With Pride We Hail...

"Whatever IT takes!"

That's the theme for the Concordia Lutheran Crusader Varsity Football team this year.

WHERE it's taken them is to a whole new level. Our guys came out of a difficult district as tri-champions, taking the third place seed awarded for the playoffs. It was a bittersweet pill as it took one six point loss that was nearly a victory to keep them from an outright championship and opening round home playoff game. Never the less, a fourth straight playoff birth is nothing to sniff at however you get it.

Round one took the SADERS to San Antonio Christian for a rematch of last year's opening round rout. The weather in Texas had cooled off considerably, but a good contingent of parents and students trekked three hours to SA for the game. The guys started off strong, rushing out to a 14-0 lead. By the end of the half though, that had evaporated to nothing. If anyone was really honest with themselves it looked as though we would be headed home with nothing to do the next weekend. But to their credit, the boys came out and match the Lions blow for blow. In the end, with a few lucky bounces, and a fluke "onside" kick, the boys prevailed 43-33.

I found a video clip from www.woai.com (San Antonio's NBC affiliate) that shows several Crusader highlights from the game. Click on the video clip tab and under the sports click on "High School Football Highlights: November 19th part 2."

Round two brought a rematch against the team that took away our chances of an outright district championship, Second Baptist. With a 65 yard gallop for a touchdown on our second possession, the boys once again jumped out to the early lead. It would be one that they would never relinquish, although not with out it's "tense" moments.

Houston NBC affiliate Channel 2 even had their chopper fly over for some shots that ended up in their November 23rd Friday Football Frenzy (www.click2houston.com). Select the Sports option on the left of the page and click on the FFF option. The video clip is on the far right of the FFF page and is labeled. Runs smoothly with high speed.

So, for the FIRST TIME in school history, our football team is headed to the FINAL FOUR! That's quite an accomplishment, especially in Texas. I was very proud of the entire team, but particularly my baseball boys, the coaches, and of course any Wilkes that could be found. Their success just drives me more to make the baseball program as successful as they have been. And not just because of the wins they've accomplished, but because of the way they've done it. The right way. Working hard and earning every little bit.

Good Luck Saders! Beat Liberty Christian! BLAST 'EM!

Ring my be-eh-ehll! Ring my bell!

Maddie sports the bump on her head from her "fight" with the SACS bleachers. As you can tell, she won.


The Crusader defense comes off the field after a successful early game stop.

Now THIS is football weather!

Hail to the victors valiant!

The traditional post game doxology. "Praise God from Whom All Blessings Flow!"

Final score: Second Baptist 16, YOUR State Semifinalist CONCORDIA CRUSADERS 28!