: Which wood species would be better to use in the "football" area so
: when {not if) you get a crack or scratch to the wood, the discoloration
: would be minimized? I suppose ebony would be great but...

Glass should largely protect you.

You want to notice any damage or wetness to the wood as soon as possible so rot can't start. Not that it's likely, but if you do get a scratch through the glass and into wood, it needs to be noticed and fixed.

Shawn