We are the champions, my friend.

I still don't get football completely, but I will try, in my non-football girly language, to describe Saturday's Maryland Youth Football Championship game between the Howard County Bruins and the often-imitated, never-duplicated Hamilton Tigers!

Even walking into the M&T Bank Stadium was cool. (we've never been there before). It was even cooler knowing that our son would be on the field shortly thereafter! Our crew consisted of Matt, the boys and I; Josh's friend, Caitlin; and Matt's brother, Dave, and our nephew, Blake, who drove in from Ohio just for this event. It was cold and so we were all appropriately bundled in triplicate.

We swung by the concession stand to get some goodies. I don't think I ever paid $4 for a hot chocolate before, but considering it also doubled as a hand-warmer, it was almost worth it! Micah chose popcorn, which he obviously enjoyed! ------->

The boys came out on the field as the announcer called their names and jersey numbers and we were joined by two more fans -- Sean and Christy volunteer with the middle school youth at our church. Josh is in Sean's small group. We really appreciated them coming to help us cheer on the Tigers!

The game started. We scored the first touchdown, but didn't get the extra point (which is strange because we usually do, but whatever). The Bruins, however, were proving themselves to be a formidable opponent, scoring after our touchdown AND making their extra points. The score: 6-8.

Mr. Mike joined us at this point. Mike and Hazel are very dear friends to our family and his presence was greatly appreciated. Plus, he held my hot chocolate while I put my gloves back on -- very necessary!

We scored another touchdown and (thankfully) made our extra point this time, bringing the Hamilton fans to their numb, little feet and the score to 13-8. That brought us to halftime. No marching band, no dancing girls, but halftime all the same.

The third quarter, unfortunately, brought us a lot of penalties and the Bruins another touchdown complete with extra points. The score: 13-16 in favor of the Bruins.

By the fourth quarter, things were not looking up for the Tigers. We were working toward our goal line but hadn't quite made it yet. If I had to name the breaking point of the game, I would probably have to call it this play: We were on about the 40 yard line headed toward out goal. It was the 4th down -- make it or break it. Though there was no clock (which was driving us crazy!) we knew there wasn't much time left. Sure enough, the refs gave us the four-minute warning. OK. Focus. Don't forget it was the fourth down. The play ensued, ending with a tackle and the ball being set down so they could see if we made it. It was SO CLOSE that they had to move the chains out to where the ball was so they could measure it. Miraculously, the refs called it -- 1st down Tigers! We continued to work our way toward the goal line, and as the announcer told us there were on :59 on the clock, the Hamilton Tigers scored our final touchdown AND the extra point! Score: 20-16

The Bruins regained control of the ball and tried to pull something out with :47 on the clock, but to no avail. The Hamilton Tigers became the winners of the Maryland State Youth Football Championship, unlimited division.
Needless to say, Josh and his team were (and still are) thrilled. This was especially significant for Josh because last year, his first year of football, the team that he played on didn't win any games. This year, his team was undefeated! I have to give a plug for the Hamilton football program, though. They have a tremendous coaching staff and really teach the skills these kids need to succeed at this game. I think Baltimore will be hearing from this program for championships to come.
After the game, we went to grab a bite to eat (in the rain -- it held out until the game was over) and then headed home as the exhaustion of the day caught up with us!

This was a real landmark event for our family. We remain thankful for everything God brings to us in the way of excitement and opportunity. I ask for support in prayer for those of you who are willing. We're in the process of figuring out where we are going to send Josh to high school next year. To explain all of our options and reasons would take too long, so if you don't mind keeping us in your prayers, we'd appreciate it!

Thanks for taking the time to read this! And one last time -- GO TIGERS!!