly the most interesting happening at the media day occurred moments after the media was invited inside to join the coaches and athletic directors in attendance.

Brian Herman, sports editor at the Valley Independent and a man who has the lockdown on all things Mon Valley, challenged the Big Seven to start its varsity football games Friday nights at 7 p.m. instead of the normal starting time of 7:30 p.m.

At first, most balked at the idea but as Herman continued his argument, Price said it would be discussed at the next Big Seven meeting.

So what do you think of a 7 p.m. start?

From my point of view, it would be tremendous.

Not only would it help newspapers in terms of deadlines, it helps players get home at a better hour. Let's face it, the under two-hour high school game is in the past. Over the last two years, I have not covered one game which ended before 10 p.m.

There's pluses and minuses on both sides of the argument. Let's hear what you think.