Game number 2

So it is Saturday night, the day before the game and I can't help but think how different it is then back in Atlanta. The hotel with all you can eat buffet followed by Muscle Milk, protien bars, and cookies has now been replaced with KFC chicken tenders, corn, frites, and "Toon Ice Pep Hits" (bite size carmel ice cream covered in chocolate.)

It's funny because as I look back I remember how habitual / ritualistic I was in getting ready for games. From the way I prepared the night before, what I did on the plane rides, when I ate/drank, to the game day preparations in the locker room. Getting taped as quick as possible. GBY/LD on the wrist, go to the field, 50 yard line prayer, pads, read the program, team prayer in the shower (which is amazing to me to see how big that grew from 7 or so guys my freshman year to nearly the whole team my senior year....D Mo is an amazing man of God) To pregame warm up, Till I Collapse followed by a becoming mentally prepared and a loud yell in the locker room. Being the last one out, circling the team, running the same warm-up plays against the defense. After 34 zone, 4 pack...etc. Back in, total silence, hearing the band roar, the stadium fill. Nervousness and Intensity setting in. Run out the tunnel, embrace the crowd. Stare down the opposition. Kickoff.

It's crazy. I guess I'm just realizing how fortunate I have been and that I still get the opportunity to play this great game. I can't wait for tomorrow, it's been 3 weeks and it almost feels like our first game of the season. We were supposed to play last week, but due to a conflict with scheduling of the younger teams ... the game got moved to now. I am worried because as some of you may know tonight is Saint Valentines Day. In case you were wondering, YES they have it in France. I just don't want to go out there tomorrow with half of my teamates being a little weak in the knees. Then again maybe half there team will be too!

It should be fun and I am excited to get things going again... Hopefully I'll get another sack on Defense... man it's fun. We need a win... I NEED A WIN... it's been to long for me. November 17th 2007 to be EXACT... yea think about that a year and almost 3 months... let's go! Anyways I'm pumped, hopefully it'll be a good one. I'll update you on how it goes