Football was never our sport until this year when Grant announced that he was going to try out for the Fuquay Varina Bengals - Middle School - team. Despite our apprehensions we watched Grant go through try-outs and make the team. Without a doubt we are very happy for him; watching him be part of a big team sport, having a little bit of swagger in Middle School, seeing him make something for himself that his big brother does not have. of the trapping of a football game are there in Middle School play; cheerleaders, running through a banner, parents who know how to play the game better than the coach, and some good plays.
The games at this level of play and understanding of football have a "Fifth Quarter" - a term new to us. Fifth Quarter is five minutes of offense and five minutes of defense for the younger and newer member of the team. Those kids play but the score does not go toward the actual four quarter game. Grant is a Fifth Quarter player. He plays mostly on the offense, but he has played defense too. In one game they actually passed to him, but the throw was wobbly, and he missed it. Watching him play, I can see that he is in the game but never middle of the big play. So far, I have not seen him make a tackle or significant block. However, for someone who has never played before, he is out there doing it!
Middle School is such a difficult time for kids. I am glad this is building his self-esteem. The other week we went to a Willow Spring High School football game. Grant went with us but went off on his own with a bunch of friends. When we found him there were three or four girls around him, taking his picture, and playing with his hair. Something is clearing working for him.
The teams current record is 4-1. When the team returns from an away game with a win, the bus rolls into the school with the horn blaring and excited kids hanging out the windows. You would think that they won the state championship! And yes, I honked the horn too!
We are truly happy for him on this venture. I am sure he will try out again next season. If he makes the team he will be bigger and stronger and that means he will definitely play more of the regular game. All of this is good for him and his self-esteem - but we are hoping he switches to Cross Country in High School!
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