Nothing matches the pageantry and tradition of Texas high school football.  NBC’s developed a hit television series based on the Friday night event and recently ESPN.com awarded Texas the #1 seed in their tournament to determine what state has the best prep school pigskin.

The way an entire town can come together in support of their city’s representative is something special, but why?  Sure, in Texas we’re spoiled by amazing players and programs making what happens on the field great, but there’s something more.  What makes the high school football game experience so incredible?

It’s the 4th and 5th graders showing off their pee-wee football jerseys as they loiter near the concession stand.  It’s the 75-year old man who’s had season tickets for 56 years.  It’s the mothers proudly displaying their kid’s picture in the button pinned to their shirt.  It’s the “Beat the Bears” banners hung all over the stadium because the cheerleaders spent countless hours making them that week.  It’s the drill teams worried more about their hair than the scoreboard.  And it’s the band establishing the environment with the same 3 songs set on repeat.

If you’re like me, it’s been way too long since you’ve been to a high school football game (even though you vow to change that every fall).  Well, as an attempt to ensure that the mood is effectively set, I give you my

Top 5 HS football band songs

(in no particular order)

Hey Song - The words are simple and every band plays it.  It’s a staple.

Imperial March - No song says “DEFENSE” better than Darth Vader’s theme.

March Grandioso - Many high school bands play it.  None of them sound like UT’s band, but this song is synonymous with Texas football.

Land of 1000 Dances - I don’t know why it’s so popular but upon entering the stadium it’s as guaranteed as the cricket infestation in October.

Hey Baby - Not my favorite because it encourages public singing but it sure feels good when your team’s on top…not so much on the other side of the scoreboard.