First Game of the Season

Last night was the first game of the season and excitement was high in the stadium. The setting of the sun brought with it a hint of crispness in the air, giving us hope that fall is on its way.

It has been ages since we last attended a high school football game. Our boys made the marching band this year, as 8th graders! The band director decided to let 8th graders audition and then put them through a rigorous band camp to see if they had what it took to march with the big dogs. It is a coveted position to be sure, and one shared with 13 other talented and committed 8th grade students as well.

Times have changed in our absence. The place was alive with activity and pomp. The teams had inflated little huts they ran out of, there were drill teams and bands and cheerleaders and mascots as far as the eye could see, not to mention the stands filled with cheering fans. It was impossible not to be caught up in the buzz.

The teams took their places on the field and the game began; our team didn't disappoint us. They played well and kept us screaming and cheering from our vantage points in the stands. The band did their part playing to the crowd. The cheerleaders followed their team on the sidelines with shouts of encouragement and glee. The mascot was a bit flat but it was a pretty warm night and I am sure the suit was stifling. Everything was thought of and even the concessions people were in the stands with goodies so you didn't have to miss a minute of the action.

Our team was up by 7 at the half and we were waiting with baited breath for the band to take the field. We watched the the other team perform their halftime show and enjoyed their efforts, but our real interest was in our own teams performance. We had seen bits and pieces of it over the past several weeks during practice.

They marched onto the field with what to us was perfect precision, and the drill team too, the show began.

We were trying to pick out our boys in the group, it is difficult when they all are dressed alike. This was the first time to see them in their full regalia too. We finally spotted them both only to have the show start and to lose them in the steps. The show was awesome!

They out shined the other band in complexity of the steps. It was wonderful, the drill team, the dance team, the band; all of it. The crowd went wild when they were finished. This years show looks to be a hit. They will continue to add to their show as the weeks go on, and I for one can't wait for the next one.

The players took the field after the half, entering again through their little huts to cheers, whistles and even an air horn. The excitement didn't end and our team went on to win 33 to 7, a fantastic start to the season.

We made our way out of the stadium, our faces beaming with excitement and pride. We decided that we would try and travel to away games, if our schedules allow, as we don't want to miss a minute of the action. What a GREAT First game of the season!