Ugh.  Obnoxious.  This is the only word that comes to mind.  Hey parents..... yeah, hi!  Hey, just so you know---University of Michigan football recruiters aren't checking out your 8 year olds!  So, why don't you settle the F down?!?   Seriously!  I see less screaming and swearing at a varsity game than I do at some of these Rocket football games. 

To make a point, I will say that my 9 year old is an amazing athlete.  He's not the biggest, or the fastest but here's why Ben is incredible.  He's strong as hell, he's smart, he knows the game and he plays by the rules.  He's fair almost to a fault.  He plays agains these kids who are breaking every rule in the book just for a win.  And the parents/coaches are just as bad.  Really?  You'll allow a horse collar on a 9 year old, just so you can win by a few points?  Go right ahead, loser.   I feel sorry for these parents and coaches if this is all they have going on in their lives....  a rocket football season.   Sorry about your pathetic life.  Ben plays his little heart out, but once the game is over, the game is over and he moves on...whether it be a victory or defeat.  Again, that's what makes him a good athlete---his admirable sportsmanship.   His team dominated another team two weeks ago.  It wasn't even close.  I think the final score was 24 to 0 and that was only because the other coach came over and asked Ben's coaches to cool it.  So, our coaches let all the kids run the ball and have some fun--because that's what kind of coaches they are.  It's all about the kids, not just the glory or the win.  Then, we're in the parking lot, heading home and Ben stops some of the other team members and says, "great game you guys---you'll get 'em next week!!!".    I've never been so proud in my life.  That's MY boy.  And that, my friends, is a good athlete. 

So, some of the kids that Ben hangs with keep bragging about their football stats.  Ben doesn't say one word.  Until he comes home.  And then he tells me, "If they have to brag about it, they must not be that great".   And that's why I love my boy. 

*** and can I just be "obnoxious" for two seconds?  He played again this past weekend and typically, he NEVER runs the ball.  Ben's job is to block and to hit. Period. They let him run the ball during one of the last plays and the boy ran a 65 yard touchdown.  I was beyond proud---not just because of the play, but because he was so humble about it.  No gloating, ...nothing.  Just ran back to the line for the next play.  Love him!