Football = Fundraisers

It's almost football season - pads were passed out this weekend . . . that means the fundraising is about to begin! To help the team stay organized and communicate everything I've completed their website. It's currently hosted as part of Patmos Project at www.gatos.patmosproject.com. I'm debating selling this site to other teams and just customize each. As the season begins lots of content will be added but I think this basic framework will be great and foster a very open line of communication between parents and team staff.

Double Double Overtime

I'm popping my buttons!! We went into this game with no expectations. With a 1-9 record, even if you're playing a 1-10 team, you're realistic not to expect much. Several of our athletic kids have dropped off the team because basketball started so we're down a few good men. This was Isaiah's last game and they were scheduled to play the only team they ever beat. Well, maybe beat is too strong a term - more like barely squeaked in a win. See the earlier post that recaps that 7-6 double overtime win. It was almost like watching a replay. O-O the whole game, we were within scoring distance multiple times (they actually scored on us twice but both TDs were called back on flags). Still 0-0 after the first 0 (4 plays from the 10) we were up last for the second 0. It was fourth down, we were within a few yards and literally just pushed the pile in for a TD. Which is exactly how the TD play happened the previous game - really just pushing the pile in. So we're playing "who's most incompetent" but it's still an exciting game and fun to watch. :)

I had offered Isaiah $1.00 per sack then Danny said "$3.00 per tackle behind the line of scrimmage". I tell you this kid is motivated by money. He played his best game all season! He played a strong center all game, then on D made 6 tackles, 1 blocked punt, and on one tackle he stripped the ball and ran it back for 50 yards!!! This happened in the fourth quarter, it looked like we were going to score until someone ran him down and tackled him. Isaiah is not a runner, he can be an awkward windmilling runner, flat footed, but he was bookin' as fast as he could go. The stands were on their feet - I think it was the most yards we gained on any play that game. He played great, we're so proud to see him putting effort in. . . and I'm glad he got to end the season pumped up and enjoying football - going out on a positive note. We forgot our camera but the team photographer snapped pics of a few of his tackles. He was too busy jumping up and down cheering to capture the run. :)

UPDATE: My husband corrected me - he made 6 tackles behind the line of scrimmage and 8 total.

Easy to Love a Win

Mathias's mighty-mites got a win! This past Tuesday at practice they just played around. Just did fun football stuff. I think one of the other coaches suggested that maybe the kids just need to enjoy football to play better. We played a team of similar ranking. We were up 13 in the first quarter then they scored 7. It stayed that way through the 2nd and 3rd quarters. Our defense was great. They kept them from converting to first downs repeatedly however our offense wasn't accomplishing much. Late in the forth quarter, the other team scored and got the extra point! There was only 1:40 left in the game. Coach was positive and reminded the kids that the game wasn't over yet - he was actually smiling (rare given his intensity!) The next play was perfect - a completed pass (and we hadn't been completing too many at all!) just beyond the marker and he got out of bounds before the tackle to stop the clock - perfect! This was to the fast kid (prone to crying spells, doesn't like to hit or get hit) but he didn't have any spells today :) I think it was the next play, a huge long bomb that was caught and ran in for a TD. And the crowd went wild. Peanut, who caught the ball, has the loudest grandma!! She's so cute, you can hear her across the field, she never lets up. He caught two TD passes today. We had lots of "bounce off the numbers" frustrating incompletions today. Still a minute left and the Sting are driving down the field (we had held them better earlier in the game but not now) They go for the long bomb - the guy is open except for Mathias who's right on him. He caught the ball and Mathias flattened him. If Mathias hadn't been there it probably would have been a TD. Great game, fun to watch, the kids were pumped to win, coaches were positive in the huddle but of course "This is about life, this is why you don't quit."

Is it still fun to play?

If Vegas gave odds on Isaiah's game they were expected to lose . . . by a lot. And they did. I think they were scored on 5 times . . . in the first half! We didn't score and I don't think we converted to a first down once the entire game. Isaiah at center was up against the biggest kid I've seen him face all season and he did great. He didn't do much on D this game but given the score, you could say no one did much on D :) After the game in the team huddle the kids were smiling and coach kept it positive. Does this show a good positive attitude?? or that no one cares?? Regardless I'm glad he's having fun. Final score - not sure, lost count. Something big to zero. :)

After the stressful game last week Mathias's team has gotten intense. They spent all Tuesday's practice "working on getting their pride back" this meant nothing but one on one tackle drills and sprints over and over and over. I'm not sure Mathias understood all the speechifying that went with it but I simplified "Give an effort you're proud off, if that's your best and you lose it's ok. Don't give up and spend the game crying on the sidelines." This weekend they played a team coached by his coach from last year (8-2 2008 record) Great coaches. It was another tough game. Mathias got another interception but he fumbled the first offensive pass thrown to him this season. We made it through the game with no tears so that's a first. He's really pumped about his interceptions. He wants to get one a game. :) Final score was 24 - 7 and final speech was "keep your heads up".

Braggin' on my boys

Mathias got an interception this past Saturday. He had one in our pre-season scrimmage and was thrilled to get one in this game. He was tackled before running it back though - but still very proud. He's old enough now to notice things. Initially in practice he was starting both sides of the ball . . . then a few players were shuffled and he's now on second string offense. (White O not Orange O) He had a good attitude about it. He admitted he was "a bit sad, but I'm OK." His team has great coaching staff. We were excepting a win against this team (next weeks team will be tough - they haven't been scored on) So this past weekend the coaches played White O quite a bit and the kids who don't usually play were on the field more often. Despite that, I think the score was 24 - 0? Our head coach's son is really good but I like the fact that this coach gives other kids a chance to play. We car pool with kid that has never played football before. We knew him from basketball . . . he's very athletic and very fast . . . he's also scared to get hit - like most first timers. This past Saturday he was given the opportunity to run the ball and he made some great runs and scored a TD! He also caught an awesome pass for the extra point. I think that's why I enjoy mighty mite football so much - to see kids do something they've never done before and to see how proud they are of accomplishing something. Another kid got his first tackle. It was Mathias's teacher's nephew. . . it always surprises me how in a city this big it seems small sometimes. No I can't point out as many cousins and second cousins as Priscella can walking down Main St but this city can still be homey.

Isaiah played a hard game. He sat out just one play. This was a noon game in 102+ heat. When we got home he crashed and napped for 2 hours. They played an evenly matched team but lost 0-12. Coach's kid was QB the whole game. . . maybe this would have been winnable otherwise . . . I just don't like them looking at the kids after the game and saying "this is what it tastes like to lose." Most of those kids played really hard and it's not entirely their fault. Isaiah got some great tackles in the first half. Leaving the game, an opposing teams parent complimented him. "Great game, you were throwing them around out there." I saw one hit that reminded me of a WWF move - he lifts the guy up then comes crashing down on him. Danny says he'll eventually get a penalty for that, need to tackle a bit diffent, run through the guy instead. In the last quarter, Isaiah got a holding penalty and a false start penalty. He was down on himself about it. I don't remember him ever getting a flag before. I'm sure he was exhausted in that last quarter. Hubby was working overtime, Eliya was screaming (no nap, second game of the day), DJ was puking in the stands (too much heat, too much Horchata icee?) so my play by play of Isaiah's game is a little hazy. Ah well, some days just go that way. Errors or no errors, I'm proud of Isaiah's attitude and effort. He doesn't give up or wimp out or complain or make excuses. That's my boy. :)

Football Tears

Mighty Mite ReCap

Mathias's first game was canceled due to excessive heat. Today we were two minutes from the half, up 6-2, when the rain hit. They called rain delay and we found shelter under the shade canopies. Crashing thunder and lightening. When we were able to play again, the other team scored so we were down 6-9. There was concern they'd call the game at the half because there were still storm clouds all around. However, we were able to finish and won 19-9. Mathias played cornerback and got an awesome cross the open field tackle that saved a touchdown. He was pretty proud. :) Then he missed a block on O and got yelled at by coach . . . then he was almost in tears. Dad comforted him "you have to take the good and the bad, and get back out there . . ."







Pee Wee ReCap

After last weeks 0-36 disaster, we weren't expecting much today. However they were playing at team more their level and wound up going into double overtime tied 0-0. Very exciting! Isaiah played great at center and played linebacker for much of the game. Our D held them near goal quite a few times. Also, in O, Isaiah got a sack that resulted in a fumble causing the second overtime! They're not allowed to run it back in O - no turnovers. So great game, exciting, and if we get to play a few more teams like this, that would be nice. Final score our win 7 - 6. And of course Isaiah cried - happy tears. :)

Ordinary Drama

Money makes the world go round . . . and causes lots of problems along the way! I don't spend too much time at my oldest son's football practices because I'm involved as a team mom on the other son's team . . . but there is major drama concerning money raised and where it went. I don't gossip the sidelines but the bits I've overheard and the great defensive (more like offensive) pronouncements made by coaches at team meetings seem to signal general unrest. Of course a 0-36 lost doesn't go down well . . . no matter how pretty the team uniforms! The other teams parents are beginning to pipe up as well. Our "main" team mom will bring a breakdown of money in and out to pass out to parents. Even with all our fundraising, we'll still have to cough up half the cost of the boys jersey. So we'll see how this goes over tonight . . .

My sister-in-law always said I'm full of ideas . . . that never go anywhere! Very true. I'm having a hard time deciding exactly what to do for the craft fair and etsy. I should really focus on a few things instead of bits of everything. This week I'm been sewing a lot of little girls skirts. Very cute, designer fabric. And to keep costs down, these are just scrap pieces I've picked up at a warehouse place. The odd size pieces means I have to be more creative in what I do with them. I don't have a set pattern and buy the supplies accordingly. If the skirts are a hit, I plan then to design a "line" and purchase those supplies in bulk wholesale. It'll be easier to "make to order" just a few select designs then a slew of OOAK items. I'm working on a few little girl models and need to organize some props and do a few photo shoots - advertising style. I'm excited about doing that - I always have fun taking pics. It's still a bit hot out, but an evening shoot should be good. And of course in the back of my head I know I'll need to do some printing, tags, signs, labels, some stationary type items from my sketches etc.

And on the home front . . . all is well. The boys are settled into school (chess will be starting soon) and baby is growing. She crawls around while I sew. Today I got a peek at her mischievous side - she'd unplug my sewing machine while I was sewing and then giggle as I crawled under the table to reconnect. . . and I had to rip out a seam because she crawled over the foot pedal.

There's squawling in the hall way . . . the kids are home and need a referee. :)

UPDATE:
One of the parents was "written up" for comments made at the game on Saturday.

http://www.eteamz.com/azyff/standings/index.cfm?season=544565&division=4422497

Looks like half the games were blow outs. Danny explained it to me. This is what happens when you have coaches leave the league with their best players for another league. The "left overs" get lumped together with the "first timers" to create new teams. These teams will almost always have a rough year when playing against established teams that have been together for several years and maybe even play together in the off season elsewhere. This leads to drama all around - the drama that caused the initial coach to dismantle his team and leave (my oldest had been with these guys for 4 yrs) and then the drama of dissatisfied parents on the new struggling team. . . of course coaching decisions, athleticism of the players, etc all have something to do with the outcome on the field. Most kids just play sports to have fun and be with thier friends . . . why the parents get involved is a whole 'nother story.

Crunch

Mathias was running the ball during a drill and got CRUNCHED! This was a hit that you could HEAR from the sidelines . . . the kind that makes the parents go OOOO AAAAHHH "That was a HIT!" Yup, poor boy, he really felt it. And though "this is football" emphasize the dads - yes, sometimes there is crying . . .



He's got great coaches though . . . he got a drink of water then back to the line up for more drilling. A real trooper. At the end of this practice they went over kick off and kick off return. He's on the kick off return team. I wish I had video. He scooped up the ball and ran it back for a TD. Another time it landed beautifully in his arms and he ran that one back too. Stiff arming, weaving, he was having a great time. Considering that last year he was your minimum 10 play player who spent a lot of time on the sidelines even at practice . . . so it's great to watch him get involved and really enjoy it . . . hmmm except for the hard hits :) I told him "That's about as hard as you'll ever get hit - if you handled that OK - then don't be scared of anyone." He's 56 lbs and kids can be up to 90 lbs. It was one of our bigger players that got him. That's probably what keeps him running fast. :)

Here in AZ we don't call games due to rain. . . we call games due to excessive heat advisories. Who schedules 9 yr olds to play at 2PM in August??? We watched Isaiah play at 10AM and then during the noon game the ambulance had to take 2 kids to the hospital for dehydration/heat stroke. I would have loved to see Mathias play but not in those conditions (112 degrees). During practices he's been at safety, wide receiver, cornerback, and fullback. It's a new team so they are still figuring out where everyone should be. Isaiah is center again and he's getting a chance for some D. He got the first tackle in this game. He played center well, but could have applied more speed on D. They lost 42 - 0 (and this even though the whole second half was played against the second string). It's going to be a long season for his team. Lots of issues but that's a whole 'nother post. :)

Tick Tick Tick Tick Boom

So it started as reworking an image for a logo . . . and BOOM DYNAMITE!!! It's an entire website! Visit www.grandsooners.com to see the site Danny built for Mathias's team. We'll be adding photos, video, etc as the season begins. He built it (and learnt new things in the process) and taught me some of the admin duties so I can update content for the team. We're excited and Sooner pride has kicked into gear. :) I am nervous about meeting our fundraising goals though . . . I'm sure we'll get it done. We made 300.00 in snack bar/family dinner sales just this week. Isaiah was at a car wash for his team today and they made 500.00. The Sooners have 2 car washes planned for later this month. A parent brought in the first sponsor check yesterday for 250.00 and a few others mentioned they'll be getting some. Another parent already sold thier entire form of spirit cups and asked me for another one. . . so I'm feeling a bit more optimistic.

The kids look really good at practice - not the disorganized mess you'd expect from 7-9 yr olds. I'm not sure they know offense from defense but it looks like the coaches are trying to teach it - good luck to 'em. Each coach is assigned a group of kids to mentor - Mathias got his first call from his mentor coach today. Other than Memere and Pepere and Nana I don't think he ever talks on the phone to adults. Isaiah heard him saying he wanted to do some recieving and that he'd played safety before. The Sooners have two groups "Rhinos" and "Cheetahs". Mathias has been practicing drills with the Cheetahs so he'll probably be defense. No positions are assigned until the boys are in full pads and tackling. That'll start on Tuesday.

I haven't been to any of Isaiah's practices but I know he dumped a bucket of water on a cheer girl at the car wash "she told us to do it" and at Friday's practice while racing neck and neck he did a full body dive at the end in a crazy attempt to win. Isaiah never does anything in half measures . . . not when it can be done loudly and wildly. But he's settling in (a whole new team) he's got a few of his old teammates and seems to be getting to know the others.

We went to Meet the Teacher at school. All three boys will be going to the same school! finally! We ran into an old classmate of his (he'd gone there for several years) He's looking forward to seeing them all again. His buddy told him the girls are crazy this year. I really liked his teacher and like the way everything is online - meaning I'll be able to view the grade book whenever I want! But that shouldn't be a problem . . .

Chubber-roo is asleep in my arms - Tick Tick Tick Tick Boom, she's just dynamite. :)

Get It Done Sooner

Sometimes you go into something blind not realizing the work involved. Ignorance is costly! Most of my day was consumed with Sooner projects. I like to do my part for whatever my boys are involved in so I volunteered to run the Spirit Cup sales. Next thing I know I'm "Fundraising Mom". Pop Warner requires each team to raise 2700.00 to pay for fields, refs, etc. Then we have to buy games jerseys (approx. $35.00 - 75.00) sock, belts, etc. We need all or most of this by the first game. Snack bar at the practice field, dinner at the field on Thursdays, car washes, Spirit Cup sales, sponsors, etc. We share a field with 2 other football teams so that helps with on the field sales of snacks (which are obtained by begging parents to donate) The spirit cups are easy to sell too (but the $s for the team are a lower percentage then some other products) A nice sturdy hologram cup, dishwasher safe in NFL, MLB, collage, and military designs.

http://www.spiritcups.com/show/sharespirit.html

"We just need the logo. We found this on the Internet and need the colors changed from red and black to orange and blue" (all Grand Association is orange) Sounds easy. I've got Adobe. Sure thing. In truth the image is a tiny thing, totally pixilated, really no straight edges. And it's got 4 colors: red, black, white, grey. . . but we can only use 3. So we need to redesign some areas so you don't lose the highlights, shadows, etc that make the shape. We've only begun to get familiar with Adobe Illustrator so it definitely takes us longer then an expert but kudos to my hubby for his patience in figuring things out. He takes over when I give up. In the end a lot of it had to be done "by hand" ei. no filter to magically fix it . . . and believe me we tried them all! The logo does look good though - a masked horseman riding pell mell. Definition of a Sooner - the whole 40 acres and a mule thing, folks lined up, the gun went off, and it was a race to the land. The Sooners were there sooner . . . because they hid in the bushes up ahead. Just waiting to hear what our motto will be "We cheat to win??" "Full speed ahead??"

I really like his team - seems to be a great set of parents and coaches. The ugly will probably come out later when someones kid isn't quarterback as expected and someones kid only plays 10 plays instead of 20. Every child is a superstar in the eyes of their parents. . . and that's how it should be. :)