Sports Saturday

Matthew had an early game in Sumner (about 45min drive) Saturday morning.  I hadn't seen a full game of his in a while, so I volunteered to go.  They played on a wet, muddy grass field against a team they had beaten earlier this season. Despite the conditions, they played a very good game and came out on top, 5-2.  Matthew played well. Had a nice crossing pass that nearly resulted in a goal, then nearly scored a goal himself.  He's the unofficial 'captain' of the defense - usually plays center-back.  But his coach has been mixing things up this season and let Matthew play up front, which he really seems to enjoy.  Here's a team photo from after the game.  That's Matthew second from right with the mop of blonde hair.

The West Seattle Crush 13U Team

After his game, we hustled back to Seattle to see Thomas' last football game.  The starting tight-end was out sick all week, so Thomas got to start and played the most he's played all season - about half the game.  He mostly blocked, but went out for a few passes - though never saw the ball. He did recover a kick-off, but just fell to the ground with the ball, as all the blockers are instructed to do should the ball come their way.

The other team, Garfield High, was big, strong and fast.  We lost badly... 40-something to 0.  After the game, Thomas told me they had played the Junior Varsity team and that some of the kids alwo play on varsity. Apparently, Garfield's freshman team isn't very good, so our coach scheduled a game against the JV instead.

Thomas has been saying for the last few weeks that he's ready for football to be done, but after the game he said he was a little sorry it was over.  Overall, I think it was a good experience for him.  He met a lot of kids and made several new friends before school even started. He learned a lot about the game, got some great training and exercise, and got to play in a few games.  Not bad for a 14 year old.

Here's a shot of the two of us from immediately after the game...

I've still got an inch or 2 on him!

Victoria's soccer game was during Thomas' football game, so Victoria and Coach Karri were there instead.  They lost a close one... 2-1.  Karri said we gave up a goal with just a minute to go... otherwise would have ended in a tie. They played a team that they lost to 6-0 the first time they played - another indication that our team is improving.  A moral victory.  Although the girls don't get worked up about a loss anyway.  As it should be.