Are you ready for some football??

Are you ready for some football? This is the question that we asked ourselves this year when we decided to put the boys in public school. Alex was really excited about the idea of playing football. Marty was ok with it. Scott didn't care. I was thinking with my Mom head, wondering if he would be safe, but trying to cut the apron strings and let him be a guy. We decided to let him go for it. Shortly before school started, football conditioning started. It was kind of funny to hear the surprised words from the coaches and players about how big Alex is for a freshman. Alex didn't know what hit him. He hurt in places that he didn't even know existed on his body. The seasoned football guys took him under their wings and showed him the ropes. Next came football camp. Five days of 3 practices a day. The coaches even spray-painted barf stalls in the ditch for the guys. Alex was sad to say that on one day he visited the ditch several times. Then, official football practice started. He was excited the day he got his pads. The coaches decided that due to his size, he would make a good lineman. He plays this for offense and defense. Don't ask me exactly what everything means. One day Alex drew me little diagrams on a napkin, complete with little squares and circles. He patiently explained each position and some plays to me. I didn't have the heart to tell him that I only understood part of what he said.

Here is the picture that I made him take, so I could have a nice picture of him in his football gear. I teased him that I was going to take a picture of him with his gear on from far away, so I could recognize him out on the field. It is a good thing that the jersey's have numbers, because once the guys are all suited up out there you can't tell which butt it is that you used to change.

Here is Alex getting down into his stance. I know he called it something in particular, but I can't remember what. When he pops up, he is ready to clobber somebody.

Here is Alex and his good friend Eli. Alex is a lineman and Eli is a wide receiver. Aren't they handsome in their football gear? They look so grown up.

Here is a good picture of Alex from his game last Saturday. If you look at the guy in white blasting his way through the middle, that is my boy. Every time, he would rip past his guy and break right through. I know you are impressed that I know that terminology, but Alex explained it to me in great detail. He did very well. He tackled this one guy and Alex said that as he was running up to tackle the guy, the guys eyes bugged out in fear. Then he slammed him into the ground. Alex says that when he plays, he imagines that the ball is a steak and he wants it. That boy loves meat.

Here is a picture of one proud dad. Marty loves watching his boy play football. It has been really great to hear the two of them talking about football stuff. Marty cheered so hard, that his voice was hoarse the next day. It was very exciting to see my boy playing football. I thought he looked handsome and I was very proud of him. I can't wait to see him play in some more games.