We experienced both victory and defeat last weekend, as both football teams with Johanik representation played in their NYFL Super Bowls. It was quite an event–playing on turf with a real scoreboard–one that won’t quickly be forgotten.

The Saints played an undefeated team. We were the underdogs for sure. Because everyone likes to cheer for the underdogs, I noticed several non-Saints parents cheering the Saints on to victory that day. What added to our team’s underdog role was the fact that almost half the team consisted of 5 year-olds. Jim chose four of the little squirts to be team captains for the game.

Despite some highlights,

the Saints just couldn’t pull ahead. A certain 5 year-old needed consoling at one point after coming off the line against a larger opponent.

It wasn’t long before he was back to his chipper self, cracking jokes with his best buddy (never mind that his team was battling behind him).

When the game was over and all the kids were excitedly receiving their runner-up medals, Peter fought back tears, having left every ounce of fight on the field. I love that about him.

The fact that these guys even made it to the super bowl says a lot about their coaches.  And I’m not just saying that because I’m married to one–they really encouraged and instructed these guys well.

We enjoyed a tailgate party between games–many thanks to all the fans who came out to support the boys!

Sammy tried on Peter’s pads for size. They should be a good fit in a couple short years.

Next up was Derek’s game–his overwhelming win helped ease the pain of the earlier defeat.

He took one for the team, so to speak, during this game. He consistently had four linemen blocking him.

The Chiefs played hard and prevailed. A sweet victory indeed!