The Journey Of A Raindrop--By Connor Tate

Pumpkin Time

We had a great morning at Wegmeyer's farm in Hamilton. Its become an annual tradition. I love it there because its not a big commercial operation. Just a family farm with a great sunny hillside of pumpkins, a maze, and a hayride. Perfect.

Blue Devil-A Post From Dad

Connor is in his 2nd year of playing tackle football and is really starting to "get it".  Last year, his first season, he was mostly a fill in on defensive line and started several games towards the end of the season due to his speed.  This season, he is 1 of 5 returning players and our coach was really counting on those five to be 2-way starters and be leaders on the team.

Connor was given a try to be the fullback on the team but he hesitated too much when running the ball.  After that, moving him to tight end was a natural fit since Connor is quick and strong and has really good hands even though we do not throw the ball much.

Defensively, the D coach wanted to try him at linebacker, again mostly due to his speed, but again, with no experience he hesitated too much reading a play.  REVELATION TIME! During our first scrimmage, the D coach moved him to defensive end to give the starter a break for a few plays and WHOA NELLY, he had a couple of tackles for loss and a sack and found himself a position (the other side end) he is now excelling at. 

The Blue Devils defense has only given up 2 TDs so far this season through 7 games.  They are also the dominant offensive team in the league making them 7-0 heading into the playoffs.  He does get to run the ball sometimes as a backup runner and he runs much harder than he used to.

I get on him much more than I probably should about some of his play, but it is only because I see so much potential in him to be VERY good at most sports.  Hopefully that will develop in the coming years and I can be a much more relaxed father on the sidelines. :-)  I am very proud of my football player and the progress he has made. His little brother is also happy with big brother as he gets to tackle him and some of the other kids on the team every now and then.

Chiquitas

Had a lovely afternoon today at 868 Vinyards in Purcellville for Sharon's birthday.   Grown ups drank wine and kids ran around.  Perfection.  Happy Birthday to my dear, dear friend.  I don't know what  would do without you and I hope you have a fantastic year.

Pink Out

Today was Ashburn Youth Football League's PINK OUT for breast cancer awareness.  They held pink lemonade sales and accepted donations for the wife of an AYFL coach who is currently suffering with Stage IV metastatic breast cancer.  It totally makes you stop and think. 

Not that you want to.

What would I do to keep getting bitten by this little monster? 

How would I feel knowing I might never get to see this again?

And what if this was the only parent he had to kiss him back?

Peace to all who are sadly touched by this devastation.  I wish and hope for you all the best of life.

Injury!

First official time the team has had to take a knee for Connor.  Smashed right elbow.  He's fine but he got a nice artificial turf burn right through that shirt.  Blue Devils still undefeated and once again Connor got to carry the ball and got some nice yardage.  

Tailwind

This week Connor got to play tailback...and that means he got to carry the ball. It was super cool and super exciting. He got hit hard and he was fine with it.