The Southwest Voice

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Local gearheads should be stoked after the announcement that Stockdale High School grad Casey Mears has landed a spot with the Richard Childress Racing team. Mears’ contract with Hendrick Racing will be terminated at the end of this racing season. The nephew of racing legend Rick Mears will be joining Bako boy Kevin Harvick on the Childress team, and the hopes here are that the “left-turn” circuit will witness an upturn in Casey’s performance as he drafts off of Kevin’s experience. This is exciting and speaks well of our city’s proud stock car history. Now, if we can just get that track at I-5 and Enos Lane to start burnin’ rubber!

It’s a man’s game and it takes a man to play the game. And there is a man by the name of Manning riding the helm for Super Bowl Champions, the New York Giants. But the toughest man of them all — now vying for a position as a backup quarterback to “the man” at the position — is former quarterback for both Stockdale High and Fresno State, and former No. 1 NFL draft pick David Carr. The unfortunate reason Carr is the toughest guy out there is that he was relentlessly pummeled as quarterback of the Houston Texans for five seasons and came out of it all relatively unscathed. David fought Goliath every Sunday and more times than not came out battered and beaten as he was sacked 262 times while with the Texans and the Carolina Panthers. He was collared a record 76 times during his rookie season (ouch!). Sporting a tremendous attitude and positive outlook his hopes are high to win a coveted backup position with the champs as they embark on the defense of their crown. He reminds one of a boxer who keeps getting up off of the mat. We’re in your corner for you David!

 Prep football is right around the corner. Friday nights are a delight for all as the weekend has finally arrived. Kids are gathering with their friends, cheerleaders are dolling up and the boys are putting on the pads to do battle for their school’s honor. Start your weekend off by going out and supporting your alma mater. And if your alma mater is not in the vicinity, hop over to the nearest stadium where you see Friday night lights and support a team. It may be a welcomed journey into the past!