Thursday Night Lights

September 11th. Patriots day. The day we remember the worst attack on American soil. I will never forget that day. It is interesting to try to explain the emotions of that day to my children who were not alive or don't remember it.

It was also the night of a big varsity football game. Our school district shares two stadiums between seven high schools so several times a season we play on Thursday nights. This game was Lone Star against Wakeland. Four years ago, Lone Star High School was created from Wakeland. Lone Star has always been smaller and less experienced. Many Wakeland students have enjoyed trash talking Lone Star.

The Dallas Morning News mentioned the rivalry between the two schools even though they had never met. The newspaper picked Wakeland to beat Lone Star. Our team was the obvious underdogs. Our players went into the game with a huge chip on their shoulders and fire in their bellies.

The stage was set for a huge football game.

The Wakeland Blue squad (student section) is legendary. Lone Star had never had a student section.
Until this game....

They made fat heads of the coaches and football players.

They filled almost an entire section of seats. They were loud and proud!!

The school mascot uniform came just in time for the game. His name is R.I.O.T. (Rangers Influencing Outstanding Teamwork).

There was an energy that filled the stadium. It is about so much more than just football.

It is about the band.

The cheerleaders.

The Rangerettes

The Posse.

We had 10-12 families from church sit by us for the game. I love the fact that we have our own little Mormon cheering section. Anyone is welcome to join us. We are not exclusive. These are just a few of the best fans in the stadium.

I have to say that Lone Star's biggest fan is this little guy right here.

Jace loves watching the game he sits and cheers every play of the game. He was so excited to wear his new game day shirt.

They didn't offer game day gear small enough for the twins so I made some for them. 

At half time the score was 21-0 for Lone Star. The second half was harder. Wakeland scored twice and was within striking distance. Our crowd was worried.

In the end, we WON!! The final score was 21-13.

 The team came over in front of the crowd for the final playing of the school song. The end of a great game and the beginning of a great season of football.

 Upon arriving at home, Jace tried on Halle's tutu.

 Then, Keeton took a turn.

Haha. We love those Thursday night lights.