Fall Soccer and Football Successes

Wow!  The boys had awesome years this year on the soccer pitch. 

Hunter moved up to the U10 division.  I am always amazed at the difference a year or two makes in talent.  Though he wasn't an all-star, he had a good year.  He actually scored the first goal on his team on the first game and added a couple more goals throughout the season.  Being one of the youngest out there, I know that over the next year he will just get better and better.  His team played for the championship game last night.  They lost, but were ranked 2nd (out of 11 teams) for regular season and then the tournament as well.

Hunter's team accepting their Runner's Up medal.



My number 5.

Ashton was on U8 again, though he played U8 last year, this was the first year where he was actually old enough to do so.  He is flat out awesome.  The ball loves him and sticks to him. He needs power behind his shot and pass, but once he has that, he will be quite the force.  No idea how many goals he had this season but I would say it was around 20.  His team was undefeated in the regular season and the tournament, so obviously the "were the champions."

Ashton in traffic... 5 v1

He dribbled through them all and scored.  You can barely see his legs past the goalie.

Shepherd did soooo much better this year.  He played U6 and had a really good coach.  His coach was totally over qualified but you could tell that the coach knew the game. ; ) Shepherd had to bribed to score his first goal with a Toys R Us run, but once he did score, he added 4 more throughout the season.  Let's just say that first goal set me back $30.  Once he figures out how to control those big ol' paws of his with his large frame, I think he could be ok. 

And, about his coach.  Obviously, that was me.  haha.  I was persuaded to coach and was not looking forward it, but a friend of ours said he would help and so we did it.  Jay and I really enjoyed the kids.  They were funny and they listened and I have to say they got a whole lot better.  By the end of year, they did not look like a bunch of kids just running after the ball, but would actually pass to eachother.  Makes a coach proud.  We were also undefeated. Our closest game was 3-0.

My little team.... The Quakes

Unfortunately, since I coached, I never got any pics of Shep playing.  But he enjoyed the snacks more than the games anyway.

And lastly, my dear husband and his Blue Eagles football team.  Another year of improvement. Though the goal was to make the playoffs, which they missed by just one win, this team made some really big strides.  They won 3 games and had the opportunity to win at least 4 others only losing by 8 points or less.  They lost to their rival team tonight which always sucks especially when that was the decider of a playoff birth. 
Just some props to Chad though.  He POURS himself into his job.  80-90 + hours a week is typical for him from July to November.  He doesn't complain about the amount of work.  Though I know he misses the boys (and me :), I think we both know that his reach goes so deep within the community and within the high schoolers that he has immersed himself in. 
As I watched him encourage a player who dropped a punt, dash onto the field to voice "concern" over a call, speak to a kid losing his cool, see his players bear hug him after the game, and see his passion and emotion over the end of a season,  I know that our sacrifice at home is worth it.  It does help that I am pretty awesome and can hold down the fort for a few months out of the year on my own.  :)
We are proud of you hun.  I know you hear it ALL THE TIME but they are getting better, you are making a difference.  Hang in there!
But most importantly, we love you!

I should have taken more pics this year but didn't even think about it until tonight.  Hunt and Ash were both ball boys for the football team and did such a great job.  They were adorable.

Kicking off. Chad is the 2nd navy coat from the left.

After the game, players line up for alma mater.  Some tears shed (not mine)... :(  I hate losing

And this is what Shepherd thought of the game- crashed out the entire second half... as did Bennett though once he fell asleep on me, Grandma took him off my hands.

 
So proud of these boys.  They all worked hard and made this competitive soccer mom proud!