The Grid Iron

I LOVE FOOTBALL!!!!

After Tucker's last middle school game the team ran the gauntlet of cheerleaders to meet the cheering crowd. We loved every minute of it - even when snowflakes started falling. It was COLD!

Tay and I congratulate Tucker.

(He really did enjoy himself -)





I have been begging Mike since football season ended to write something for the blog. Today he handed me this masterpiece:


Fall means football, and Tucker and Henry both engaged in grid iron battles this year.
It was Henry's first experience with football, and he loved putting on the pads and helmet (adorable).

His goal this season as he repeated frequently was, "I just want to hurt somebody!" Thankfully he was unsuccessful. Henry played defensive end and averaged about 3 tackles per game. He loved every minute of it, but is debating his future in the game. You see, games were on Saturday morning - so for 8-10 weeks he couldn't have any sleepovers. (His true passion!)

(Henry's team @ Webb City field)



Mike got to coach Tucker's 8th grade team this year, and they were phenomenal. They went undefeated (1st time for a Joplin middle school since 1975) and won the Tri-County Conference Championship. Tucker never left the field the entire season starting on the offense, defense, kick off, kick return, punt and punt return teams. He played left guard on the offensive line and right defensive end on defense. After every game the team would review the video tape and give helmet stickers for big hits, turnovers, touchdowns, etc.... only 2 or 3 helmets were more decked out than Tucker's.

Coach Pliler, Tucker, Mike

(The boys tried to dump a cooler of water and Gatorade on their coaches.)

Mike, who throughout September and October could be seen confidently smiling and strutting through the hallways of South and on the sidelines, is currently curled up in a ball, sitting in a corner, and crying. Yes, you guessed it. It's girls basketball season! The girls were much improved this year dribbling the ball clear to the half court before travelling, double dribbling, or simply dribbling out of bounds. Honestly though they have won 2 more games than last year for a total of 2 wins on the season. Boys basketball starts this week and hope springs eternal.