Introduction

Texas is as diverse as it is big.  From coastal beaches, the Piney Woods in the east, the hill country, to the mountains out west, or vast miles of open space in the Panhandle.  Texas has some of the largest cities in America where skyscrapers reach high towards the heavens and tiny rural towns where everybody knows your name and your business.  Texas is a melting pot of different people, proud of their cultures and heritage.  A lot of different sports are played in Texas (baseball, basketball, soccer) and we eat a wide variety of foods (chicken fried steak and hot dogs, enchiladas and tacos).  But no matter where people live, no matter where they are from, the two things Texans are the most passionate about are football and barbeque.  We might not have invented either one, but we damn well think we play it and cook it better than anybody else.

How many times have you driven down the highway on an autumn Friday night and seen the lights shining down on some stadium?  Maybe heard the roar of the crowd as somebody’s kid made a dazzling run, somebody’s brother made the game winning tackle?  How many times have you driven past some joint with the windows rolled down and sniffed the sweet scent of BBQ being cooked?  The smell so good your mouth starts to water.

This blog is an attempt to bring these two great passions together.  I plan on putting a few miles on the minivan driving around central Texas this fall, sampling some of each.  Just like that little cut of brisket they tease you with as you place your order, I hope to give the reader a small taste of what Texas barbeque and high school football are all about.  So climb into the van with me and buckle up.  Let’s go for a ride.