Ryan's First Tackle Football Game

Two weeks ago, Ryan had his first tackle football game.  It was very fun watching him finally get to play in a tackle game.  He's been begging me to play tackle football for over a year now.  And, actually playing flag last year was my idea.  I wanted to see how he liked it before we made the commitment to tackle.  It's definitely more involved than flag - and so far he is really enjoying playing.  Even with the scrapes and bruises.  They did not win their first game, but I think they really had a good time being out there.  And I really liked how the coaches were with the boys during game.  No yelling and telling them what they did wrong.  They really emphasized having fun.  You could definitely tell a difference in play from the beginning of the game and the end - the nerves were going away and they were remembering things from practice.

Before the game, they coaches had the boys out practicing
some plays.

In the huddle setting up the next play.  Ryan is number 6 and is
the only player on the team with a red face mask.  Makes him
a little easier to spot at times.

On the sideline watching the plays.

Getting ready for the kick off.  Ryan is the one with his arm up.

Ryan playing Left Tackle.  You can't see it, but he's holding the
defensive man, keeping him from getting to the quarterback.
(He's the one with the purple socks and is leaning forward.)