If we don't get back to playing good D,
then the terrorists will have won

The world is a dangerous place. There are men who hate America, who despise everything that we stand for, hijacking airplanes and slamming them into our offices. There's Anthrax showing up in the nation's post offices. And godless men are plotting ways to get their hands on nuclear weapons so they can kill us all. But despite all that, we can't let fear rule our lives. As our leaders say, we must get back to normal.

Our leaders would be pleased to see what's going on around Wahoo. Judging from my daily dealings, I'd say that most of us have heeded this advice. Main Street and the courthouse square look as vibrant as they always did, and undoubtedly people soon will be mowing their lawns every Sunday after church, just like before this horrendous tragedy. BUT ... there are some very important people in my life out there who have yet to answer the president's call. So, Blackshirts -- please listen to me when I say this: If we don't get back to playing good defense, then the terrorists will have won!

Come on, guys. For years, Nebraska has been known for having tenacious defenses that kick some heine first and ask questions later. And before Sept. 11, it was clear that's how things were. Look at the scorelines -- in three games before that horrendous, awful tragedy, that day that the world stopped turning and our lives were irrevocably changed, you gave up a measely 31 points. But golly gee willikers, after Sept. 11 you were a different unit. Did you know that you gave up 31 points in one game against Texas Tech? You guys must know that somewhere, in some mountainous, cavernous hideout, that al-Qaeda's inner circle is just wringing their hands with glee over that.

Guys, I know you're upset about the way you left things last season. It was definitely on a "down note." I know most of this was because you were playing with heavy hearts after Sept. 11. And I know that some of you, at least the fast ones, come from places like Arizona and Georgia and Arkansas. Those places, of course, are all closer to New York than Nebraska, so it's understandable how you must feel. But you've got to keep your heads up and get that old "killer instinct" back. This is a struggle we all must contribute to if we are to win!

If not for your own sakes, then think of the ramifications of your missed tackles and blown coverages. The happiness of so many people in my neighborhood and my community depends upon you, Blackshirts. From Jason Lohr stuffing the run in the middle, to Barrett Ruud shrugging off a play-fake, to Willie Amos stealing the pigskin, you've brought so much joy to our lives. And to our kids' lives, too.

But when things go bad -- for example, those four touchdowns in the first quarter at Boulder or the ones you gave up in the second quarter of the Rose Bowl -- it's just like the terrorists have attacked us all over again. My heart feels that same crushing, black pain that I felt that dark September morn. And when that little delayed draw play works for a big gainer, it's as if our greatest fears have been realized ... and that's exactly how the terrorists want us to feel. 

Our military is doing its job splendidly in our overseas efforts to wipe out terrorism, as Afghanistan now resembles a giant parking lot. This is a very good thing, as it limits the enemy's chances to wage war on us. But I agree with our leaders when they say this battle is far from over, because there are other evil countries out there like Iraq and Iran, though I couldn't tell you the difference between the two.

That's why I support our president 100 percent when he says that Americans should give one year of their lives to public service. I'm going to start with knitting some stocking hats for the little Mexican kids down at the People's City Mission. But for your part, mighty defenders, you should give of yourselves by studying game film for one extra hour each night after practice. To paraphrase John F. Kennedy, this is what you can do for your country.

Someday, we'll finally be able to kill all the people that disagree with us. But until that moment comes, Blackshirts, you're desperately needed right here at home. Your offensive teammates need you. Your university needs you. Your state needs you. And most important of all, your country needs you.

We simply can't let "them" win, whether that means Utah State or the Taliban. So, please, think of your country when I say this: Do not tire. Do not falter. And do not fail.

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Kathi Jo Prochaska is a homemaker and expert kolache maker who also works part time at the Wahoo Pizza Hut. Her column appears monthly.