Tackle Football

This post will be for the Grandparents- Your oldest boy Grandchild started tackle football last night.  It was not the first practice but it was the first one in full gear, the first night of “hitting”.

Here is Matthew and Austin in front of Matthews house before practice.  They could barely fit in the truck with those shoulder pads.

Here is one of their coaches on the right.  They have three, all former football players- one even played for the Buckeyes.  Of course the boys love that.  This is the first year that we have had coaches that don’t have kids on the team.  They are doing it because they love football.  Which is cool.  They also knew nothing about any of the players, so everyone is starting out the same. Which is also cool.
They have been doing nothing but learning drills, lots and lots of drills.  So far I am loving this coach, he is tough- but good.  Last night he requested that we not rush the field if we see our kid go down hard.  That “most likely” they would be fine.  🙂
My biggest concern with Austin playing football is his size.  While he is one of the tallest on the team, I think there are only two kids that weigh less.  He is a stick.  Not exactly football material.  If it was Blake (who is solid- two years younger than Austin and 10 lbs heavier) I wouldn’t be so concerned.

But Austin loves football.  Loves it.  So here we go, and he knows not to complain to me if he is hurting after practice.  So far he is holding his own.

Lining up to hit.  There is only one 6th grader on the team- the rest are 5th graders, Austin was usually paired against him.  This is Austin on the right.

The oldest and youngest.  Cole thinks he wants to play football now- he likes all the tackling.  Of course.

And in other news- my brother and family are hitting the road tonight for their big move from Cincy to Houston.  We will miss you, but come visit (only if you put in a pool  :))  Drive safely!