A lot happening this week

To begin, Lexi continues to cheer for the middle school football games. The team was victorious again this week. She also is still attending basketball open gym. Additionally, the middle school student council (of which she is a member), voted her President, a position she ran for (and gave a speech) against two other 8th graders. I guess I have to refer to her as Madam President now.

Cami had another volleyball match. She didn't win, but she served well again and hit the ball several other times. She also had her first two travel basketball games. They won one and lost one. She had 2 points, a steal, and caused multiple jump balls. Lots of hustle.

Griffin's football team is still undefeated, at 5-0. The defense has only given up 20 points this season, I believe, and the offense has scored 112. We have three more regular season games. Griffin had an assist and nearly had two more tackles. He also recovered a fumble for the first time in his career. Last week, his travel basketball team played two games (they lost both). Griffin played pretty good defense. He was able to get a few shots off, but is still a little rusty. He also shot two free throws, but they just missed. This week they had two more games, winning one and losing one. Griffin took some shots again, got a rebound, a deflection, tied up several loose balls, and played good defense. Next week he has two more games.

Lots of fun cheering on the kids.

The Success Continues

For the third week in row, Griffin's team was victorious, this time 26-12 (it wasn't that close). The offense put together two good drives, with Griffin taking the plays in at reciever. The defense was outstanding. We recovered 4 turnovers, with an interception and a fumble being returned for touchdowns. Griffin continues to get better at cornerback. He was in on a tackle, but his best play came when he squared the runner up and tackled him head-on. It was a good play by him, particularly because Griffin was more aggressive. There is a tough challenge ahead next Saturday as the team looks to continue to improve.

Lexi continues to cheer for a powerhouse team. They won 49-0 this week. She'll cheer again this week. Lexi is also attending the basketball open gym sessions in order to improve and to show the coaches her commitment to basketball.

Cami continues volleyball practice (I was wrong about her having a game this past week). Her first match is in a couple of weeks. Cami has set a goal for herself to serve the ball overhand and get it over the net. She's working really hard to accomplish that.

More of the same for the Knights this upcoming week.

Another Successful Week

Griffin's team won 24-0 for the second consecutive week. This week we played a school that was new to us, but were still able to pull it out. After a slow start, the boys turned it on; plus, for most of the game we played with only one sub (due to sickness, injury, and absence). I was really proud of all the kids. Griffin did a nice job, playing a ton. He played every play on defense at cornerback, getting close to several tackles and nearly recovering a fumble. He also played a bunch at wide receiver on offense. He did a good job blocking and had a couple of touchdowns run to his side. The next challenge comes next Saturday.

Lexi had her first cheer game of the season, and had a good time. The team won 49-0, and I think the cheerleaders were getting tired arms, as they did push-ups after each score. The next game is Thursday.

Finally, we got the info on Cami's volleyball. She starts practice Monday, and will have games on Wednesdays. She is excited and looking forward to the season.

And just like that, we are superfans again.

Starting with a Win!

Griffin's first game of the season resulted in a 24-0 win for the team. Part of the fun was that we beat the other team from our school, winning bragging rights for the year. Griffin started at cornerback on defense, and rotating at wide receiver on offense, taking in the plays. He had two pretty good plays during the game. On offense, he made a really nice block to help spring the running back for a 15-20 yard gain. On defense, he made a solo tackle on a pass play that held the receiver to only a couple of yards. I was really proud of him on that play, because we scrimmaged the other team during the week and he was beat on the same play. He learned from that and made the tackle when it counted. Our next game is next Saturday.

Lexi had a week off from cheer practice, but is back at it this week. She has her first football game to cheer at this week, too.

Cami starts volleyball next week, and we will be all systems go!

We're off! (Fall sports)

Yesterday, Griffin officially began his 5th grade football season. He was a part of the annual kick-off jamboree, with his team playing two 10 minute running clock scrimmages against other teams. Both "games" ended scoreless, with our defense and offense doing some nice things and making some good plays. Griffin was in on at least one tackle from his cornerback position, and blocked on offense while playing wide receiver. Next Saturday is his first official game.

Lexi has been doing her regular cheer practices, and I think the first game for them to cheer at is in two weeks.

Cami will be playing fall volleyball, and sign ups are this week.

We are looking forward to getting the fall season off to a great start and watching the kids participate in activities they enjoy.

Here we go! Fall sports season is underway.

This week we are back at it. Griffin's youth football season gets underway this week with multiple practices. I'm excited because the number of players on the team is smaller this year than it has been the last two years, which mean more playing time for all of the kids. His jamboree to start the season is July 29 and the first official game is August 5.

Lexi starts her cheerleading practices this week, going from some optional practices to official ones. In addition to their regular cheering at games, the squad will also be competing several times during the fall.

Cami is looking forward to volleyball, which will get underway when school starts in August.

The Fall Seasons End

Lexi wrapped up the tennis season with a doubles match and a #3 singles match. She did not win either one, but did perform admirably, even taking her singles opponent to deuce 8 or 9 times during the final point. Overall, this (from my point of view) has been a very successful tennis season for Lexi. She definitely improved, both from a physical aspect and a mental aspect. Hopefully she plays next year, too. She also has two more football games to cheer at in the upcoming week, and that aspect of cheer is complete.

Griffin's team lost their playoff game 24-18, so the season has ended. However, the team played their most complete game of the year. They even stripped the ball with about 30 seconds remaining to give themselves one final chance to tie. They fought to the end, and made a bunch of good plays. Griffin was involved in multiple tackles, including a pretty good solo tackle on the edge, while playing cornerback. This was a very good season for Griffin. He really improved his aggressiveness, and overcame his hesitation when it came to hitting. He made multiple tackles, blocked well, and scored. I'm very proud of how he did. Next up is travel basketball.

Cami finished her fall softball season with a double-header, one loss and one tie (due to time constraints). She finished on a high note, walking once, striking out, and hitting an arching line drive into short right field for a stand up double. She also scored the tying run. She played 2nd, outfield, and pitched the last inning of the second game. She made a great play at pitcher; a ball was hit hard back at her, and she fielded it and made a great throw to 1st for the out. It was a good fall season, and I'm glad Cami had a chance to practice pitching more and to improve her hitting. She is growing in confidence.

Basketball is almost upon us all, but a brief respite awaits in the near future.

Just Another Week

Lexi had two tennis matches this week. She lost her doubles match, but she was able to play #2 doubles, and beat her opponent 8-2. That was her first singles win that did not come in an exhibition game. She also cheered for middle school football on two different nights.

Griffin had his last regular season game and won, 16-0. He played every play on defense at cornerback, getting in on multiple tackles and having a couple where he was the primary tackler. He also nearly had an interception, but deflected it instead. He also played his old wingback position a bit, and did a fine job of blocking. Playoffs start on Tuesday.

Cami's team played three games this week. In the first, she pitched and got three outs, played some second base, and hit a double and scored. In the double header, she played RF and 1st, and had a really good hit (off a pitcher, and not coach pitch). She smacked the ball down the third base line, and eventually came around and scored. In the second game, she pitched all three innings. She struggled with consistency a bit, but was a trooper and kept fighting. She got a hit in this game as well, scoring a couple of batters later. Unfortunately, her team lost all three games, but Cami did a nice job.

More to come next week.

Double the Fun

This week, Lexi had two tennis matches (unfortunately, she also had an invitational rained out). She and her partner lost both matches, but it is clear Lexi is improving. She is moving around the court more and making forehand and backhand shots. She also went straight from a match to cheer for the football team.

Griffin had two football games (one was a make up game). We lost both games, but Griffin had some good plays. In the first game, he played cornerback the entire game and had 3 tackles and ran a kid down on a long run but just didn't know how to dive at the end. In the second game, he played every single play, due to 5 or 6 boys being out from illness and other stuff. He did a nice job blocking from his wingback position, and his one chance to run didn't go well (most of our offensive plays weren't really successful in this game). He played corner again, and again had the chance to run a kid down; this time, he was able to dive and saved a touchdown. He also defended several pass attempts, nearly being in position for an interception. Next Saturday is the last regular season game.

Cami was due to have a double-header today, but was rained out. She'll have several games coming up due to all the rain-outs.

This has been a frustrating season weather-wise, as it seems every time there is a softball event or football game, there is rain. Bleech!

An Interesting Week aka More Rain

This was another week that saw some interesting weather impacting the kids' activities.

Lexi had two tennis matches (an invitational was rained out). She played 3rd singles in the first one, and lost. However, she was very excited and felt that playing singles helped her improve. She also played a doubles exhibition match that day, and won. In the next meet, she played 1st doubles, and she and her partner won. At this point, I have no idea how the team overall is doing, but Lexi is getting better everytime out, and is seeing success fairly consistently. She has a match or two this coming week. The football games she cheers at were canceled due to weather, but there will be another this week.

Cami had her first fall softball game. Her team lost, but she did get a hit. I'm not sure if she had any fielding chances (Griffin had practice at the same time). Today, she participated in the fall softball clinic, with an eye on improving her hitting. She has a game (maybe two) next Saturday.

Griffin's team lost their game, after a rain-shortened week of practice. He played a series on defense and was involved in making a couple of tackles. Offensively, this was a rough game, as there was very little success as a team. This week he has two games (one a weather make up): Wednesday and Saturday. We are hopeful for a better showing.

The Lull In-Between Events

While none of the kids have events during Memorial Day weekend, we had plenty last week.

First off, Cami got 1/2 an inning in before lightning started. She has yet to play a game of fall softball, but we've got a reschedule for this Tuesday, which adds to the regular game this Saturday, along with practice. Should be a full week, weather permitting.

Griffin's football game was also on Tuesday, and actually was called with 4 minutes left due to the lightning. At that point, we were up 28-12. Griffin blocked much better this week and scored a 2-pt conversion that was so open he could have run the entire length of the field. Griffin also got to play defense, which made him happy. He was involved in a few tackles, and showed more aggressiveness. We're back at it on Saturday.

Lexi had 3 tennis matches, and unfortunately, she and her partner lost all three. However, Lexi was able to play a singles exhibition match, and won. She showed much improvement during that match, and the doubles match earlier that afternoon. She used both forehand and backhand strokes effectively, which she had not been doing. I actually like her playing singles better, because it forces her to move around the court more. She also tried to go to the football game and cheer after one match, but as with the twins, by the time Lexi was able to get there, the game had been called due to the lightning.

We are hopeful for better weather this week, allowing the kids to compete in their activities.

Weather Interference

It has been a heck of a week, weather-wise. Lexi was able to get one tennis match in, which she and her partner won, 8-2. It was a tighter match than the previous two, but the competition was good for the girls. Wednesday's match was postponed/canceled due to tornadoes in the area. She did get to cheer for the middle school games, though, and even saw some church friends who attend the opponent.

Griffin's football game was canceled due to flooded fields. Like the others, Cami's first fall softball game was canceled due to flooded fields. It rained a ton here this week, and continued today.

Hopefully the weather will cooperate this week, as all of the kids' activities take place during the week with Labor Day weekend coming up.

Weekly Family Update

This week brought more activities to the Knight household. Lexi had two tennis matches (with a third rained out). She is playing 1st doubles, and she and her partner won both of their matches 8-0. It is clear that Lexi has improved from last year, and it's cool that she is playing in matches that count now, rather than exhibition matches. Also, her team won both meets. To add to her schedule, she cheered at a football game after one of the matches.

Griffin's team lost 12-0. It was a tough game, and a bit of a step back. Griffin didn't carry the ball this week (a couple times his play was called, but stuff happened), but his blocking was pretty good. Also, no defense, as very few boys play both ways, unless there are problems or a big lead. He did recover a bad kick while playing kick-off return, though. We're looking forward to a good week of practice and a better overall game next Saturday.

Cami starts fall softball tomorrow. She has games on Saturdays, with a clinic from a former varsity coach thrown in one weekend as well (Trisha helped set that one up!). Cami is excited because she has a bunch of friends on her team, and her coach is a good guy.

Nearing the Sporting End

Lexi had two tennis matches last week. She and her partner lost the first one, but one the second one in pretty convincing fashion. The tennis season ends this week. In the meantime, we still have cheerleading to support Lexi in.

Cami's last softball game with postponed, and then canceled, so her fall season is over. She had a good time, and showed improvement, especially at the plate.

Griffin's team won 20-6, to finish the regular season at 3-5. He played a bunch, at both linebacker and running back. He got to carry the ball once, but couldn't quite break a tackle. He was involved in a few tackle piles, also. His playoffs start on Monday, against the team he just beat. We will play Tuesday, and then Wednesday as long as we keep winning.

More Fall Sports

Lexi had two tennis matches this week, losing both. She really enjoyed the second match, though, even though she and her partner were beaten badly. She said it was fun because she was getting her serve in and there were some long volleys. Love to hear her excitement and seeing her improve.

Cami had one mid-week game, and one Saturday rain-out. In the game she played, she had two hits and two RBIs. She said it was fun. This fall season has been great for her skills and her confidence.

Griffin's team lost to the best team in the league, but played them extremely tough, scoring more points on them than anyone else. Griffin is still getting used to hitting, and made some strides during the second half. His regular season ends next Saturday, and then there are the playoffs.

We wrapped up the week by going to the Indy Eleven NASL soccer match. We had great seats and a lot of fun.

And the Fall Seasons Begin

Saturday marked the beginning of the kids' fall sports seasons. Lexi has begun tennis practice, and will also be cheering for middle school sports this year. Her first tennis match is a week and a half away, while the first football game she cheers at is this Thursday. Needless to say, she will be busy. Cami starts fall softball this week. She was supposed to practice last week, but was rained out.

Griffin has finished his first two weeks of 3/4 grade tackle football. Its been an interesting experience so far, but he seems to like it. His team played their first game yesterday, and won 18-6. Griffin played a couple of plays at running back, where he was a blocker (once going up against a pretty big kid). He also played a handful of downs at cornerback. He did a nice job of containing on a sweep play, allowing one of his teammates to make the tackle.  As a 3rd grader, much of this season is about getting acclimated to the pads and hitting, and playing a little in games. As he improves, he should play more, getting him ready to be a "big" kid next season.

Oh, and school started. We are in full-blown busy mode.

Griffin representing #6 like his dad. He also has eye black on, but it's a little hard to see.