Last night was another wild ride for the Cougars, but this time fell short by less than a touchdown, losing 44-40. I don't know which is worse, losing by 60-70 points like they did in the beginning of the season or losing these tight games in which it goes down to the last minute before we know the outcome? I do know that our boy was totally drained, mentally and physically after the game, and it was difficult on the ride home having to hear him rather emotionally "I don't understand this, we gave it all we had, we have been working hard all summer, we do everything we're supposed to do..." All I could muster was saying "we know, we were there with you, we know you have given it your 100% but football is a team sport and you have to remember the other team is also doing the same thing, they also want to win... sometimes it just happens this way."
We reminded him that winning or losing does not define who you are. The fact that you get out on the field and compete makes you the quality person you are, you care and the score may not show it, but you are a better person for the sacrifices you do for the team. You are a different person now than you would have been had you not played football. Remember back to before you committed to being an athlete, it may feel easier to avoid competing because you wouldn't lose but then you wouldn't be this confidant strong person who walks with purpose and stands tall because people know you constantly work harder and give more than you have to. It was a hard drive home, but eventually he accepted it and I think he felt better. We ended the night by picking up Whataburger and again, didn't get to bed until a little after midnight.
The game was a roller coaster of lead changes, both teams were moving the ball with ease, returning volleys of touchdowns, but both were having trouble with their extra point conversions in the beginning. The Cougars missed their first extra point kick, then Travis failed a 2 point run, then Crockett failed on a 2 point conversion, then the Rebels. Before the half, though, the Rebels did convert a 2 point conversion, so they went into the half up 20-18. They came out of the half, got the ball and scored again and then again. It looked bad going into the end of the 3rd, but then Crockett scored again, making the difference on only a TD. The Crockett QB was sacked in the endzone and that gave the Rebels another 2 points, but with 9 minutes to go in the 4th, the game was still within reach as they were down 38-32. They both managed to score again, the Rebels got to 44, but Crockett ran out of time, scoring up to 40, finally converting a 2 point conversion but their final on-sides kick was recovered by the Rebels and the Cougars could do nothing but watch time expire on their evening. It was a heart wrenching performance, but they fought until the last seconds.
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