I was part of a chain gang this evening

but not the kind you are probably thinking of, instead I was part of the team of parents keeping track of first downs and yardage necessary in my son's first tackle football game. It is a lot harder than it looks to keep after exactly where the football was downed on the play, which down it is, and how far to go to on the next down.  The game was in a light rain and was very well played by both teams. I forgot how much football action is determined within sixty inches of the line of scrimmage.

The Oconee County Recreation and Parks Department ran two games consecutively at the Oconee County Middle School, complete with a rooster crowing in the background and Georgia basketball coach Mark Fox in attendance this evening watching his #14 son's team come up a little short on the 20-6 score. It was fun being part of the team of parents pulling the ten yards of chain up and down the sidelines. I would be happy to volunteer again anytime.

My son recorded a pair of solo tackles and made the final kick off go further than anyone else's kick off of the evening. He played both ways at tight end and at linebacker. He did a very good job of getting in the way. It was darn near impossible for me to run the spotter and down turning device while watching out for #24.  And they have just started to play together. QB Congolose scored two TDs and speedy #3 the other. I wish I knew all the names of all the players but at his point I was just happy to help out in any way, shape, or form by helping with the chores. I am giving Lowell the opportunity to play this his sixth grade year to decide if he wants to continue in the path of his Grandfather Robert Lowell Hodges and play football. Apparently his grandmother is terrified of him playing tackle football, but I just want some

It was very odd listening to the other coaches calling out their plays. Dr. Walpert, Mr. Baughans and Deputy/Dectective Hood all kept their team in with their experience and direction. I had seen all three of the families numerous times. I salute them all for their service and dedication to the youth of Oconee County.  Together with Coach Fox's kid, this team figured up to be a force to be reckoned. Young QB Hood played like Jerome Bettis to Jace Baughans' Billy Sims. But this was not meant to be this evening for the Warriors in this first game of the year. This was a great "non-standing" in the program run by Trevor Ross at the Oconee County Parks and Recreation Department. The Mountaineers and Wildcats
 started out the evening's games.

Next Tuesday, September 13th shall see the Warriors and Mountaineers kicking off at 6:00 pm followed by the Seminoles taking on the Yellow Jackets. Both teams missed practice yesterday but will practice Thursday. I might go scout the Wildcats and Seminoles on the 15th in the only game in the league at North Oconee High School. There will also be a NFL Punt, Pass and Kick Competition from 9:30 am to 12:00 pm on Saturday, September 24th (the same day at the Picture Day at Herman C. Michael Park.

The Oconee Bowl is Thursday, October 20. Each week someone gets a bye week, meaning they are not going to get to play a game. The Yellow Jackets have the last bye week before the playoffs.
Location: Oconee County Middle School, 1101 Mars Hill Rd, Watkinsville, GA 30677-4829, USA

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