Not Tonight

There are nights when everything goes your way. Sometimes, you can do no wrong. The ball just bounces your way. There have been a few Friday nights this season where the Bobcats have had a little luck on their side. But not tonight.

Five times this year, the boys in orange and blue have battled their way to a victory, defeating what was really a better team. They somehow managed to pull out a win when the odds were stacked against them. But not tonight.

In time, those involved will look back on the season and truly appreciate what an accomplishment it really was. Making it this far is something that will be celebrated. The perspective will be different then, and the focus will shift from the disappointment over what we weren't able to do to pride in all that what we did. Soon, the guys will realize that losing in the 3rd round is nothing to hang their heads over, and eventually they too will be proud of what they have achieved this year. But not tonight.

Because tonight, hearts are broken. Tonight, it's hard to think about anything other than the fact that it's over. It was an unlikely run at best, but that doesn't make the defeat easier to accept. And, we are all proud of our Bobcats. But that doesn't make it hurt less.

The hardest part is saying goodbye, seeing those seniors play their last game, knowing the disappointment they feel. We've watched these guys grow up to be men over the past five years. They become like part of our family. Most will never comprehend the hours Coach has spent with these guys, either at practice or workouts or summer camps or making highlight films or watching films or preparing for practice and games. Yes, they are like family. And they aren't the only ones with broken hearts.

It will get easier as the days pass, because you realize that there are great things in store for these young men. You know you'll always be here in any way you can if any of them were to ever need you. You know that their lives have been changed for the better because of this game called football. You know that, while their playing days are over, they will always be Bobcats. Knowing these things makes it easier. But not tonight.

Congratulations to the Woodland Bobcats players and coaches on a great season.