Just as Derek’s season came to an abrupt end, so did his brothers’. I suppose it’s never easy unless you win the big championship… and even then, the way these guys love to play the sport, there is always a tinge of sadness when the season ends.

Doesn’t this face say it all? It was the final talk to the team by the coaches after the final game, which ended in a loss. Hard to fight back the tears.

I’ll start with Jeremy. He started on the offensive line, as he was a lighter-older player. Most of his teammates were a year younger than him. But what he really excelled at was playing defensive end. He was a master at shedding his block and getting to the ball.

I love this shot of him reaching to block the kick. He wasn’t successful, but boy, A+ for effort!

Here, he’s collaborating with his teammate.

It reminded me of a pic taken of his big brother way back in 2009:

There was an additional emotional element to the end of Peter’s season, as this was his final year playing youth football. Next year, he’s on to high school football He’s been playing youth football every year since age 5!!

I can’t help myself–look at this little munchkin running onto the field in 2009!

Now look at him–one of the big boys.

He had a great season with great coaches. Two big lessons he learned this fall by being on this team were hard work and perseverance. His coaches pushed the boys physically starting on day one, that Peter would get into the car after practice, absolutely exhausted from all the conditioning.

This team practiced more than any other we’ve been a part of. And downpouring rain did not stop them.

Peter proved to be a versatile player and was a positive contribution on the team.

He enjoyed his experience and definitely exited youth football on a good note.