Protime’s Pigskin Ponderings – Water Filter Mayhem and High School Marching Bands

Tagged under: News, pfn, Protime Predictions

Phil Myers | October 8, 2026

It may surprise all of Protime’s faithful followers out there, but Protime and water were not made for each other.  Now Protime likes to drink water and he does take the occasional bath, but other than that it’s a disaster.  Protime is not what you’d call a fish in the water.  He’s more like an anchor.  He went water skiing one time and two weight lifters could not pry his hands off the boat to get him into the water.  And Protime had on 2 life jackets.

Protime has been fidgeting with his landscaping for 40 years trying to keep water from seeping through his basement blocks.  He cannot tell you all the things he’s done.  As of the past few years, no water.  Protime is calling it a victory.  For now.  

Protime’s roof leaked off and on for about 35 years, in different places and not at the same time.  Even his upstairs walls got wet every now and again.  Since he and the lovely Mrs. P had metal fastened to the old shingles, voila, another ‘W’ in the books.  The metal roof seems to have done the trick.

But, his new problem is the water filter for the incoming water pipe.  He tries to go every 6 months depending on how dark the water is getting before changing the filter.  It is an adventure every single time he changes it.  First of all, it is a bear getting the plastic filter holder thing off.  Then there is screwing it back on correctly, getting it tight enough, or having the rubber ring/gasket not in place or worn out.  One time everything started to leak and he had to get a whole new contraption thingy.

Protime wants to dispense the water theatrics and move on to high school football or actually high school marching bands.  They are part of the aura of a high school football game and he appreciates every band and the time those students, majorettes, baton twirlers, and flag girls put into it.  Don’t forget the directors either who spend so much time trying to get things just right.

Protime has been pondering some of his all-time favorites and he is going to mention them.  Now, all you fans out there do not despair as Protime has not seen every single high school band.  He’s seen approximately 400 different high school bands.  So, if you consider yours an excellent band don’t be afraid to chime in if it is not mentioned.  That way Protime will make a note (not a musical one) and try to get to your hometown to see that marching band.

In alphabetical order, here are the bands that have made a grand impression on Protime’s eyes and ears as far as memory can serve him.  Big schools with a big impression made are Bethlehem Liberty, Easton, North Allegheny, Pine-Richland, St. College, Strath Haven, and Valdosta, GA.

The Liberty High School Grenadier Band has played and toured in the United Kingdom, Hollywood, Hawaii, Walt Disney World, and the Tournament of Roses Parade in Pasadena.  They are the only band Protime has ever seen that incorporates bagpipes into the show.

The Easton Area High School Red Rover Marching Band aka. “The Beast of the East’ played in the Sugar Bowl Parade (last year) where they were named best band, NYC’s St. Patrick’s Day Parade, the 2005 Presidential Inauguration, Walt Disney World, the Rose Bowl Parade, and many other bowl games.

The North Allegheny Tiger Marching Band, made up of almost 300 members, has marched in Canada and Europe, The Tournament of Roses parade, Chicago, and the St. Patrick’s Day Parade in New York to name a few.

The Pine-Richland High School Marching Band has gone to Walt Disney World, the New York Tartan Day Parade, Norfolk, and Orlando.

The State High Little Lion Marching Band traditionally stays home and plays in local and regional events.  They are celebrating their 100th anniversary this Friday.  The 240 member band will be joined by over 200 band alumni to play 4 popular selections from over the years.  If you live in the State College area, go out and see them.  It will be worthwhile.

The Panther Marching Band of Strath Haven plays mostly near their community also, but has played at Walt Disney World.  They are a favorite at halftime of Philadelphia Eagle games at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia. 

The Valdosta High School Marching Cats have played in various venues all over Georgia, but have played at the Mardi Gras in New Orleans, and are scheduled to march in the 2028 Rose Bowl Parade.

Small schools that have made an impression include: Hickory, Jersey Shore, Southern Columbia, and West Branch.  Again, Protime loves to hear every band if he can.  These bands made the biggest impression the time or times Protime saw and heard them play at a football game he was covering. 

Protime liked what Pocono Mountain East did when Easton came to visit last week.  PM East played their program before the game and it was very good.  That allowed Easton’s Red Rover Marching Band, also known as ‘The Beast of the East’ to have the entire halftime show.  And what an impressive show it was with approximately 340 members.

Well, that’s it for this week.  Thanks again for reading what Protime was pondering.  He suggests going out and supporting your local band and seeing one of these bands mentioned above if you get the chance someday.