Metro Sports Game of the Week - SMS vs SME

The Metro Sports Game of the Week was our very own South Raiders against the dreaded East Lancers with the Rompin Stompin Raider Band performing their full halftime show for the first time. The Raiders did indeed stomp the Lancers and the band sounded really good. The weather has just been perfect the last two game - the band hasn't been subjected to 100 degrees in wool marching uniforms this year. Next up for the band - another home game next Friday and the Overland Park Parade on Saturday. Keep your fingers crossed for some more good weather.

Ottawa 45 Bethel 20

Brenton got his first taste of college football on the varsity level last night when he got to suit up for the home opener versus Bethel College. Tim, Grandpa Tom, Shelby, Kaylie (Shelby's friend from band and bowling), and I made the trek to O-town to cheer on the Braves. Ottawa took a commanding lead and we had hopes of seeing Brenton play, but a second half letdown stopped that idea and the defensive starters stayed in the game. Shelby and Kaylie manned the D and the Fence and provided lots of cheering (the game was quite crowded and we ended up sitting amongst the enemy). Next week is McPherson - who had a huge upset last night over last year's division champions Friends University. We are planning on tailgating before the game to ensure we get better seats. Check out our No. 54....

Brenton on left of picture - roommate Jake is #19 (with the headset)

Shelby, Brenton and Kaylie

First Marching Performance

Tim, Dee Dee, and I got to watch the first performance of the Fantasmic halftime show, Thursday, September 10 at South District Stadium. We also got to witness a Raider win over Lawrence, 28-7. The band sounded great (I love the Disney music) and the marching quite good for a first performance. Shelby of course was not as pleased as she thought they could do better. Actually, when I spoke with the band director, Mr. Adams, last week the thought this was one of the fastest learning bands he has had. We look forward to many more chances to see the performance, starting with next Thursday - South vs East - the Metro Sports Game of the Week.

Braves Win First Down Classic

The Ottawa Braves defeated the McKendree Bearcats (or Bear Rats as Shelby liked to call them) by a score of 31-21. Brenton spent the game in the press box, assisting the defensive coordinator, but Shelby wanted to see her "other brothers" so she made the trek with me to Platte City. It was a really good game, with Ottawa leading the entire game (the Bearcats mounted a comeback, but it was too little, too late). Ethan Haller threw for 4 touchdowns and 437 yards (he is so fun to watch). Bill Rasmussen (the founder of ESPN) presented Ethan with the offensive player of the game award and Coach K with the First Down Classic Trophy. Shelby has decided she really likes college football. Go Braves!

Brenton on the sideline, pregame. Brenton's suite mate and Shelby's other brother, Max.

Award time.

Ottawa Fall Scimmage

Tim and I travelled to Ottawa to watch the first scrimmage of the season as the Braves gear up for their first game next week (Shelby stayed home to catch up on her sleep as she attended the T-Bones game last night and got in late). Brenton got quite a bit of playing time while sporting his new number 54 (he's not too crazy about the number change). He didn't make any spectacular plays, but he didn't mess up either, so he was pleased. Carly came in from Lawrence to watch. After the scrimmage, we all went to Applebees (213 crew and families). After lunch, we made a run to Wal-Mart (note to anyone wanting to send a care package: Brenton's favorite is Parmesan & Garlic Cheez-Its - he loves them). Classes start on Monday so the coach actually gave them some much needed time off (to eat Cheez-Its and sleep). It was great day (and great weather too).

Brenton's 2009 Football Mug Shot

The Ottawa Braves had their pictures taken Saturday and they have been posted on the website. Lucky for Brenton, he quit his job at Sonic early enough to grow some facial hair (that was the worst part of his job - he had to shave every day). Oddly enough, I met the girl taking the pictures the week before in OP when I was having my oil changed in the van. I commented on her Ottawa Braves license plate and she told me she use to teach photography there but was moving to Colorado. However, she was sticking around long enough to take the football mug shots. I'm sure Brenton doesn't like his picture, but dear old mom loves it (those years in braces paid off - his teeth look great). Go Braves!

Brenton: Sophomore Year

Well, we managed to get the car loaded up, made the drive to Ottawa, sat through an hour meeting with the coach, unloaded the car, and fed the boy. All in a mere 5 hours. The football team will get their equipment and then head out to their breakaway camp. The coach is going to confiscate all cell phones so I am quite sure the withdrawal with be serious (we can only hope they can survive without texting). Now I can spend tomorrow cleaning his room at home and see what is growing in it (I did notice some old fruit snacks in his closet - eek!). Everyone has high expectations for the year and we will get our first look next Saturday at the first scrimmage. Shelby stayed home to mind Missy and Hannah but posed for a couple of pictures with her daddy.

213 Crew