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| Coaches: Buddy Dabney, Scott Myers, Randy Gartman and Kevin Ray |
Back in May, sign ups for youth football began. We initially told Preston no tackle, due to my fear of him getting hurt, but he continued to ask since many of his friends were moving over from flag. After consulting with Kevin Ray, who would be his head coach, I started to change my tune. After lots of conversation, we signed him up. He didn't get his first choice number (12) since he was late to sign up, but he was playing, so he wasn't complaining.
There were lots of practices in extreme heat, but never did Preston not want to go, or complain. He loved every minute. Jersey Night mid August kicked off the official season, where they introduced each player. His first game was soon to follow, and though they lost....all of the boys had a blast!
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Jonas Harrison, Jackson Chapleau, Jack Myers, Davis Litton and Pres
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| Jack Myers, James Eady and Pres |
The team played several more games, and started winning. The excitement from the boys was awesome. Fortunately, Mimi and Papa, Uncle Dan and the Bantas were able to see him in action at least one game! Pres played offense and defense.
The season continued, and Pres continued to soak it all in, until one night before practice. This night Preston went to practice NOT in his pads like every night before. His carpool was dropped off early, so they started playing touch football. Coaches were just starting to arrive, when Pres was pushed hard, and then stood up and heard and felt "a pop." Coach Randy immediately called Steve, and told him he thought he broke his collar bone, but was walking to the nearby firehouse for another opinion. Sadly, they thought the same thing, and recommended that he go to Children's Hospital. It was a long night for Steve and Pres, but an x-ray confirmed the break of his left collar bone. Due to a slight overlapping of the break, they recommended seeing an orthopedic doctor. Thankfully, no surgery was needed, but he was done with football for 8 weeks.
Pres didn't give up on his team though. He went to almost every practice and game, just so he could soak it all in.
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| JJ Aycock, Ty Mayo, Jack Myers and Pres |
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| Pres with new bling |
Fortunately the team continued to win, and did well the remainder of the season which allowed them to get a buy in the playoffs. That extra week allowed Preston to join the team in pads! Though he didn't get a lot of playing time against Pelham in the playoffs, he was just happy to be part of it and able to play some. They won and the team advanced to the championship game against Helena.
On their final day of football, the team met for lunch prior to the game. It was a cold and windy day, and the tournament was running behind from the beginning, but the team was there and ready. They gave it their best shot, but came up short in the end. They lost 28-6 and ended in 2nd place in their age group. They each received nice rings, and the coach got a trophy. Not a bad way to end his first year playing tackle.
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