Thursday, October 23, 2008

From Snap to Whistle

I've talked to you before about what I think football does for my boys. No matter how their seasons turn out, my stance on that doesn't change. I still believe in the goodness of the sport.

Jock has been playing now for several years. When we got to the high school level, it became something more than just a game. It had morphed into a way to define himself. The sense of pride that came with being able to say that he played on the high school team was indescribable.

We (notice the use of "we" here, like I was on the team with him or something) went undefeated our freshman year last year. That was amazing, as it was the first time the freshman team had done that in more years than anyone could remember. The freshmen were also the only team at the school to do that last year. JV couldn't do it. Varsity didn't achieve that goal, either. It was amazing to see how that one fact, the fact of being the only team to go undefeated, built these boys up to a level of self-confidence not often seen in 14 year old boys.

This season was their second year together. You could see that they had gotten accustomed to playing with each other; they were able to work together seamlessly. Each game showcased just a little more talent, and a lot more heart from a group of boys who didn't seem to know how to NOT give everything they had to that field. Week after week, game after game. And you know what?

This is what we ended up with:

And this is what UNDEFEATED looks like in a group:


And this? This is how UNDEFEATED FOR TWO STRAIGHT SEASONS looks on a 15 year old:


I think UNDEFEATED looks pretty darn good. I think UNDEFEATED FOR TWO STRAIGHT SEASONS looks even better. Tired, yes. Sweaty, certainly. (And believe me when I tell you that nothing, NOTHING, smells quite like Just-Stepped-Out-Of-The-Locker-Room boy. I alternately loathe that smell, and love it. It is beyond a doubt a smell I will mourn when both of them have left my little nest.)



But it is unarguably one of my favorite looks on these boys.




PhotoStory Friday
Hosted by Cecily and MamaGeek

15 comments:

tiarastantrums said...

GREAT!!! PSF!!

Killlashandra said...

Being undefeated that lone really is amazing. Great coaching and great kids I'm sure. Good for him. :)

Cecily R said...

WAy to go Jock (and Jock's team)!!! That is so awesome!

I bet you were cheering like a crazy person at that last game!!!

MamaGeek @ Works For Us said...

Woot woot! Now THAT is very cool! Quite the accomplishment!

Deb said...

it's nice when they find something they love, isn't it?

Weeksie50 said...

Aw, boys and there games..
You gotta love it..

Susie said...

WOW Jock! Good for you and your team! Can't wait to see what's next!
Great job mom, and at least you'll always have your blog to reminesce when they leave the nest.
OK, I have to ask though--is that boy not the cutest darn high school on the planet? HOLY COW!

Laski said...

I agree. Undefeated totally looks awesome.

Man, I remember being undefeated. One of the best feelings ever.

Congrats to him . . . to you! The prides that you've got to be feeling.

Awesome.

Karen said...

I agree - it's a good look on him.

Kidzmama said...

What an accomplishment! Amazing. And those pics are great. You need to put one up of coach too.

Rockin Austin said...

Dude...as one of your oldest friends I have to say, lock that boy away. Cute, cute, cute...in a totally 'auntie' kind of way, but seriously. :) Congrats Jock!!

Anonymous said...

Undefeated for two seasons is huge. wow. Congrats!

I Am Boymom said...

I love that my kids are loving sports. My youngest is going to be the athlete of the family, my oldest may or may not stick with it. Whether he does or doesn't, I agree there are so many valuable life lessons kids can learn from sports. Congrats to you and your Young man! Undefeated rocks!

Carrie and Troy Keiser said...

Awesome! Congrats!

Aimee said...

hee. I do the same thing with my boyfriend's work softball team. It's all "we" and "us" Unfortunately they suck though - so no bragging here. hee. Congratulations!
And seriously, lock Jock away. He's just darling.