PERFECT FINISH!

This morning I woke up smiling. At 5:00 a.m., my eyes flew open and I realized that I was still smiling from the event that took place the evening before. Football season is officially over for the JV team, but what happened last night will remain in our minds forever!

Although it's been a rough season, we had one more game to play against Red Mountain. We knew they were good and it was going to be a challenge. But we were up for the challenge, and we played hard.

We were neck and neck the whole game. We got the first touchdown, followed by their first touchdown. It went like this for four quarters, never having more than a seven point spread. So it all came down to the last few minutes and then seconds of the game. Red Mountain was one touchdown ahead, and we were ONE FOOT from making the tie game ... and we fumbled the ball! For a second, the boys were filled with despair and then they rallied together and got the ball back with less than a minute remaining ... Red Mountain still leading. With seconds to go, we did it ... we got the touchdown, and now the choice had to be made. If they went for the extra point, it would be a tie game. BUT if we attempted the two point conversion, AND MADE IT, then we'd win the game. AAAAAaaaaahhhhh! We were not in this game to tie. We went for the two point conversion AND WE GOT IT! We were now one point ahead and Red Mountain had about 30 seconds to do something. They rallied back like they had all night, and with 1.5 seconds in the game, they attempted a field goal ... AND MISSED!

WE BEAT RED MOUNTAIN, which gave us the tie for first place in our region. To say that the crowd went wild would be an understatement. It was the most joy those bleachers have seen in a long time. The boys needed to end this season with something positive, and this was it. Keaton and his team began practicing at the end of the last school year! They work their entire bodies into the ground for over six months. Every single Saturday at 5:00 a.m., practices six days a week, Toro Camp, two-a-days in 110 degree heat, injury after injury ... they keep coming back. Is it worth it?

Toro Camp $300.00
Bandaids $ 5.00
Ridiculous amounts of Gatorade $100.00
Friendships formed and
work ethic achieved Priceless

After the game was over, my little boys ran right over to Keaton and stood by the huddle listening to the High School coaches words and watching big boys cry. When the celebrating on the field was over, Jake walked right into the locker room with the team.

I'm so proud of the example these boys set! In the middle of Toro Camp, when they were resting in the gym, I looked around and saw several boys laying down reading their scriptures. They are a great group of kids and should be very proud of their behavior - on and off the field.

This team consisted of three deaf boys. I don't know why I am so amazed by that. I guess because they can't hear! A few of the boys are the highest ranked academically in their class! Several of them are already Eagle Scouts and many more are working towards that goal.

It's far more than football. Look at these faces ...