I got to shoot the IHSA Class 2A state final game at Memorial Stadium last weekend. I used to enjoy shooting state football... I actually used to shoot all eight games over the two-day event for the Associated Press before they stopped paying freelancers to cover high-school events.

In previous years photographers have used the photo tent, a vinyl tent under the horseshoe bleachers. Sometimes it has heat, sometimes it doesn't... but it had power, lights and it was right off the field. This year the IHSA provided a place (a ledge with room for four people) for photographers to use in the press box. While the idea of working from the new press box sounds nice, with heat and snacks and comfortable seats, it doesn't work out well for the photographers. If I was a reporter I'd have no complaints... other than the fact that I was a sports reporter.

Usually at halftime, which lasts 15 minutes, I download my cards from the first half, edit a few of my favorites and send them in to the paper's network. I can usually squeeze 6-10 photos out before the start of the second half. This year it took six minutes to get to the press box and another five to get back down to the field. That leaves four minutes to work, which gives my work computer just about enough time to log in. Sweet.

Oh well... I got to watch a group of kids play their heart out. Unfortunately for them the other team was bigger and faster.

Here are a few of my favorites from the game...

At halftime I got my last chance of the year to get my fix of marching band hats...

During the second half I focused more on sideline and fan stuff... there were a few big plays thrown in too.

The Immaculate Conception team had a girl kicker, Olivia Vatch. She kicked an extra point during the game and became the first female player to score in a state title game. I have a so-so shot of her kicking, but thought the female-male contrast was an easier read without the helmet.

The Casey-Westfield fans stood and cheered for the team after the game was over. It was nice to see a community support their team even after a bad game... these are the moments that get me all warm and fuzzy inside.

I liked the way the television camera lights were falling on the quarterback during an interview in one of the pressbox hallways after the post-game press conference.

• Casey keeps up for a second (Herald & Review)