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Falling leaves, lettermens sweaters, and cheerleaders. Thats still high school football in many places. However, in many others, it has turned into a much, much bigger deal. Students and parents see the sport as a springboard to a scholarship or even a pro career. Specialization in coaching, increases in budgets, and more pressure to win have changed the game. New emphasis on player safety is also playing a big role. A veteran sports journalists looks around the landscape to examine the state of high school football . . . and what might be next for the game. Professional football is clearly the most popular and successful sports league in American history. Rather than focus on the star players or big games, this series takes a broader, deeper look at the sport off the field.