Football Jamboree 2010

Jake started football a few weeks ago. This will be his first year of flag football as seven is the first year you can sign up to play. It's thru the Optimist Club here, which is less intense than Pop Warner (which we would have had in CA), but waaay more intense than the Y-leagues and LIttle League we have played so far. They have had two weeks of practices, four days a week + games. Once school starts they go down to three practices, one scrimmage and one game. It's a seven week league (plus two weeks of training camp) so it's a commitment to say the least.

Marisa had her trepidations about it at first, the coach is a tough guy with a flat-top haircut that makes the kids do pushups and windsprints if they jump offsides etc. I tried to explain that it would be good for him in the long run and I think she's starting to see it.

Jake had his opening day today, at the BSU Broncos stadium. They took photos and played a short game against another team. It was packed, there are 76 flag teams and double that for tackle teams and they all were there today. They lost their short game but I think they will make fast progress now that they've seen what it's like.

Jake started the season as cornerback on defense, so we have been working on that. His coaches are really impressed with his ability to catch and throw as well and his knowledge of the game. They would have started him on offense if he were a little bigger. Most of the offensive guys played last year and are in third grade this year, so they are a little bigger and faster. They are switching after the second game, so Jake will get to play on offense after a few weeks.

The games are on Saturdays at the football complex down the hill from our house. It's so crazy there during games that they have two satellite parking lots down the street and run shuttles back and forth. We're also looking to get back into going to some Capital High Football games again this season. They start next week, so fall is coming on fast.

Jake is excited for the start of football in general and the first game next week. He has loved football so far and is really looking forward to the season.