Slow day for the Purple team

As I get to the game it is about to begin. There are players on both teams warming up throwing the ball to each other looks like one is the quarterback. On the first play the Reds run it in for a touchdown. They also get their two point conversion. The purple team runs it up the gut twice in a roll for minimal yards but they do get a 15 yard penalty to help. The Reds seem like they are more advanced making tackles with ease while the purple team is having a hard time doing anything. Number 21 from the purple team is the running back he has long curly hair that comes out his helmet. He runs a sweep to the left and he gets tackled by two red players very aggressively. He doesn't get up and stays on the ground. The fans are upset and start yelling out, “Do something ref unnecessary roughness.” The game continues and he eventually gets up. The purple team had to punt the ball. I believe there is a lot of tension in the game because almost on every play there is a flag thrown. The purple team did better at stopping the Reds on defense. I think there was a timeout called because all the players go to their coach and huddle up. Number four runs it up the gut and he is halted by a defensive player who slams him to the ground and number four remains on the ground! The red team celebrates the great tackle by jumping up and down around the tackler. I noticed every time there is an injury both teams take a knee to show their respect. A paramedic even goes to assist the trainers already on the field. 

Hometown Rivalry

            It's a highly anticipated game and I'm excited to see how the players from both teams respond to this crowd. Both teams come out and run through their flags ripping it apart. Before they did that they got pumped but having their pre-game chant where they all huddle up and yell it out. Some players run the field and take a knee at the end to give a prayer before the game. I remember I use to this before every game just to ask for a healthy outcome. The dawgs run it in for the first touchdown and the team goes crazy jumping up and down to celebrate. The Jans score two touchdowns and stop the dawgs. When number 8 runs in for the td he stiffs arm number 44 and does his td celebration by wiping his hands down as if he got something on them. All the players on the sideline keep their helmets on. Many players have back pads, towels, gloves, and taped ankles. I notice players with stars on their helmets and some have more than others it looks like they represent achievements. The dawgs are down by two touchdowns going into the half. The Jans score once again and go up by three. The dawgs score and bring it back down to 2 touchdowns. The players show their excitement and jump up and down to celebrate again. I notice one play where the quarterback for the Jans gets pushed out of bounds in his own sideline and the players yelling asking the ref to throw the flag for a late hit. They act like they are throwing a flag to indicate this. Number 87 catches a 40 yard pass from number 10 and scores a touchdown. The game is out of reach at this point but the dawgs quarterback gets pumped and brings his players in a huddle. I think he is ready for a comeback. Unfortunately that is not going to happen. 

The Search for a win

                I get to the game and I'm sitting in the same area as before, right behind the visiting team. There are a set of fans who are talking trash to the players. Yelling out some inappropriate things which I don't care to repeat. The players, number 83 in particular pays no mind to it. They do a great job of blocking off the crowd. The home team is wearing their black jerseys tonight instead of the pink ones from last week. The visiting players on the sideline are different from other teams because most of them have their helmets off. Many players have thin bands around their arms, towels, and gloves. There's s mix of both black and white men. Most of them are very athletic. Average heights are around 6'0 ft. The running back runs it in and the whole team raises their hands and celebrate. The coaches are on point yelling at players giving direction. One coach is putting up sign cards with different colors. I hear a coach yell out “red alert”, and a group of players run to the field.

                The visiting teams gets a sideline warning them to backup. This shows their support and interest in the game. The visiting team erupts and starts jumping up in excitement as their running back makes a great play and leaps over the tackler. Number 54 is laughing and says, “that’s nasty". I guess this means it's embarrassing for the tackler and good for the runner. The kickoff team gets on the field and again they are motivated by their coach. Number 22 runs the ball in for a touchdown and the home team erupts in excitement once. They cut down the lead to 13 points. The visiting team misses a field goal and the home team again erupts in excitement I believe the momentum might be shifting in their favor. It's 4th and five and the visiting team is on defense I notice that they are looking at their coach waiting for a hand signal to run a defensive play. A player from the home team is slow to get up and the trainers run to him and then suddenly he is back on his feet. The crowd gets very upset after the ref throws a flag for targeting. It seems that the ref believes number 40 targeted number 1 and intended to hit him in the head. The play goes under review. Its confirmed number 40 is disqualified and has to leave the game. He is very upset with the decision as he walks off the field he shows his frustrations by putting is hands up shrugging his shoulders. The players make their way back to the field after halftime and both teams begin warming up. I notice some players from the visiting team dancing to hip hop songs hit the quan and walk thru.

Homecoming

                I get to the game and the home team is wearing pink jerseys. They are showing their strong support against breast cancer.  I'm sitting on the side where I get a great few of the visiting team. It looks like a group of them are getting coached. There are different groups getting coached by different coaches. The visiting team are still very well in the game finding ways to improve even though they are up by 22 points. Both teams keep their helmets on while they are on the sideline. They all cheer each other in with high fives and slaps to the helmets. I also notice the visiting team’s defense come to the same area and sit down while the same coach comes and tells them what they need to work on. They all make eye contact showing they are paying attention. I also notice a particular coach yell out different colors and I see a group of players stand up and prepare to go in for action. The home team’s quarterback makes a scramble and when he gets tackled one of his line man is there to pick him up. This is how a team should work together even when the odds are against them. The quarterback makes another scramble but this time number 20 makes the tackle and causes a fumble. The rest of the team runs to it and number 7 scoops it up and runs it in. The team erupts and shows their excitement by jumping up and down. I notice one player dancing with a little swagger to him. The team congratulate the two men who made the play by giving those high fives. Number 20 is very humble he just goes to the bench and shows no sign of emotion. Simply just high fives his teammates. I see a tall player from the visiting warming up throwing passes with his teammate and of course the next possession he goes in. As the sun dancers from the home team make their way back to their positions they pass behind the visiting team. Of course all their attentions moves to them. One players actually tells his teammate, “yo man it's your birthday!" I think he is trying to imply that he deserves a New Mexico sun dancer. Two fans sitting real close yell out, "Ay the games over there!" I also see two workers offering drinks to the players and coaches showing our courtesy. I also see most of the visiting players have last names not very common around this area. Sanders, Lebbie, Lucas, smiley. The last chance for the home team to score was denied and the visiting teams coach is very proud. He yells at his players, "yeah!"

Rise and shine

Getting to the stadium I hear whistles and yelling from the players. The home team is giving it to the visiting team. Five minutes into the game and the score is 21 to 0. The home team again is very well equipped with the same accessories towels, ankles taped, and white gloves. They look very professional I might add. All the players on the sideline leave their helmets on which again is very professional. I noticed one player with pink bands around his calves. Many players in the NFL wear pink to support breast cancer. It has clearly influenced the world and now kids everywhere are doing the same in support for breast cancer. There are a couple of plays where the home team’s defense seems to be falling asleep. This usually happens when a team is up by a large amount and they seem to ease off. They allowed the other team to score and I notice number 22 a little less enthusiastic. It might be because it's the morning. The previous game they had played in the afternoon. He still managed to break a 40 yard touchdown run. The way the players celebrate is pretty cool reminds me of my old celebration days. They either jump in the air or bump into each other or simple just tap each other on the helmets. Its halftime and the opposing team go off to the end zone and take a knee around the coach. This seems to be universal because most teams do this, I remember doing it. It's just a great way to discuss the game and see what needs to be improved. The home team comes out with a little swagger going along to the music. Must have been a good halftime talk. Player number five is coming out waving to the fans spinning around jumping up and down. They are ready for the second half! Number 22 seems to be telling his family to be quite as he hushes them by putting his finger to his face-mask as if he was trying to touch his lips. This is a sign I use to tell people to hush down as well. I wonder if it is that way all around the world. I think his coach might have told him to stop paying attention to the fans and focus in the game. I remember this was something my old coach in high school would always stress but sometimes I couldn't help it. I threw the peace sign to him by putting up my two fingers which is another sign I use. He threw them back. 

Purple and White

A touchdown for the home team as I get to the field site. First thing I notice is all the players with the exception of one wearing their helmets on the sideline. I remember last game the other team was completely opposite with all their helmets off. One player seems injured has his shoe off and stretching his leg. Number 22 who is my cousin runs it in for the touchdown but apparently there was a flag on the play. The whole team gets very upset throwing a fit. They still happen to get a first down getting very close to scoring. The very next play number 22 runs it in again and the players celebrate jumping in the air.  

They happen to give up a touchdown on defense but the lead is still large. I got here at the start of the fourth quarter. Number 20 put his shoe back on but he is limping I believe he is done for the day. Like every other team that is up in a game the sideline players put their attention away from the game. Most players sitting on the bench with their helmets off conversing. Many players have towels at their waist, tape on their ankles, and gloves. This is a way for the team to show they are one, I remembering playing we would all were the same shoes to show our dedication to the team. Interception from the defense and the players and fans go crazy. Number 22 gets very excited and jumps up in the air. This team is very enthusiastic showing support on and off the field. They call number 22 to the field and since he was sitting on the bench he didn't hear which cost them a timeout. I notice the fans are more into the game calling out names of players like they know them all. The fans interacting with each other asking questions like what the score is, laughing, and seeing how they can get the couch to encourage the players. I notice that this may be because the players grew up playing little league ball together and the family got close. Even at the end of the game I hear the fans asking where poker night is taking place this week. My uncle has volunteered to be the host. Now that the home team has been scoring the players on the sideline pay more attention. I noticed that the coach even put in the starters to secure the one which many of the fans loved. The game ends and the players full of excitement and joy jumping yelling and congratulating one another. Like every other game both teams line up at the fifty and shake each other's hands. Then after they all group up around the coach and take a knee and talk about the game. The next team which is the JV team is getting ready for their game.

Blue Ground

I arrive on homecoming night and I see the players on both sides taking a knee on the blue field which usually indicates someone is injured on the field. This is how they pay respect to the injured player, I remember this from my old days.

Applause come from players and the crowd as the injured player makes his way up.

The away team punts the ball and I hear Peter Peter being yelled by the players and they are scattering away from the ball. Peter means get away quickly.

There was a face mask on the play 15 yard penalty for the home team.

They seem to be driving fairly easy to the end zone. I smell a touchdown. Well it looks like the away team stepped up and they held them to a field goal.

I did assume some players would be coming out during halftime for the homecoming presentation and I was right I see two players number 8 and 70. 70 is the senior prince and number 8 is the senior king congratulations to both of them. After the presentation both players make their way back well, number 8 did. Number 70 stayed and took pictures.

Many players on the field have their helmets off I remember when I played we always had to have it on.

Its halftime now and the score is 24 to 0 with the home team up. As the players make their way to the locker some run and some are walking I even notice number 25 carrying the orange flag.

With 4 minutes left before the second half the home team makes their way out running. They make their way behind the eagle balloon awaiting their time to run out the belly of it. I see the flag and 25 holding it. They all start to chant, who's got my back? I got your back! Who's got my back? I got your back!

This reminds me when I use to get pumped I would be the one yelling leading the chant. It's a great way to get motivated.

Looks like the motivation worked as number 11 breaks a 51 yard touchdown! I noticed a player from the opposite team mouthing off at him as he scored. Probably being a sore loser.

I notice players on the sideline continue to raise their helmets in the air and as the ball is kicked off they drop them.

I also notice many players in the sideline that only have their jerseys on I think they might be injured. I do see a player on crunches.

The home team stops the away team once again by blocking their field goal attempt.

Number 22 for a gain of twenty brings his team to the 15.

Number 22 again for the run and scores a 4 yard touchdown.

I see players in the home sideline talking with one another some sitting down stretching. Seems like this one is pretty much in the books and they aren't too concerned by their attitude.

The hometown again in the red zone pressing the defense against their own end zone. I also see a group of players gathered talking to the coach this might be the second string team preparing to go in.

They score once again increasing the lead to 45 0. I have seen enough butt whooping and I make my way out. I did notice many of the starting players on the sideline while the 2^nd team took over. 

Back in the day

Making my way to my field sight and I see a small firework display!

They know I have arrived, what an entrance for myself. Just playing, I am getting here during halftime and I hear the yells coming from the crowd.

This brings back great memories from my high school days. It has changed a lot before there was only dirt in the parking lot now it's all paved out, lucky kids!

I see an old lady walking to the parking lot, some kids hanging around and some people barely arriving like myself.

I notice many people wearing their sweaters guess fall is kicking in already. I decided to wear my new Olympic Jordan jersey. I get a great smell of popcorn as I'm approaching the stands and I also see three young girls wearing cheer-leading uniforms from my old middle school which brought back more memories.

I see five kids playing football to the side of the stadium. I look up and I see even more kids. I wouldn't blame them the game doesn't seem interesting with the home team down 44 to 13.

Many students wearing mums which makes me think it is homecoming week.

I see two young men going around selling candies and chips one has the box while the other one is yelling, “Chips and candy!”

There are many mosquito's around and I am really tempted to ask the old man next to me if I can buy a couple of sprays of off.

I see a young boy about 2 years old in the band section playing with his toy drums I'm sure he'll become the next drum legend because he is starting very young.

The same man with the off is sitting in the handicap section with a young man who I am very familiar with. He would come and support all the sporting events back when I was in high school. He's in a wheelchair and he still manages to make it. I remember my freshman year he was presented with the fan of the year during a basketball game. I admire his support to this school.

The gap in the score had now increased as the away team scores again. That is enough for some more fans as they make their way out.

I notice many people wearing NFL jerseys a big part to do with that is it is football season. I've seen a Pittsburgh, Washington, and San Francisco jersey.

I noticed a little boy up in the stands has been on his tablet since I have arrived. This brings the thought of how technology has changed. Many young kids know how to use an electronic device and it amazes me. I mean if he didn't have that tablet would he be playing football with the kids on the side of the stands. Is this a key component to child obesity? Just has me wondering. Crazy how a day of field work makes your mind think.

I see many kids around 1-2 running around in the bottom stand one almost got hit by the camera man making his way out. Could have made a disastrous event.

Making my way out I still see the young kids playing outside which is a great thing. This sporting event attracts many different types of children. I also got to witness the game closing touchdown as my friend couldn't make the last tackle. Another great day at the field site. 

Rivalry Week

Field day three and I came early to tail gate. It is rivalry week! Everybody forms their own group establishing their ground with a tent. Some are playing games, cooking out, or throwing a football. The clouds are providing some great shade. Everyone getting pumped for the game! There is older folks, 40 years or older, in the parking lot full of RV’s. There's a lot different cultures in the student section mostly young people trying to have a good time.

            I came to the game and now I'm noticing everybody is standing up cheering on! In the student section of course, there are also some of the rivalry fans showing a lot of courage. I see a guy and his friend the only ones sitting down maybe because his left leg hurts. He does have crunches plus a knee brace on. A guy offers everyone nachos. Very courteous of him, I took some simple because I haven't ate all day. Its half time and people who are tired of standing finally take a sit including myself. There is the longest line into the restroom I actually had to cut everybody. They seemed okay about it! I came to back to the seats and all the fans cheer on the band unlike my first day of field work when most ignored the halftime show. Most fans sitting down resting. I guarantee right after they all get on their feet. I see a guy showing off his big ring, looks like a state ring!

            Of course I met up with some friends and they are all into the game just like myself. The crowd erupts as the home team forces a fumble. In the student section I notice a lot of couples holding each other and many people not paying attention to the game talking to each other during the third quarter. Two plays is all it took for the home team to score and the crowd erupts. As the away team finds a way to cut the lead the game becomes as expected in a rivalry. The game is now tied as it comes down to the wire both fans cheering on their team.

Final quarter and there is no telling what is going to happen. Surrounded by students all cheering for the home team more enthusiastic than the last field day when I was next to older people. Both teams mocking each other as the game goes back and forth but in a very civilized manner. Everyone seems to be having a great time laughing and jumping around to the music! Another great finish but with the same ending, the home team losing only thing is I'm closer to the exit so the walk to my car is shorter.

Saturday Night Lights

I'm walking into my field site it’s the same sporting event but different stadium. Now I'm at the next level of competition. It attracts the same people maybe because of the same area code I'm at. There was a little boy eager to get to the stands and his parents yell to him, “Hey stay together!”

There is far more people due to the fact it is a higher level of competition. I see a group of men all wearing a home team’s shirt taking a picture, they all have an alcoholic beverage and look like they have been drinking all day.

The canons fire and the fans erupt as the home team cuts the lead! The same group of men all yell out and take a chug to that!

They are all having a great time smiling, laughing, and conversing!

One of them actually gets over hype and spills his drink on a fan maybe his mid-40s sitting on the stands! Of course the young drunk man apologizes and the older man says, “Its okay”, because I'm sure he thinks there drunk they didn't mean it!

The group left after that incident but they did offer to buy the older man and his son a hot-dog. How nice of them I mean some drunk people are always courteous.

An officer came and advised me to find a seat I couldn't be leaning on the wall. So I'm looking for a seat but it is quite packed so my search begins.

As I'm walking looking for a seat I see a little girl with a police officer and it looks like she is lost! Look at what just happened, a cheerleader from the home team came and got her maybe it's her little sister! Great news for the little girl but she didn't seemed worried! She was just explaining to the officer that she was waiting for her guardian outside the restroom then she just lost her.  

I got a very good seat since I happened to run into my friend! Real close to the end zone where the selection of people seems to be older and mature and calm. All the fans are booing as there seems to be a bad call on the field.

I see an older woman, a mid aged woman late 20s, and two kids with the best seats in the house at the end of the field with a couch to top it off they must have some great pull. I just wish I had those seats wonder how much they're worth.

It’s halftime so I go outside to the parking lot and I see kids rolling down the grass hill. They are not at all interested in the game, just to have fun. Can’t lie it looks pretty temping.

Came back to the scene and it seems the seats are emptier than before maybe some people tried to get an early leave to beat the traffic. I still feel the roar from the crowd. The announcer indicating there was over 27,000 in attendance today.

I see the older lady sitting in the end of the field handing out free candies and chips to the kids! How nice of her!

Many fans have left as the home team is down by two touchdowns but there is no way I’m giving up on my first college football game.  

I noticed the guys on the field throwing small footballs at fans and one of the guys actually hit a little boy who was in his father’s arms in the head which I found pretty funny. The little boy is okay so no need to get angry.

On my way out of course it's hard to get past roughly 27,000 people while some are still on the field playing around it is still difficult to get to the exit but all in all it was a great day at the field site!  

Thursday Night Lights

It is fairly close to 8:00 pm as I get to the stadium and it seemed I arrived right around halftime. I chose this field sight because of the different types of people and cultures it attracts. It brings back great memories of my high school days I still get that Friday night feeling as the weekend approaches.

I see a man laying down on the bleachers with his shoes off and eyes closed. He is at a football game so my assumption is that he had a long day, it's Thursday so more than likely he worked today. I'm assuming he is supporting someone he knows on the football team otherwise he would be paying attention to the halftime band show. The man got back into watching the game as the second half started.

There was a little boy who was crying coming down the stairs another little boy in front of him about 6 years had a hand full of food who looks like his sibling. I say this because he continuously looks back at the little boy crying seeing if he is still following him. An older woman who might be his mother picked him up and the boy stopped crying.

The culture I see so far seems to be the same and the people range from Mexicans, Whites, and African Americans.

I switch sides of fans, and compared to the other side this side seems more disappointed many on their phones showing disinterest. This has been the issue for all of my high school years. Some are still cheering on showing support. The team down drastically found a way to get into the end zone a sense of enthusiasm comes from the fans.  There is a group of young men standing up yelling names, "Bailey!" maybe close friends they are supporting. There is always a student section and from the looks of it the majority of students seem to be where they are all standing. They looked over to me and one of them actually tapped the other on the shoulder and pointed towards me. It turns out they are my old high school friends from when I was a senior. I walked over to greet them. I noticed they have grown since I graduated and they look much more mature. I wished them luck on their upcoming season and they invited me to go over and practice with them. I said I'd try but my schedule was busy.

There is a player injured getting attained by the trainers and a man from the stand seemed worried and walk over to talk to the trainer. That might be his younger brother or someone he is close with.

I see a teacher Amy got teacher of the week. She is young and is probably enthusiastic while she teaches so she gets along with the students who voted for her. She is waving at the crowd jumping up and down in happiness. As she made her way off the field many people congratulated her which means she is probably well known.

As people are leaving I noticed families with a mother, father and kids the ideal family in a society. The two boys are running ahead racing to the car as the mother shouts out, "Slow down!" I also noticed a lady alone in scrubs someone else who might have been working all day and came to see her son play.