Friday Nights & Football–Gets my heart beating fast!!
For me that means watching my son, Chase, and his teammates play under the
lights for Piedmont High School (PHS).
This last Friday night the PHS Varsity Football Team set the night on fire.
Team work and awesome plays, including a few interceptions, made the game.
Final score: 28-25 PIEDMONT!
Unfortunately for some of the team’s first-string varsity players, their
injuries had them sidelined; however, that gave an opportunity to others.
It was just the second game of the season and already a few key players down, but that
didn’t stop them. Adrenaline pumping, the fans cheering–nothing was going
to shut Piedmont out.
In an amazing turn of events and multiple exciting plays later, the Piedmont
Varsity Football Team ended the night just 3 points ahead. It was a huge
night for all.
A few highlights I recall:
Incredible #81 Andy Slabaugh was injured in the first quarter and hopped off
the field. I had just turned to my friend and said, “keep an eye on #81
tonight because he’s fantastic and fun to watch!”
With Andy out, my son #80 got the nod – an opportunity to play the game. Thrown into the mix for his second varsity game, and only a sophomore, it was an exciting surprise for his dad and me. And Chase made an awesome catch and played most of the game! No doubt that single catch must have helped diminish the notion of being on the sideline and waiting for his
chance next year… I’m guessing that connected him even more to the sport
and to his teammates, both on and off the field.
I believe it is nice to get a chance, and even better when you are able to
rise to the occasion and make the play. (Congrats Chase!!)
Quarterback #8 Spencer Kim, who never gives up and always keeps on searching
for the best in himself, had to leave the field after a play due to an
injury (and later was able to return to the game). That meant the back-up,
back-up QB, #25 Ryan Ellis, was going in. All of us in the stands were in a
panic. I looked over to his mom who simply threw her hands up in the air
seeming to say oh well – whatever happens, happens. What can we do? She
simply took it in stride. (I don’t know if I could have remained so calm.)
So, what does a linebacker do when faced with an unexpected position change?
You’re right. He did not throw. He ran! He plowed right through the opposing
team and scored a T o u c h d o w n!
The fans went wild!
I also want to call out #45 Charles Tuan. He made multiple fearless and
incredible plays, including an interception or was it a punt return? I’m not
a football expert, but I think you get the idea. Either way Charles added to
the win.
Another player, #99 Ale Chiodo, successfully completed all three extra points!
To note: Chase Betta, Ryan Ellis, Ale Chiodo and Charles Tuan are all
Varsity Lacrosse lettermen. Every football game, their LAX coach is riddled
with anxiety. He hopes and prays his boys do not get injured. I suppose
receiving my play-by-play texts didn’t help his stress level either. Of
course, my phone died before the game ended… The coach had to wait to hear
the winning score– the following morning!
It was #38, William Meredith, who truly knocked it out of the park running
and pushing all who crossed his path out of the way only to make an amazing
TD! It was then when I thought I was about to faint from all of my
screaming and cheering. Who would have thought?
Sack after sack each lineman did their job with fury and determination. But
if I had to highlight one defensive player I’d have to say #44, Aaron Fahey.
There were so many more awesome plays by each and every player who took the
field; I wish I knew and had the time to comment on each one.
It takes a team to do what the boys did last Friday night. The cool thing is
they all get it. They truly understood it was the team that won the game, and not
just one individual. Congratulations to each and every player.
I am also grateful to the incredible and dedicated coaches who spend so much
time with, and give so much heart, to our boys.
And to include a favorite quote of Wide Receiver #19 Jake Pacheco, who also
had an amazing night,
“To give anything less than your best is to sacrifice the gift.” Well said, Jake.
Remember this one forever.
XOXO! Debbi
A very proud mom
PS. A second quote to share, from my upcoming book Contained Beauty, “learn
the playbook; visualize your dreams… and share it with others.” Go to
www.debbidimaggiopr.com to learn more.
