Blue Devils Forever!

I can hardly believe that I'm posting this, but the football season is over. It seems like just yesterday that we were out roasting in the August heat five nights a week and now suddenly...poof...we're done. Football has come to be a major part of our family life and I have no idea what we will do with all of our free time. The season did not end perfectly. The Bearcats defeated our team 12-8 in a great, well-played game. But perfection is the enemy of good-enough and the season was so much more than good-enough. Here are some highlights of the championship game which was played on the field at Broad Run High School with an announcer.

Running onto the field....#18-CONNOR TATE!!

Game Face

Pre-game prep and motivational speech from Coach

These next four shots I pulled from around 20 consecutive pics of one play where Connor was right in the mix.  So much of this game was a defensive battle--slowing them down and not letting them gain ground.

Connor is #18.  This is the beginning of the play.  Notice where he and his teammates
are vis a vis the fence and spectators.

Holding his ground in a crowd.

Refusing to move backward so the only choice is down.

At the bottom of the pile.  The play ended and and the Blue Devils didn't give up an inch. 

Congrats from Dad

Pumped up!  Still time on the clock.

The final score has been determined and there is sadness all around.

Award ceremony on the field after the game.  Connor receiving his medal.

Listening to Coach for the last time with tears.

If you think about all of the pieces that need to come together to have 18 boys, their families and their coaches, come together for an all around great season, its overwhelming.  Along with very committed parents whom clearly make their kids their priority, we had everything you need to have a great time at football:

There were four great coaches with a full range of follicular activity!  Each of them had their own strengths and styles and ways to approach the boys.  Chemistry is everything.

There were tough practices.

There was a committed mascot.  Kudos to Ken Barker for totally busting it out.  The boys loved it.

There were cheerleaders and shirtless fans.

And there was a good amount of recruiting for the future. 

Congratulations to the Blue Devils and to my player, Connor.   I wasn't so sure about this football thing, but I'm totally on board now.  GO BLUE DEVILS!!