8th Grade Beasts

McKay loves to play football.  This year was no exception.  He took what he learned last year and improved more than ever!  He even prepared for football season by being in shape.  He was out running a couple of times a week before school and in the early mornings of summer.

McKay makes one handsome football player.

McKay's team.  They called themselves the 8th Grade Beasts.

McKay with his team celebrating a win earlier in the season by grabbing a post game drink and snack.

Post game coach's pep-talk.  McKay's coach (pictured with the hat) is one passionate man and would get fired up.

Another passionate post-game chat after another win.

It was a successful season and McKay's team made it to the tournament.  McKay was sad to see the season end. But we were able to celebrate the success of the season at a dessert banquet.  Above McKay is lined up with his team.  The coach highlighted each player and gave each player a small gift.

McKay receiving his gift from Coach.

A few weeks after the regular season ended, the team went down to Mesquite, Nevada to play in a weekend tournament.  Just McKay and I went down.  We thought we would enjoy some warmer weather (it being the end of November), but instead it rained the whole weekend and we froze!  McKay is bundled in a blanket above waiting for the tournament weigh-ins.

It was so chilly, that McKay did some dancing during warm-ups to stay warm.  He has got some moves! 

Hanging out with some of his team buddies at Pizza Hut for lunch.  It was fun to watch him interact with his friends.  And it was fun to see him relax and enjoy himself so much.

A pre-game breakfast at McDonald's.  We learned through Google that McDonald's was one of Mesquite's top 10 restaurants.  That shows you the quality of Mesquite, Nevada.

Once the tournament was over, McKay's team gathered for one last post-game pep talk.  Coach brought up each player and talked about their good qualities and all that each player added to the team.  He talked about how this was only McKay's second year playing football and how hard he worked.  McKay played on the offensive line this year and also played corner for the last part of the season and for all of the Mesquite tournament.

One last team huddle.  McKay really was sad to see it all end.  He loves football season and being with his team.

Team tournament photo.  McKay was so appreciative and thanked me many times for taking him to the tournament.  Despite the weather and losing games in the tournament, it was a good weekend.