If you ever played football in high school or college, chances are you miss it. I know I do.

I also know I’m not alone. I see the dads in the stands on Friday nights, watching with pride as their sons play on the same field they did, sometimes wearing the same number they did. I see their pride, but I see something else.

They miss it. If they could, I’ll bet a bunch of those dads would suit up in a heartbeat to teach those young ‘uns a thing or two about how football is really played.

Not just dads either. Friday night stands are full of alumni back to watch their younger friends finish their high school careers. A lot of these guys boast loudly of their accomplishments on the field and how things would be different if they still played. Some ex-players sit and watch, a little sad. The desire of both groups to be back on the field is nearly palatable.

It’s not like competition and athletics end after high school. A few people play football or other sports in college. There are also adult recreation leagues for many sports, including basketball, softball, soccer, bowling — everything but football.

Oh sure, there’s always flag football. But to me, that’s the equivalent of a backyard game of horse compared to a five-on-five refereed basketball game.

The basic rules are the same, and a football is indeed used, but it’s just not the same.

Especially for us big boys. Flag football is a game for quarterbacks and receivers. Speed is a player’s most valuable attribute, and strength is pretty much useless. Linemen — though an integral part of a real football team — are unnecessary in flag football.

I know there are plenty of people who play &uot;real&uot; tackle football on weekends in their back yards. They play with no pads, few designed plays and the game usually ends with an injury serious enough to stop play for that particular day. While I’ve certainly played in my share of these games (and had my share of sprained ankles, bloodied noses and chipped teeth), this isn’t the game I remember from high school and college, either.

I guess I’m just wondering why an organized adult football league has never been tried. I’m talking about a league with organized teams, pads and helmets, rules and referees, practices and games.

Obviously the practices would take up a lot of time, but I don’t think it would be any more of a time constraint than other organized recreational leagues.

The cost of modern football equipment would be a deterrent to many. However, there are several used sporting goods stores that have everything a player needs. Also, an entire team could by equipment in bulk, further reducing costs.

I had several friends play in adult hockey leagues when I lived up North. Hockey requires more padding and equipment than football, and most of it costs more, but their teams never lacked for players.

I guess the main concern for most people, then, would be injuries. Does a 38-year-old would-be running back really need to take repeated hits from 300-pound would-be defensive tackles?

I say that’s up to the 38-year-old. Many professional football players are still playing at that age, and I promise they take harder hits than anything they’d see on a field around here.

Maybe this is a dumb idea. I certainly don’t have the time or initiative to organize any such league.

But if anyone does, I know a pretty good offensive lineman who will be happy to sign up.

Nick Adams is sports editor at The Democrat. He can be reached at (601) 445-3632, or by e-mail at nick.adams@natchezdemocrat.com.