'); } -->
A few decades ago a high school football coach in Western Kentucky feigned a heart attack just before halftime of a big game, and an ambulance whisked him off to a hospital. Just as the coach hoped, his players rallied in the second half to win for their fallen leader. (I can't remember whether the coach was fired for his reprehensible ploy.)
At last count, I've had 17 coaches tell me they have a legitimate Mr. Football candidate (or two) this season. I'd guess that 117 other coaches think they've got a senior player deserving of consideration, too.