A Pretty Good Week of Sports

Lexi was able to cheer a bit at her J.V. game, which was an improvement. Her legs continue to heal, and we're hopeful she'll be fully cleared soon.

Cami had a volleyball match, and her team split the games 1-1. She got all but one of her serves in and had some other good hits. Next week, her volleyball season finishes up. She also had two travel basketball games, and this week she won both. The first game was a close one, with Cami scoring 4 points, grabbing some rebounds and playing pretty good defense. She also took two free throws, but missed them both. The second game was a more decisive win, and again Cami had 4 points. This time, though, she had multiple assists and a steal or two. I also think she blocked a shot. It was a good day for her on the court. The next set of games is in two weeks.

Griffin had two football games this weekend. The first game was the last regular season game. The team picked up its first win, which was cool. However, Griffin was a madman on defense (I would've named him defensive player of the game). He forced a fumble to stop a drive inside the 10, he intercepted a pass and returned it about 10 yards, he knocked down a pass in the endzone, and twice he held his ground at corner and made a tackle to stop a reverse from going big (including one awesome solo tackle for a loss). He also tackled the QB for a loss/sack. On offense, he blocked well, including one crack-type block where he would've planted the kid if Griffin weighed more. The second game was the first round of the playoffs and was against the other team from our school. We ended up losing 2-0 on a safety with under two minutes left. It was disappointing, but the team, and great, showed a lot of improvement over the season. Griffin finished up with 3 tackles, including one on a sweep that saved a touchdown as part of a goalline stand. He also did a fine job on offense. I'm really proud of him, particularly his heart and effort. I'm thankful I had the opportunity to coach him. Next up for Griffin is basketball tryouts in about a month.

The high school lost a tough one and will look to bounce back this week.

This Week Was A Little Less Busy

Due to parent/teacher conferences, Cami's volleyball games were canceled. She is also on the off week for travel basketball.

Lexi is getting closer to full health and was supporting her fellow cheerleaders at the JV game this week.

Griffin was our busy guy. His football team lost 14-7, but aside from giving up one big play, we played pretty well. Griffin didn't have any tackles this week, but he did force a fumble and nearly had another interception. On offense, we didn't really throw so he kept up his steady blocking. Next week is our last regular season game. In basketball, he had two games, both of which the team lost. However, Griffin did a nice job. He had several good shots which just didn't fall. He had a nice steal that he took coast to coast on the right side and attempted to shoot right handed (like he'd been taught). He then got his own rebound and shot again (a foul should have been called). He was all over the place on defense, playing with a lot of heart and hustle. The fall tournament is next week.

On a positive note, the varsity football team evened our record by picking up a big win.

All three kids have school basketball tryouts coming soon, so stay tuned.

This Sports Update Was Late; Sorry

So over the past two weeks, we've had a bunch of events.

Lexi continues to heal from her stress fractures, and she was able to cheer for a bit in a game last week. She keeps pressing on and hanging in their.

Cami had three volleyball games, but didn't win any. However, she is still improving on both serving with an overhead, open hand and getting good hits and bumps when the ball is put in play. She also had two basketball games in travel league. The team lost both games, but they were winnable. Cami scored a total of 9 points and had multiple steals and rebounds. She went coast to coast on one of the steals, but the ball rolled out on the shot. She also plays aggressive defense. She is growing into an all-around good player. This travel league is every other week, so she will have next week off.

Griffin had two football games this week due to a weather make-up. His team lost both, but he played pretty well. In the first game, he had multiple solo tackles out at corner, stopping the jet sweep and several other plays to his side. In the second game, he had a nice tackle on a screen pass, defending a deep post and had a pick off a tipped ball in the end zone. He really had to concentrate to make the catch and was able to run it out of the end zone a little bit. He also had four travel league basketball games. The team went 1-3 in the games, and Griffin was his usual pesky self. He did have several rebounds and jump balls, plus took a couple of nice shots that just didn't fall. The highlights for me were the drive to the basket/lay-up combination that resulted in his first basket, and the final minute of a game where Griffin was told to guard a kid who was a foot taller and 100 pounds heavier than him. Coach said he wanted to know what flavor of gum he was chewing (ala Hoosiers) and Griffin responded that he might not be able to see that high.

The high school varsity team lost both games, as we still are struggling with consistency and growing pains on both sides of the ball.

More action next week!

Quick Family Sports Update

Griffin's football game was postponed from Saturday until Tuesday due to weather. The team lost, but did have some good plays. The highlight for Griffin was his first catch. He ran a Go route and got behind the CB for around an 8 yard gain (we aren't really a dynamic passing team). It was also the first downfield completion of the season. There is no game this weekend due to the Labor Day holiday, so we're back at it next week.

Cami had her 1st rec league volleyball match. Her team lost, but Cami played well. She really improved on her serving, getting most of her serves over by serving overhand, which was a struggle last season. She also had several nice hits and bumps. She has her next game(s) next week.

Lexi continues to be a cheerleading bystander due to stress fractures, but the latest update is that she could be seeing some improvement.

The varsity football team won last week and plays a ranked opponent this week.

Stay tuned...

We Add Another Sport This Week

Griffin's team lost again this week, but we scored our first touchdown and played our best half yet. Griffin wasn't in on any tackles, as they didn't really run to his side much, but he did make a nice contain play on a sweep that resulted in his man blocking him in the back and getting a penalty. Offensively, he played over half of the game at QB, leading the team to the touchdown and completing two passes to the running backs. He also ran the ball a couple of times for minimal gains (some on iffy snaps that threw off the timing of the play). Another game next week.

Cami starts her rec league volleyball this week. She'll have one practice day and one match day each week. She is really looking forward to it.

Lexi cheered at her first varsity football game (we won, by the way). Unfortunately for her, she is still in her walking boots, so she sat right in front of the cheerleaders but wasn't able to be up and moving with them. Next week is another game, as well.

More of Griffin's football

Griffin's team had their second game of the season this week. Unfortunately it didn't go our way. It was a struggle for the first half, particularly on offense (we were missing our first two centers, so snaps were an adventure for a bit). However, the team turned it around and played with more heart and effort in the second half, playing to a stalemate. Griffin had a nice game. He played WR and QB on offense. He carried the ball a couple of times and had two passes thrown in his direction (one landed short and the second was just over his head). He really shined on defense, though. He had multiple tackles, including a beautiful solo tackle on a bubble screen that could have turned into a big play if he had missed. He also had his first ever interception. One of his teammates knocked a pass down, and Griffin happened to be laying there, where he caught the ball with his legs. It was pretty cool, definitely a play that would have been shown on highlights if he was playing on tv. He has another game this next week, where the team will look to turn it around.

The girls are in a holding pattern, waiting for their activities to start. Lexi will be "cheering" at the first varsity football game this week, but may not be able to do much due to her walking boots. Cami still has a couple weeks until rec league volleyball starts.

Another Football Season is Under Way

With school starting, that means the kids are back in to sports. Griffin's last season of youth football got under way with a scrimmage/jamboree last Saturday and the first game today. The team looked alright in the scrimmage. Griffin played CB and WR, while also functioning as the back-up QB. His blocking is okay; we weren't able to get a pass to him, though. However, he had alot of action at QB. He did a good job running the plays, had a nice run on a QB Keeper, and actually threw a short pass that was turned into a touchdown. He also got creamed on his first pass attempt, but got right up and kept going. Defensively, he had nice coverage and made several good plays, either making tackles or turning the runner back into the rest of the defense.

As far as the first game (we played the other team from our school), we lost 18-0. We gave up a pick 6, a punt return, and a long pass (none were because of Griffin). He had a solid game at CB, and even had a great tackle against his nemesis, who then left the game because he was getting sick. Offensively, Griffin played at WR the whole game, and is still working on his blocks.

We have our next game next Saturday.

Cami starts youth league volleyball in the next week or two. Lexi (who is in two walking boots thanks to shin splints/stress fractures) is getting ready for the football cheer season to start, even though she can't do anything much but watch right now. And my varsity football season gets underway next Friday with a scrimmage. Trisha is definitely going to be busy.

The Fall Ends; The Winter Begins

Here's a summary of our last couple of weeks: Lexi's cheer squad won the state championship in the Time Out Division. It was super cool and very exciting. They even had a police/fire truck escort when they go back to town and drove in a sort-of parade through several of the small towns in our school district. Lexi also made the 8th grade basketball team, and is very excited about that. She is practicing now, with games to come in the next month or two.

Griffin's football team lost in the semi-finals, but he had a successful season. He nearly had an interception in our last game. Griffin also made the school basketball team. He starts practice in a week, and then games start soon after.

Cami finished her fall travel basketball season by winning her last two games. She made a basket and two free throws, had multiple rebounds, and stole the ball and drove to the basket on a fast break, just missing the shot. She really improved during this season, and we're looking forward to seeing further development over the winter. She has her first rec league game next Saturday, and will have tryouts for the school team (she should make it) at the end of November. She also wrapped up volleyball with a win, and had a good time doing it.

We are now getting ready to eat, sleep, and breathe basketball for the next four months.

Our fall sports seasons near they're end

Lexi cheered again while the football team won again. There is one more game this season. She also continues to participate in open gyms, preparing for basketball season. This weekend, Lexi and the cheer squad participated in their second cheer competition. They won again and this time they had no deductions on their routine.

Cami's volleyball team split their games again this past week. They've shown a lot of improvement and will finish their season with a tournament this week. Cami has shown a consistent overhand serve and is doing a nice job with hitting the ball when it's coming to her. Cami's basketball team won one and lost one, again. She had 3 points in the first game and had 2 rebounds. She has next weekend off, then plays a couple more games, I believe.

Griffin's football team played their last regular season game this week. The team lost a hard fought game, 14-8. Griffin did a nice job, blocking from his wide receiver position. He also a fine game at DB. They completed a pass on him, but he had good coverage and helped make the tackle. He also knocked a pass down the next time they threw on him, so he learned from previous experience. In the first playoff game, the team won 34-0 and played our most complete game so far. Griffin played good "D" and was in a pile for a tackle. He also carried the ball twice. The first time, I think he lost a yard. The second run was spectacular, though. He started off left, made it harder by running outside the hole and to the sideline, where he dodged a guy and stiff-armed another, then reversed field and outran everyone (with some helpful blocks from his teammates) for a touchdown. It was the most fantastic 179 yard 20 yard touchdown run and nearly made me cry. Our next game is Tuesday in the semi-finals, and if we win, the championship is on Wednesday on the new varsity turf field at the host school.

The Latest Update

This week, Lexi continued cheering. The 8th grade team won again, and Lexi was her usual cheer-y self. Two more weeks before they begin transitioning to basketball cheer. She also has another cheer competition coming up next Saturday.

Cami's volleyball team split games with their opponent for the second time this season. She served well, winning earning several points. She has a couple more weeks of the volleyball season remaining. Cami's basketball team went 1-1 this week. She handled the ball as point guard several times, shot, and played hard. Two more games to come next week.

Griffin's football team won again, 18-0, to go to 7-0 on the season. He had a pretty good game, getting a tackle and providing some blocks. He also got to cover a receiver, as this team passed a little bit. Next Saturday is the last regular season game, with the playoffs starting next Sunday. Giffin's basketball team lost both their games this week. He had a few shots that just missed (they are sooo close to going in). He also had a couple of rebounds, played tenacious defense, and caused multiple turnovers, along with tying the ball up for jump balls. His fall season comes to an end next weekend with a tournament.

We are close to finishing the fall sports season and then will have a short break before the winter season begins.

So Many Sports!

Lexi did her usual, cheering for the middle school football game (they lost). However, this week her cheer squad participated in their first ever competition. The did a great job and received a trophy (they were the only squad in their division, but did a terrific job regardless).

Cami's volleyball team won their first set of the season. Cami did a wonderful job, serving for several points. She also made some nice hits when the ball was served to her. Cami's basketball team went 1-1 again this week. She did a nice job in the first game, but turned it on in the second. She had a rebound and 4 points to go along with several jump balls caused in both games. She had a huge smile on her face after scoring. More to come next week.

Griffin's football team won their sixth game of the year, bringing them to 6-0. They beat an outmanned team 22-0, and it could have been a lot worse but we played multiple kids in multiple positions. Griffin played good defense and nearly had another tackle. On offense, he blocked as a wide receiver, but the real fun came when I put him at running back. On his first play, he recovered a fumble by the quarterback. On his second, he ran right, made a little juke move, and picked up around 6 yards. Unfortunately, there was a penalty, but it was a really cool run with a nice move. He also said it didn't really hurt to get tackled, so that was nice. Two more regular season games to go. Griffin's basketball team lost both of their games. Griffin was able to take a couple of shots and get some rebounds. More next week.

One other really cool thing happened this week. The US Secretary of Education visited our school as part of a tour she was on, and attended our Hog Roast fundraiser and varsity football game. Cami and Griffin had a chance to meet Sec. DeVos and shake her hand. Griffin (and a smidge of Cami) even made it in a picture in the local newspaper (Griffin was front and center).

Weekly update (again)

So Cami had her first volleyball matches of the season. Her team lost both matches, but Cami had some nice overhand serves (even serving for a couple of points), and hit several other balls. She had a good time. She also started practicing for a sort-of travel basketball team at school.

Lexi cheered again (the team lost). She actually was cheering against some of her church friends, which was a neat opportunity (rivals but friends). She is also going to open gym workouts for basketball.

Griffin's team raised their record to 4-0 with a hard fought 20-8 win. After going down 8-0 in the first quarter and not looking very good, the team fought back and played an outstanding final 3 quarters. Griffin was in on a gang tackle. He also had really good pass coverage that helped cause an interception that was returned for a touchdown. We have next weekend off due to Labor Day, and resume games the following weekend. Additionally, Griffin has begun a short fall travel basketball season. His team's first games are this weekend, but he chose to opt out of playing in order to hang out with our new missionary friends and their boys. So, next Sunday will be his first basketball games of the season.

Things have started well, and Trisha and I are looking forward to rooting on our kids as we head into the fall.

Highlight Play

Today, Griffin's football team won their first game this season. That was cool. However, what he did was even cooler. Griffin scored on a 40+ yd counter. Along the way, he broke a tackle, kept his balance, and stiff-armed a kid before he scored. It was his first touchdown in the tackle league, and its quite possible I was more excited about it than he was. In addition, his blocking improved, and he was involved in a tackle or two while playing linebacker. All in  all, a pretty cool day.

We are still waiting for Cami's fall softball season to start, but that should be any time now.

Lexi had her first action as a cheerleader this past week, and every time I looked at her, she had a big smile on her face. She also found out that she would be playing #1 doubles this tennis season.

This week, we have two tennis matches scheduled (weather permitting), one cheer game, and one youth football game.

More to come...

Here we go!

This past week, the Knight family jumped back into our routine. After a fun summer break filled with camps, swimming, and a long Orlando vacation with the beach, theme parks, and Idaho family, our school lives began to gear up. The kids and I started school on Thursday. Lexi began tennis practice, and has continued cheerleading practice. Cami is starting fall softball soon. And Griffin had his first football game yesterday. He carried the ball a couple of times, had a few blocks, and was involved in making two tackles at the cornerback position. The team lost, but Griffin showed improvement from last year.

More to come as we get deeper into the seasons.

Run to the Championship

Lexi did not end up having another match, due to members of the opponent going to choir rather than the meet. She had a blast playing tennis, and improved in skill and self-confidence over the season. Saturday, the middle school athletes also participated in a day of service, doing various projects at the school. She also cheered this week, and has one final football game this week.

Griffin's team went on an exciting run to the championship game. They won their first game soundly, and Griffin was able to get in, mixing it up in the middle at linebacker. The semi-final game saw the team upset the undefeated and top-seeded team, 8-0. Our kids showed class and sportsmanship as the other team began playing dirty when they saw their season slipping away. All our kids hit and tackled extremely well, including Griffin. Thursday night, the team played under the lights at Greenfield High School, against another team that had beaten them pretty good earlier in the season. With our players going down left and right, the team held off a last minute drive to finish regulation in a tie. The game went to triple overtime, with our team coming up a foot short of tying it again. Griffin did a solid job, and played a snap at wide receiver as well as his typical linebacker spot. I was extremely proud of Griffin and the whole team. They played over their heads and as a team, and showed tremendous sportsmanship in the midst of a heartbreaking loss.

Trisha and I finished the week by playing duck-pin bowling with the staff and spouses from her counseling office.

With the fall season ending, we have a couple of weeks before we head into basketball. Whew!

Back to the Sporting Life

After a rather slow week for the kids (at least this season), they were back at it. Lexi had two tennis matches. In the first one, she and her partner lost. In the second, she played singles and the beat the 2nd singles player from the other team 6-1. She was excited and so were we. She is still playing the equivalent of JV, but is getting better each and every day. She was also selected as the Royal Pride Athlete of the Week after being nominated by her coach. She has at least one (might have a second) match this week, in addition to the weekly cheerleading at the middle school football games.

Griffin also had two games, with one being a make-up. The team did not do so well in the first game. Griffin played a bit at LB but was not able to be involved in any tackles. The second game went a lot better. We still ended with a loss, but it was a close game and the boys played much better. Griffin again played LB, and was able to get himself near the action. He's still trying to bring himself to hit someone, rather than just get in a pile, but he is getting better and still having fun. The next game is Saturday.

Cami's team won both games in close fashion, maybe by a run or two. She went 2-4, while knocking in a couple of runs and scoring once. She also nearly ran a girl down while playing third base. She thought that was pretty cool.  He last double-header is next Saturday.

Slow Sports Week

Last week was a slow sports week for us. Lexi had two matches, winning one and losing one. She and her partner beat the 2nd doubles team in a pretty cool upset.

Griffin was supposed to have a mid-week game, but lightning in the area caused it to be postponed. So, this week he is scheduled to have two games.

Cami just had the weekend off, and will be back at it on Saturday.

Big Week for the Knight Athletes

As per usual, Lexi had her double activity week. She cheered for two football games, and its amazing to me how she keeps looking more and more like a middle schooler. She also got to play her first tennis match (doubles) against another school. She and her partner won, and the team won, too. Apparently, the coaches were very complementary of Lexi and like how she is developing.

This morning, Griffin's team won 34-0. The offense ran less than 15 plays, and we scored off an interception, a punt return, and with three different long runs.  Griffin played a bunch at middle linebacker, and was in on several tackles. He was even the first to the ball carrier on one. It was a huge deal for him, because he's beginning to realize that hitting someone doesn't really hurt all that much. The mental breakthrough is coming.

Finally, Cami had another double-header. She lost by one in the first game, and won easily in the second. Personally, she had 4 hits, including a double, and scored 3 runs. She also hit a hard line drive that the pitcher's helper somehow caught. Cami played most of the games at shortstop, but rotated to outfield a couple of times and even played an inning at pitcher's helper. She is really growing in her confidence, especially at the plate.

More excitement to come next week!

Sports Update

Lexi had her first tennis match of the year. She competed in an exhibition doubles match against another team from Eastern Hancock. She and her partner won (8-2, I think). Lexi did a really good job, particularly with her serves. She had several aces. The team won the overall match, as well.  It also looks like she will be able to compete against a team from another school this week. Additionally, she cheered for both the 7th and 8th grade football games, and I was able to see a little bit. She did a really good job. She has a natural talent for being loud and encouraging.

Cami had another double header. Her team split the games, but Cami did an awesome job. She had 3 hits, 3 runs, and 3 RBIs. She played SS, 3rd, and outfield. She also had a nice defensive play, aggressively fielding a ball at SS and throwing a runner out at 1st. She has a double header again next Saturday.

Finally, Griffin's team lost. It was a close games, and the boys played better for the whole game. Unfortunately, a few big plays cost us. Griffin played a handful of plays at LB and was on one kick-off team play. He is learning to be more aggressive and it gravitating toward the ball more. He even got his first "injury" - he had a player come at him at LB and Griffin got in the way, but was knocked down. In the process, his arm was stepped. After a sitting out a bit, he was able to tough it out and play some more. He also has another game next week.

We finished up the week by attending the Chicago Bears vs. Indianapolis Colts game. It was a good time, and we got to see the Bears win.

Busy Week

Last week, Lexi somehow managed to juggle tennis practice, cheerleading practice, piano lessons, homework, and her first middle school cheering event. Thursday, the cheerleaders traveled about an hour away and cheered for both the 7th and 8th grade football teams. Lexi didn't get home until 10:30. Needless to say, she is learning how to organize her time wisely. I'm really proud of her.

Griffin's team lost, 18-8, mostly because of uninspired 1st half play. Griffin played a down or two at RB, and another five or six at outside LB and CB. He even filled in on kickoff team. He is learning to be more aggressive. He is also dealing with the strange dichotomy of throwing his body intentionally into another person in order to tackle them. It's a hard thing to convince yourself to do when you are in your first season of football with pads. He is getting better each practice, and his confidence is growing.

Cami had her first fall softball double-header. Her team won both games. She struggled at the plate in the first game, but fielded several balls at 3rd base, tagging a girl out as well. In the second game she went 3-3, knocking in some runs and scoring all three times. She was pretty excited about that.

This week, Lexi has a tennis match Monday and another pair of games to cheer at on Thursday. Cami has another Saturday double-header, preceded by a football game for Griffin.