It started — technically — last May. That’s when numerous area high school football programs gathered for spring practice. That activity launched a hectic stretch of preparation, including a blitz of visits — during the blistering days of summer — to the weightroom, team camps, individual camps, passing leagues and personal preparation. In early August, the preseason practice sessions got underway. Then, the season. Now — for all teams in the E-E area coverage — its done. What an explosive campaign. Dewey hammering Vinita, 62-6; Bartlesville going off for 93 points in back-to-back wins; and Barnsdall clinching a playoff spot with a 52-23 rout of Foyil. In the end, five of the 10 area teams went to the playoffs — Wesleyan Christian, Dewey, Caney Valley (Kan.), Barnsdall and Nowata. Not a bad percentage. Although the Bartlesville Bruins just missed out on the postseason, their season should be measured by the yardstick of how they conquered adversity. For one thing, they bore two tons worth of expectations on their shoulders, coming off the previous season’s great showing (10-2). Early this year, the Bruins lost for a few games their first-year starting quarterback and suffered other major personnel losses. And, they struggled with mistakes. But, they kept clawing up until the final whistle. Congratulations to all the teams for a job very well done.