Saturday, September 01, 2007

Ahhhh...Football
Well it is that time of year where my thoughts turn to football once again!! Three years ago, my son Cassidy was asked to join a football team. Since he has always been the biggest kid in his class, it was kind of amazing that he hadn't been asked years prior. Youth football has come a long, looooong way (IMHO) since my childhood days of playing with older brothers & friends, our only "game" against a family of brothers from the neighboring town. The level of competition over the previous 3 seasons was much higher than I remember my little high school's being. Now that Cassidy is a freshman, he is starting at left tackle for the Freshman Royal team {while "technically" neither freshman team is supposed to be better, we all know how this works!!!}. Unfortunately, as I write this he is engaged in his first regular season game; and while he did not start on defense or special teams, according to Football Mom #1 {aka my wife Dee}, he hasn't been off the field much in the first 3 quarters. Since real and genuine emotion are difficult to express in this format, I would like to tell all y'all right now, that I am SOOOOO proud of Cassidy!!!!!!! Go #55 {away}/#50 {home}!!!!!

I suppose that I should, at this time mention that Dee was reluctant to let Cassidy play a violent contact sport like football. She was concerned, 3 years ago, that her manchild would be hurt playing football. Of course, this is always a valid concern, especially in this day and age. She was also VERY adamant that she would not become one of "those" mothers. You know the type, always yelling, cheering, and supporting her child and the team. Mind you, she is not a "KILL 'EM" yelling mother, but rather the loud supportive mom that can be heard on the other sideline! I am happy that she has found a love for football, so there is another bond between the 3 of us. In fact, she is such a fan, she and Cassidy went to a Bronco's preseason game as a mother/son outing!!! Dee is not just supporting her child but taking an active interest in the sport. For the last month she has been chanting "football, football" under her breath in anticipation of the coming season. She now inquires as to who is playing, and doesn't care who wins...as long as the Bronco's are not playing!!
Cassidy has been more laid back in his anticipation, hard to believe, but true. He has a work ethic and love of the game that far exceeds what mine was when I was his age/grade. Cassidy(thanks to very hard work, dedication to the weight room, and many protein and fruit shakes) peaked at 6'6" and over 200 lbs at the start of practice this summer {not shabby for a boy who recently turned 14}. Coaches want to play him at TE but will be unable to place him there until another player can replace him at left Tackle. Ironically, he is playing with several of his youth league teammates (Luke & Michael, Alex, Ryan, Colin and Sam) and they are all getting plenty of playing time. In fact Luke even gets to dress-out for Varsity games {gotta love centers/long snappers}!!!
********THIS JUST IN********
Creek Royal Freshman Team Victorious in Season Opener 20-12

Well Cassidy is off to the Mountains for the remainder of the holiday weekend. I will be working {PAY---THOSE---BILLS---YAY---TEAM!!!!) and Dee will probably take some well deserved time off. For those of you following my job related foibles (great word not used enough by the population, 'cept for you Filtersweep) I am waiting to hear about another opening with the Federal Government -- police position, same organization, 2 of us have applied for one opening and they haven't announced yet. I think they are waiting to see if another opening is forthcoming, so they can take us both!!! Keep your fingers crossed!!!!