Thatcher vs. Safford Alumni game

I talked about the Thatcher vs. Safford Alumni game in {this post}. The game was a few weeks ago and I felt like it needed a post of its own. Basically it was a bunch of old men getting together to play football against their big high school rivalry. I'm not kidding about the old men thing... 40 year old men signed up to play in the game! I realize that isn't that old, but it sure is for football. We live in a small town, so practically everyone showed up. I love that I live in a community where things like this are a big deal. Some people think that's lame. I think it's awesome!

You know the feeling you get the few weeks before Christmas... all of the build up and anticipation? Then Christmas day has come and gone and you are left feeling a little sad that it's all over with. Yeah, I definitely did not feel that way about this game. It was all Jace could talk about for weeks. I could hardly have a conversation with the guy without him relating something to the football game. I was also getting a little bitter about how much time he was spending working out and going to football practice. And if you don't mind me complaining a little bit more... I kept worrying that he was going to get hurt. This wasn't flag football, no. It was full on pads and helmets and guys smashing into each other.

I have to admit though, the sacrifice was well worth it!

A few girlfriends came with me to the game. We showed up at the ticket booth right as our Thatcher guys were walking out onto the field. I saw Jace and started yelling his name, trying to get his attention. He wouldn't answer me! I figured he was just "in the zone" or something. Finally I realized that it wasn't Jace. Haha. Woops! He walked out a few seconds later and that's when we snapped this picture....

It would've been a cute picture if I hadn't forgot to put my camera in auto before I handed it over to my friend. Way to go Taylor! Kidding... my fault. I still love the picture though. Makes me feel like I'm back in high school again... although I wasn't near popular enough to be dating a football player back in the day. Oh high school, glad that's over with! Back to the football game...

Right before the game started. Jace is #4.

Pre-game huddle.












The girls "watching the game". No, I'm kidding. We actually did watch the game. I was too nervous that he would get hurt, so I watched almost all of it. 


Our boys won 44-6!! It was awesome. When Safford initially walked out onto the field I thought we would definitely lose. They were HUGE and had double the number of guys we had. I was wrong! They ended up being kind of slow and just not that impressive at all.




About to sing the high school fight song. It was so fun to see all of these old guys so pumped up and excited about their win.





I have to brag on Jace for a minute. He played receiver and corner back. He had some awesome catches and a few even better tackles.

Definitely a fun night! There was a guy from Safford who broke his neck in the game. That's exactly what I was afraid would happen to Jace. The guy did have to get surgery, but he's doing better than expected. I'm so glad that Jace came out of it safe and in one piece! He had so much fun and was sad when it was all over. I've never seen him so giddy over something the entire time I've known him.

Way to go babe!