Soggy VICTORY 19-10

Obviously, this is not a photograph of our huddle on Friday night; however, I am sure it did not look much different.  It was WET, WET, WET at Shark's Stadium. 

Tonight, we defeated Okeechobee 19-10 on a rain-soaked and muddy field.  The rain started a little after 5PM but it was very light at first.  Miller and I led the specialist out onto the field promptly at 5:50 pm.  At the time, it was just spitting rain, and I actually thought that the storm may pass over us.  The short specialty period was really crisp and organized.  I felt good when the rest of the team joined us a short time later.  After a nice stretch period we again went to an Indy and looked especially sharp on all the pass routes between the QB's and WR's.  I was ready for the game to begin. 

The game itself started badly.  Okeechobee drove the opening series down the field and scored, going up 7-0.  We answered immediately when my boy Hakeem  threw a 60 yard backside post to tie the score.  We drove the ball down the field again to go up 14-7 at the half.  After halftime, Chobbee added a field goal to close within  4 points at 14-10.  Then came the rain.  I mean it poured!! However, there was no lightning so the game went on.  We added a field goal and a safety to close out the victory 19-10.  It was a hard fought victory against an emotionally charged Okeechobee football team. 

Coach Washington's brother passed away earlier this week.  His brother was a coach at Okeechobee, and his nephew plays ball for the school as well.  The team was obviously distraught over the loss of their coach, and the nephew played his heart out for his Daddy.  I sort of teared up when I spoke to the boy.   I told him before the game to play hard in his daddy's honor.  I was proud that the boy played the game for his teammates. I am absolutely positive that Coach Washington would have wanted it that way. 

It is hard to predict how things like this will play out.  I have seen it go both ways over the years.  Sometimes the teams will come out so fired up that they almost seem unbeatable.  Or, I have seen teams literally collapse with emotion. 

Hey, I am going to end this tonight.  I am very tired, and I am having trouble writing complete sentences.  My thoughts are everywhere right now, and I am having trouble focusing on writing something interesting to read.  I will write something tomorrow after I sleep. 

OH, we are OFF tomorrow.  We have a bye week coming up, so Bethel gave us the weekend off to rest .  I really need it.

GZ