All across America, people are traveling this weekend to visit with family, eat too much food, and take stock of what they’re thankful for.
A circumstance of a Division III football program playing in the second round of the playoffs is that beyond the meal, and watching football that day, practice and scouting still must take place.
That’s where fourth-ranked UW-La Crosse (10-1) finds itself for the second time in three years, creating its own traditions — something that’s not lost on coach Matt Janus — as the Eagles get set to hosts No. 12 Aurora (11-0) at noon Saturday.
“I think that’s just so special,” Janus said. “I think that’s exactly what the expectations of this football program have become, and you try and enjoy every minute you get with these guys.”
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Janus added that he he also realizes it’s not easy for families not having their sons at the dinner table.
“At the same time what this group has done, and what they’re doing is so special,” Janus said. “I think sitting down at dinner together and seeing them interact, it’ll be a moment they remember the rest of their lives.”
Janus says they’ll have a big Thanksgiving meal, along with their normal pregame meal as a team on Friday night.