Packers 24, Bengals 20

We notched our first win this past Saturday. Actually the boys were already winners before they even stepped onto the field. Their effort, attitude, and togetherness showed me that. I am so proud of them. They all realize we are in the process of building something, a winning team. Our focus last week in practice was momentum. We built some momentum the previous Saturday against the Texans despite a loss. The boys capitalized on that this Saturday and continued to build momentum in a 24 to 20 hard fought win!

The boys started out very strong on defense and on our second possession of the game we drove the ball in for a touchdown on a 15 yard touchdown pass from Rusty to Tyler. The defense continued to play well with Tyler intercepting a pass on the goal line to keep the Bengals scoreless. Rusty then went on a 35 yard quarterback run to make the score 12-0. The Bengals were again turned away at the goal line by a defense that was very determined and playing together. Everyone was contributing from the starters to the substitutes. This lead to a 12-0 halftime lead.

We knew the Bengals would not go down without a fight. We emphasis all the time about finishing strong and we needed to this game. The Bengals got on the board with an interception returned for a touchdown making the score 12-6 early in the second half. The Packers responded with a scoring drive of their own. We ran a running back option pass with Reggie who found Rusty open for a 20 yard touchdown. The Bengals came right back with a touch down of their own followed by a successful extra point making the score 18-13. My boys, however, were just as determined not to lose and came fighting right back. After two very good runs by Reggie and Tyler, Rusty avoided the rush and found Brandon in back of the end zone for what turned out to be a spectacular catch. The Bengals would not go away. With just under 20 seconds left in the game they scored another touchdown and converted the extra point making the final score Packers 24, Bengals 20.

I emphasis the importance of playing a good opponent because it can bring out the best in us. The Bengals did that for us this past Saturday. The boys and me will learn from this game and continue to build on this foundation to become the best we can possibly be.