One fathers thoughts:
After spending the last 4 weeks living and breathing six man football playoffs I would like to express some thoughts and observations from our playoff run. First, I am overjoyed that my son is playing 6 man in Tapps in predominantly christian schools, the culture shift from 11 man, win at all cost football is dramatic. I love the prayers before the game, the national anthem and the fact that the teams get together and pray after the game. Except for one school in our district, every team we played this year showed amazing sportsmanship and true character. My sons previous experience in 11 man, included being taunted, players spitting in faces, elbows in the groin and once we had our running backs ankle snapped while he was on the ground (after the play).TAPPS Six man football still has the sportsmanship, faith, and culture that I want my son to learn in sports. Second, I would like to comment on our last couple of opponents. 3 weeks a go we played a very talented Watauga team that totaled 9 players ( had lots of injuries), I was so impressed on how they played their hearts out and most of them going both ways the whole game. The effort they left on the field and their courage and sportsmanship really stood out. Each of those players and the coach needs to be honored for how they play the game. A week ago we played San Jac in Iowa Park. Our previous experience with west Texas teams was not that good so we had no idea what to expect. I watched players help each other up, pat each other, and even a few encourage each other. I remember one touchdown run by Issiah ( our running back who had 11 touchdowns) and one of the San Jac players shaking his head and congratulating him. The after game prayer and hand shakes were heart felt and again I was proud of both teams. Finally yesterdays game with Veritas was amazing. I would like to take a moment to complement them. It starts with their creed on their athletic web page, they play sports with the right heart! They are well coached and each one of their players is very disciplined. I was amazed at some of their plays and even trick plays and kick offs. I was most amazed with their sportsmanship. Their were several injuries during the game and they were always helping our players up. Candidly by the end of the game I didnt want either team to loose.
Now for the lions. I watched Coach Shup transform the culture and the attitude of the lions over the last 3 seasons. We were a pretty rowdy undisciplined group leaving 11 man and getting killed every week. We had some loud mouths and some kids that were not focused on the game or the team. Brad has changed that! He has brought faith into the locker room and sportsmanship. When Veritas had their #8 get hurt our players circled up and prayed for him and the coached didnt ask them to. When he was escorted off to our sideline ( were the med tent was) our boys lined up and applauded for him! At that point we had won in my heart. I was comforted, win or loose, because I saw our kids being the sportsman that honors our faith. I left that game happy we had won, but more happy for the game of football. I would be glad to have my son play for almost all the coaches we played against this season. Yes we are opponents on the field, but i would give each player and coach a hug from the last 4 weeks. I know the money isnt great and the headlines are few, but the difference you coaches make in a kids life is amazing!
God Bless each and every one of you!!!!
