On our way to the playoffs???

It’s too early for me to be saying that, at least out loud.  I am hopeful.  Yes that will mean practices will continue. The long weeks will continue. But so will the excitement.  Excitement.

I get so worked up for these games. So much so, I fail to check battery life of various electronics.  So imagine my disappointment when I pull out the camcorder and press the power button.  Nothing. Black. It was dead. I missed capturing a great game on film. The team was hot. Elliott had four great tackles.  Three interceptions that were run for touchdowns.  Just amazing.  The final score was 54-0.  I was hoping the other team would score at least but our players did not give them a break.  Now you understand my disappointment.  The weather was rainy, then not, then rainy.  So maybe it was okay that the battery was dead and I missed taping it. I can say, the battery will be charged and I’ll be taping this Saturday’s game.  Count on it.  I intentionally left the camera home because I had the camcorder.  Double disappointment.

Elliott and John went home after the game.  Elliott said he had a headache and he was hit a few places that he did not tell us about until he got home. I was working the concession stand but had to answer the cell a few times. Here I am worrying because he has a headache and then he calls and tells me his hand hurts as well as his leg.   What?  Mom is in worry mode now.  His hand got smashed and was bruised. 

Me: When did that happen? Why did you not tell a coach?

Elliott: It was at the end of the game. So I played the last few minutes.

Is you headache better?

Yes.

You can put some ice on the hand? Can you move your fingers okay?

            Yes and I’ll get the ice.  How long?

5-10 minutes then take it off. Call me later. Did you get hit in the head? How’s your headache.

            No. It’s better.

Does it hurt  at all?

            No.

Okay. Call me later. You had a great game.  Eat some dinner. I love you!

I missed two calls.  I had Olivia call him back and ask him about his headache and hand. He said he was fine.  Meanwhile, I worry and want to go home to check on him.

The third game started and I watched Olivia cheer. I also talked with Elliott a few times.  He called to check on the result of the 9-10 year old game and to see what the score of the current game was. Again, I asked my questions and he assured me he was fine.

Olivia and I arrived home about 9:15 p.m. and settled in for the night. Elliott was fine.  No headache. He ate a good dinner. His hand had a small bruise on it.  He was okay. I relaxed. 

It’s not just my child that sends me into a mother-worry-mode.  One of Olivia’s classmates was hurt on the field during the last game. He was in pain with an injured knee.  They carried him off the field on a stretcher.  I wanted to cry for him.  I wanted to comfort him.  We prayed for him on the way home and he has been in my prayers since Saturday’s game.  I don’t think he’ll be playing any more this year.  Olivia will be able to give me an update tonight.  We have tough kids that play and unfortunately, some get hurt.  Football is a tough sport.  I pray we don’t have any other injuries this season.

Red Nail Polish

Little things that people do, that others may not understand but they have a message.  Saturday I ran around after getting my hair cut, not trimmed, cut. Cut short. I won’t be sporting a ponytail any time soon.  I needed a change and I do like it. I’m still getting used to it but I like it.  I’m thinking I can go a little shorter next time.  So after the hair cut, a quick stop at a craft store and then a quick trip to the grocery store, I was headed home.

I had time to fix lunch, change clothes and paint my toenails.  We had to leave at 2:15 for the high school. Making sure everyone had what they needed, we hit the road.  We live 4-5 miles from the high school so a trip back home wouldn’t have been a major issue.  The sun was out but it was cold.  I wore jeans, thankfully I did not think shorts was a good idea, and my red Panthers t-shirt but the cold wind made me put my jacket  on so my team spirit was yelling from under the jacket.  However, I had my sandals on and my bright red toe nails were visible. I’ll have to invest in a Panthers hooded sweatshirt for next weekend. 

Our first home football game for the youth association.  To say the least, we were excited. Traveling took a day off our weekends and weekends are short enough. On our field, these teams are treated like the jv and varsity. 

 The cheerleaders cheer the football players on as they run through a banner onto the field.

 Getting lined up for their name to be announced.

 Running to the 50-yard line where the coaches wish them luck!

After the teams are presented and the national anthem is sung, 

IT'S TIME TO PLAY FOOTBALL!! 

 Preparing to meet the other team on  the field to review rules and call the coin toss.

 Our guys have awesome jerseys!  Looking great.

Now the game starts!

Once again, Elliott (#25) was one of the three from our team that went out for the coin toss and rule review with the referees and coaches. 

We knew this game was going to be tough. I could have been biting my nails if I wasn’t busy taking pictures and cheering Elliott and his team on.  Yes I am a little hoarse but I love rallying for these boys and girls.  They play hard and take the game seriously!  It was a great game. Once our team understood how the other team played, the Panthers started putting numbers up on the scoreboard. 

We even had an interception!  Incredible!   Of course, I did not have my camera out and ready although I am sure I wouldn't have captured that moment.

Elliott had two major tackles and did a fantastic job blocking so his teammates could run the ball.

Final score, 24-7. Way to play Panthers!

 Closing the game with the other team.  Great game to the Panthers and the Raiders!

Elliott never had a break, I was glad the weather was fall-like, except halftime.  Number 25 we are so proud of all your accomplishments and talent.  Keep honing your skills Elliott as you are a great football player!

After the game, Elliott enjoyed some concession food but was soon surround by cheerleaders. He was not thrilled; however, John was enjoying it.  Elliott begged to go home. John was busy taking pictures of the second game and of Olivia cheering, so Elliott went to sit in the truck until John took him home.  Soon Elliott will be asking us to wait while he stays to talk with the cheerleaders.  The tables will turn but I hope that is years away.  That boy is mine!

While the cheerleaders where showering Elliott with unwanted attention, I was working in the concession stand.  Just another way I can support the youth in our sports program.  It is fun and I meet other parents that way and the time goes by fast. 

Third game started and I am back in the stands with the camera. Olivia was right in front of me so I clicked, clicked and clicked.  It was cold and dark so she shivered some and cheered under the lights. She said she liked cheering under the lights.  Her squad did a great job and looked pretty good.  I am so proud of her and am glad she is enjoying cheer.  On the flip side, the football players she is cheering for will be looking to spend time with her soon.  We’ll be busy gathering and driving our children home right after the fall sporting events.  

Elliott’s team is the only team that won Saturday.   They broke the other teams winning record and that game put us in the division lead.  We can only hope they continue to play and win games. The road to the super bowl playoff is interesting.  I’ll have to start decorating cookies again!    

Olivia was busy during the games as well.  She runs around with friends during Elliott's game and eats.  She is a regular at the concession stands - home or away!  Then she helped make the banner for the 11-12 year old team.  Off to change into her uniform as they cheer the second half of the second game and the whole third game.  That is a long time spent standing in the cold and cheering.  She enjoys it though and she did a great job!  She looks beautiful.

 Getting ready for the cheer call.

Cheering but to be honest, I know she has a much louder voice!  

They have a huge squad but the looked good. See the Panther cheering with them?

 Up front and cheering! We love you Olivia. So happy to see you enjoying yourself and doing a wonderful job!

It’s all about supporting your team and we have great teams to support. Wonderful, talented youth!

Now you understand the red nail polish and cold toes!