Another thrilling football game has come and gone. In actuality, it was a rather disappointing game. It’s really sad when you hear people like me complain because I had to stay an extra 20 minutes because of two plays that went wrong. That is really too disgusting. When I think of all those young men who came to that game pumped up and ready to win, only to be mauled; I am disgusted with myself. I know those Bulldogs were devastated. How in the world do you come to a game with an outstanding record, only to be sent home scoreless? At any rate Richland Springs is playing in the state championship game next Saturday. Hold on to your hats all you sports haters, it’s because of the outstanding coaches we have and, YUP. Coach Burkhart, the motivating factor behind everyone, coaches and players. We’re better because we have better coaches. So get over it and head over to Abilene next Saturday at 2:00 p.m. and scream for our Coyotes. I have to say our side of the stands was much fuller than the Bulldog bleachers. We love our boys and girls.

Speaking of our girls, the halftime cheerleader performance was excellent. Mrs. Pam Starr is doing a great job with the girls. I’ve noticed for years that our girls are sharp performers. In a way I’m glad the game went into the 3

UIL competition for grades 3 through 8 is Wednesday. We have been practicing and honing our skills for the last two weeks. Both Mrs. Brockman and I are very proud of the 4

Sunday evening was the pageant, "The Best Christmas Pageant Ever." This presentation includes every grade in the school. Mrs. Hall and Mrs. Smith have done a great job. We all know the kinders will steal the show, but it is all worth watching. The message is timeless, but needs to be repeated every year. Christmas is about loving and giving, but the greatest gift of love was given by Jesus. So in the midst of the bustle, please remember, Jesus is the reason for the season. The cafetorium was packed with standing room only. Mrs. Hall made an excellent statement. She noted that our kids were working overtime to come away with a state championship, yet after they have worked out for hours; they stay even longer to work on the play or spend extra practice time for UIL. We have a phenomenal group of multi-talented students. Thank you parents, for turning out to watch our kids at work. The punch and cookies which were provided by the Christian Church were yummy.

Paula Sue Shannon passed me a message about street signs. It seems there has been a rash of sign thefts lately. The issue was addressed by the Commissioners Court since this is a county wide issue. To be honest with you I have no clue why anyone would want to take a street sign but the result could be deadly. The 9-1-1 service and county EMT services rely on 911 addresses to find you when you are ill or in danger. If they get lost or are delayed due to a missing sign, a person could die before help arrived. That is obviously a worst case scenario, but even having the service delayed long enough for your house to burn down is not good. Can you imagine some poor granny sick and in pain from a fall having to wait for hours while emergency help tried to find her but couldn’t because the sign was missing? Please think before you do something foolish, and if you have signs or know where some are hidden please drop them off at the fire station or post office. Let’s all work to make our county a safe place.

We have a long prayer list again this week. The first item on the list is rain. We are desperately short of rain this fall. Charlotte Conley had a growth removed last week. Her report was less than hopeful. They will be making decisions about chemotherapy and radiation, so please keep her in your prayers. Bonnie and Junior also need our prayers. We had a good group of folks at church this morning. Special music was performed by Marshall and KaraLee. The Women’s Ministry will meet this Thursday in San Saba. The quilting ladies are going to meet at the church at 5:30 p.m. and head over to the Ledbetter home for the annual Christmas party. There will be happy hearts in many homes as soldiers come home for Christmas, but heavy hearts in others as they miss their loved ones for the holidays. Please pray for our troops and their families as we enter the holiday season.

Please pray for our government, our President and all our congressmen and women, as they make decisions that affect our daily bread. We need to pray for a spirit of cooperation and respect amongst our lawmakers. Have a blessed week everyone. If you have a spare toy, the volunteer fire department is collecting toys for kids from birth to 13. You can leave donations at the Coyote One Stop, hardware store, water department or with any fireman. God bless America.

rd quarter so the girls could show off a little. They are definitely a cut above the rest! There will only be one open position next year, so the competition should be pretty stiff. Mind you, we are a little short on girls in junior high for the next few years! Congratulations cheerleaders on an outstanding year!th and 5th graders, not because they are entering, but because they want to work to win. Mrs. Lane, Mrs. Miller, and Mrs. Gossett, tell me the kids are pushing themselves to be the best they can be. We may be a little school, but we are great competitors. That extends to sports and academics. We have a few kids who will not get to go, but almost everyone in the school is entered in two or more competitions.