Fantasy football scores a touchdown with fans

Fantasy football has become increasingly popular on sports websites.

No work, no school, no worries. Grab some snacks, a couple of friends and a comfy couch. It is finally football season. Thirty two teams started an annual power struggle for glory from their fans; and with football season comes fantasy football.

Sundays are usually one of the most carefree days of the week. But in the past, Sunday has become more than just a weekend day; it has become a symbol for the great American game of football. People stay home in front of the television for hours watching games they may not even care about. Why? Because it is football; it is as American as apple pie.

Presently, a more interactive version of watching football has become popular in high schools across the nation. Free fantasy football is on the rise.

This fantasy football phenomenon has gained the attention of many students, but this craze is not brand new.

“I’ve being doing fantasy football for, like, three years,” junior Ben Butler said.

Student leagues are widely popular because of competition with friends, but they are not the only ones who join in the fall trend. Teachers are also in leagues, and the stakes for them are not just bragging rights.

“For our league, there is a $50 buy-in, so the winner gets $400,” JV football coach Matthew Miles said.

These buy-in leagues get very competitive, but the free ones can be pretty aggressive as well.

“My league is as competitive as professional ping-pong,” freshman John MacDonald said.

Along with taking up time on the computer, fantasy football is one of the most talked about things in the halls.

“It starts to get a little annoying because it’s all that [my friends] talk about, but it is relatable since I play, too,” junior Faris Sakallah said.

Fantasy football draws in more than just fans of football; anyone who wants to be competitive can play.

“It is a fun activity to do with friends,” sophomore Carter Webb said. “It’s a nice conversation topic, and it makes me feel like I’m a real manager of a team.”

Winners can brag to their friends about who they have on their team and how no one expected them to do well.

“I like that feeling of being a coach controlling the players as Caesar would lead his troops to battle,” sophomore Rohit Baskar said.

fantasy, football, fun, internet, online, Sports, students, teachers Issue 1, Print, Sports