Homecoming Game

The cheerleaders decorated the players' lockers before the big game. Isn't this cute?



OK...now that I've photographed it, I can throw it away. It got a little drenched.

It was a little unnerving to hear of events on island being canceled left and right due to weather concerns. Of course, the Dragons play rain or shine, but it just made me nervous to think about what we were in for.

Here we are for the pre-game festivities...which included special recognition of the senior players and cheerleaders and their parents. Barely a drizzle yet...will we get lucky?







Isn't this the sweetest?!? It was so sweet to see all those players lined up with roses for their moms. I wish I had a picture of all of them together.


Then the grand entrance...






I LOVE this part of the game.



I also happen to love that we include Japan's national anthem after our own, during morning colors and at events like this. I couldn't (obviously) film with my hand over my heart...but I did film Japan's, just so you could hear what it's like:



I think our band did a pretty good job!

And as the game starts...so does the rain...and pours and pours...

Those little cheerleaders were just as tough as the players, cheering their hearts out no matter how hard it came down.






Some geniuses from Kadena High unfurled this "Dragons aren't real" sign and ran across the field at half time. They are clever ones! Something tells me they'll be telling their grandkids this story. Over. And over.

As it neared half time I know I wasn't the only mom thinking about these poor homecoming court candidates having to go out on the field for the big announcement.

But there must have been some serious praying going on, because just as half time started, the rain just stopped.

We even got to enjoy the rest of the game sans umbrellas. It was nice. It was not nice watching Kadena win...but the Dragons played a great game. Their last game of the season...for most of the seniors, their last game ever.

Here's some clips of Troy in action:



(Not anything glamorous. Defensive line is not flashy.)

The whole team gathered in the end zone with the coaches afterward while he gave them (what I'm sure was) a great speech about football and life. As everyone headed back to the locker room...a few of the boys stayed behind, I think not wanting it to be over.



One of Troy's friends was really visibly emotional...



And then they all came together and stood frozen like this for what seemed like forever. It just broke my heart. It just kind of sums up this whole season...this whole experience.

And then the rain started pouring down again.

We weren't ready for this night to be over, either. So we drove in the rain in search of late night eats. Remember this place?



We were excited to share the goodness (and cheapness) of "Dragon" with Cliff.



Cheapness makes Cliffie happy.



Noodles make Coree happy.



And doesn't it only seem fitting to take the Dragon to eat at Dragon? I thought so.



What a ride this has been! We are all so grateful for the experience. Next on Troy's agenda? He and his friends are going to keep working out and pick up hot chicks.

(Sorry Troy...I couldn't resist.)


Speaking of throwing things away. Ugghh!