Sideline Spotlight: Nolensville Ball Crew

One of the most important but often overlooked jobs on Friday nights is keeping the football moving back and forth from the sidelines to the officials. The Nolensville High School Ball Crew takes that responsibility seriously, doing an outstanding job each week to help the game run smoothly and stay on schedule.

Harrison Vassar (11), Wyatt Stewart (11), and Reese Hudson (12) have been serving as Nolensville’s Ball Boys for several years. They look forward to each Friday night, knowing they’ll be right in the middle of the action—working alongside players
and officials.

When asked why they wanted to be part of the crew, all three gave similar answers: it’s fun to run up and down the field, burn off energy, and have a front-row seat for every game. Their job requires focus and quick reactions, as they have to be ready at all times to get the ball back to the officials after incomplete passes, turnovers, kickoffs, and more. The officials stay in constant communication with them throughout the game.

When asked about working with the officials, the boys laughed and agreed it’s best when the refs aren’t too strict. Of course, being on the sideline also comes with its risks. Fast-moving plays sometimes end up right where they’re standing, and they’ve even had a few collisions with players.

Still, the excitement makes it worth it. Their favorite part? “Being close to the players, getting to throw the ball in, and seeing all your friends from school.” Looking ahead, all three hope to one day suit up for the Knights themselves—dreaming of playing positions like receiver, cornerback, safety, or right guard.

So, the next time you’re at a Nolensville game, keep an eye out for Harrison, Wyatt, and Reese. These middle schoolers play a vital role every week in keeping the game running smoothly—and they do it with energy, pride, and a love for the sport. Thank you, boys, for your hard work!