I grew up believing whether our PN-G team was 9-0 or 0-9, that 10th game was going to be packed from beginning to end. I'm not seeing this at all. Or is that just folklore?
I grew up going to PNG football games. I really can't remember when I started going to the games. I was young. I don't think I had even started school when my parents began dragging me along. It became engrained in my soul that in the fall, on Friday nights you just go to see PNG. It doesnt matter where we are playing, you just go. You yell and scream and holler when something good happens or even when you just WANT something good to happen. No matter what does happen you ALWAYS stand and clap for Cherokee (unless you physically can't) and above all, WIN LOSE OR DRAW you STAY until the end! whether it is bitter or sweet you just stay!
That being said I can tell from first hand experience that even during the "glory" days not all PNG fans heeded these few simple rules. I can remember my parents being flat out pissed off when people would leave early because we were going to lose the game. So I know that has always happened. I can not remember any discussions about the crowd not being into it enough though. To try and address your post I quoted above, there are an aweful lot of us in the Indian Nation that will be there the last game of a really bad season, but there are those that arent as dedicated as those of us who truly do bleed purple. So I would say no it is not folklore. We have many more fans and much better fans than any program I know of in HS football, but we are not without some issues. Especially from some who may live here but haven't "drank the kool aid" so to speak.
I will say that this season has seemed a little strange to me in the stands. I would even say it started in San Antonio at the GP game. As fans I believe we have been flat. I just think there was SOOOO much excitement last year in so many games its almost like we are waiting for that same thing before everybody gets into it. Also last year as the season progressed we were one win better each week. that gave the fan base more confidence we would come out on top. This year I believe the confidence of many has been broken so they dont want to yell only to be let down.
I guess I would rather be let down after yelling than to let the kids down first by not yelling.
Sorry about the long confusing post. Its late and I am tired.