The Byrnes Family: Unbelievable Playoff Game in O-Town

The first playoff game hosted by the Ottawa Braves was to quote my mom "A tale of two halves" (It should be mentioned that she said the same thing last week as well). Personally, I would like to forget the first half - our quarterback who had only thrown 8 interceptions all year, threw 4, our defense was full of holes, and our beloved Braves were frustrated and stunned. I had never seen the team look so lost and out of control. It was hard to fathom that the Hastings Broncos (who were third in their conference) were so much better than us. Due to NAIA rules, players cannot be in the press box, we can only dress out 57 players, and only have 75 people on the sideline (this includes staff, trainers, players, etc), so Brenton was forced to watch with his harem in the student section. I had to have a beverage at halftime and rest my weary shoulders (from holding up my "D" and "Fence" forever to no avail). I thought perhaps halftime would be a great time for some player to stand up and say "We have won every single game we played until now. So this team is perfect. We stepped out on that field that way tonight. And if it's all the same to you, Coach Boone (insert Kessinger), that's how we want to leave it." (Cue the Remember the Titan's soundtrack). However, halftime found our players slumped against the side of the building looking sad and tired. This did not bode well for the second half. Therefore, I wasn't too surprised when they stopped our offense on the opening drive and then scored making it 34-6. The stands were quiet, except for the obnoxious sound of cowbells ringing (and ringing, and ringing) by the Hastings fans (I really must agree with Shelby - whoever invented those things should be shot - they are SO annoying when you are losing. It did cross my mind that as B&V built a power plant in Hastings, perhaps they would grow horns to go with their cowbells). Just when I was ready to pack in my D and Fence, something happened. The defense quit playing soft, came to life, and starting attacking (and knocked out their starting quarterback). Clarence Anderson (who is always awesome) caught balls that were uncatchable, and soon the score was tied. Andy Otto (whose longest run of the night was probably 7 yards) tore through the Broncos for a 64 yard score and the Braves had the lead for the first time - 40-34. The Broncos looked like they were going to score and win when Casey Calhoun (his dad wore a kilt to the Senior Day game, but didn't wear it for this game - I wonder why?) intercepted the ball on the 3 yard line and the Braves ran out the clock for the win. Next up, Shelby and I will be having Thanksgiving Dinner with the team (she is thrilled to spend Thanksgiving with her other brothers). Then I think I'll take a trip to US Toy to get some cowbells to take to No. 3 ranked Lindenwood University in St. Charles MO on Saturday, November 28 (insert evil laugh - ok I am kidding). Go Braves!