Just finished watching the youngest play his first High School game. He plays for the same team his brothers competed on. New coaching staff (that changes every year these last 4) but same outcome. He took the L. I don’t really have a post I am reflecting back on here, jut the emotions of going through seeing three different boys play in their first High School game. The first two didn’t even get to see the field. The second was only 12 years old, so that made sense at the time. He lacked the size to be certain. The first also lacked the size. This one has the size and the skill, but showed a lack of stamina for the roles he was asked to fill. He’s the team captain, and a starting receiver, and a starting corner, and the punt and kickoff returner. He was gassed by the second quarter. Of course, it was already 35-0 by then. To say they struggled is an understatement.
I’m glad they faced adversity. I am glad he is realizing the burden being talented puts on you. He thought about quitting and didn’t and I am proud of him for it. He’s the one who wants to be pro, so he needs to get used to all the weight. He has a ton of room to grow. Heck, he could dress for Varsity by mid season, but I don’t want that to happen until he figures things out here and adjusts to the workload both in and out of the classroom. He is just a kid, but a kid with big dreams and big talent. He just has to remember how to play like it.