Once Indian Springs settled down, we had ourselves a ball game. Derek Oliver is a solid running back, and was apparently barely passed half strength. Once the Thunderbirds stopped coughing up the ball and Oliver got into a rhythm, things got interesting.
But Mountain View held on. They made the stops when they had to. With zeros on the clock and Indian Springs needing a score and two-point conversion to tie, the Saints stuffed ‘em. M.V. 26 – I.S. 18
It was windy out there. The QB’s had to fire bullets or hand the ball off. Both teams usually chose the latter.
Meanwhile, Robin and I were becoming Vegas-fried chickens, especially Robin. You should have seen the dead skin I was peeling off her shins five days later. We’ve been so cooped up in the classroom and office that we forgot what the sun was.
Lesson learned. Kids, use sunscreen.
Impressed:
I was impressed with both coaches: Sope Faga and Raymond LeBoeuf. Both are class individuals who know the game, know how to teach it, and also know how to put it in the right perspective for their players.
Faga was understandably disappointed in the outcome (what coach or player isn’t after a loss). It’s a little nerve-racking to approach the losing coach. I know how fun I was after losing a game.
But he was cool – talked about what the team needed to work on and answered a few other questions.
I was also impressed with the Mountain View players I interviewed afterwards. Cortland LeBoeuf, Tanner Peterson, Evan Entler, and Brandon Carr were all quick to give credit to the team, not themselves. That’s something LeBoeuf said he teaches, but was pleased to hear the kids were doing it without a coach looking over their shoulders.
Cool Field:
Finally, I have to bring attention to Mountain View’s field. It was the most comfortable grass I’ve ever sat on in Southern Nevada. If it was capable of growing indoors, I’d tear my carpet out and lay that sod.
LeBoeuf said the grass was donated by a golf course owner and that the team is blessed to have it. He also mentioned the ground underneath is sand and the roots go about 10 feet down.
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