The fall bite has taken a nip out of summer! Several nights this week, I have been tempted to get my blanket while I enjoyed the evening sunset. Mind you, Texas fall is like an old man with false teeth; sometimes those teeth fall out when you least expect it, and summer is back in full swing! Don’t you just love our weather!

The Junior High Boys are sitting pretty with a 2-0 record following their 28-0 win over Brooksmith. They are a great bunch of young men; a little high spirited at times, but sweet natured for the most part. They are learning how to be a team, and discovering that teamwork requires scholastic participation as well. No pass no play, keeps minds focused on the important task of getting an education. Coach Burkhart dropped in for a moment on Friday to remind them of that fact.

Friday was another important occasion; Fifth Quarter. This was our first event for the season. Normally, we plan for a 9:00 p.m.-9:30 p.m. meal, but this year we were a little unsure of the time. Coach Burkhart told us this was an excellent team, and we would most likely have to play four quarters. As usual, most of the town showed up to support the Varsity Coyotes. That’s where similarities ended!

The Gordon Longhorns quickly took the lead and we played catch up. The half-time horn left everyone shaking their heads. We are not used to being behind. All those people who were waiting for revenge will have to wait a bit longer.

We may have lost last year’s national champions but we haven’t lost our spirit. We may have played with new starters but we played with the same strong spirit. We have one key element that remains intact - our coaching staff. This group of men, headed by Jerry Burkhart, came out of the locker room with Plan B. Our young men understood the command, and played Plan B. Mitchell Jacobson became a receiver, Andrew Fowler became a human tank, Randy Couch played slick and strong, and Abraham Ahumada left the game for a short time, but returned with a more determined attitude. Khalid Khatib blocked and tackled himself black and blue, while Haustin Burkhart changed positions as often as the ball changed hands.

When it looked as if our receiver wouldn’t make the goal line, Mitchell came out of nowhere to administer a punishing “crack back” block that ended the pursuit and redirected the momentum of the game.

Coyote Coaching won the day and the game. Simply put, we should have lost. They had two exceptionally fast young men and strong back up. We had a great group of young men, but they have not reached their full potential.

Fifth Quarter was better than any other Fifth Quarter I have ever attended. Why? Just for a little while, we thought all the naysayers were right. A tiny moment of doubt entered our minds. A tiny quiver of fear ran down our Coyote backbones. We know everyone has to face defeat; no team has a perfect record. We just didn’t want it to come just yet. We want this new team to feel the euphoria of victory, before their spirit is tested in defeat. Friday, for a few moments we doubted. Friday, our coaching staff turned the tide of defeat into the sweet taste of victory. Way to go coaches and players!

I spoke with Tyler’s granddad last week. Sul Ross has him playing defense for the moment. I don’t know if they understand the magnitude of this young man’s talent.

Naturally, he has to earn his spot just like any other “Fish,” but I hope they don’t waste the talent they have been given. I wish everyone the best of luck. I understand several men from the community are planning a trip to Alpine to cheer our boys on in their new endeavor.

Last week I gave you a run down of our K through 8 teachers. This week we’ll cover 8th through 12th. We’ll begin with Brenda Roberds, our Science teacher. Mrs. Roberds carries the burden of all our upper level sciences. Coach Tony Dodson teaches upper level Social Studies, government and street law. Coach Shawn Rogers assists Mr. Fowler with discipline, heads the Special Ed Department and oversees our IEP Program. Mr. Cubby Pearce works with the Special Ed Department and does all the filming for our games.

Larry Bostick is our technology guru. He is assisted this year by new teacher Pam Starr. She teaches all levels of computer skills. New to our campus also, is Patsy Hall. She teaches level 8 through 12 ELA and One Act Play! John Santiago assists Coach Burkhart, and oversees field maintenance. Scott Isbell is our upper level math teacher. His dry humor has enlivened more than one staff meeting. Mr. Dwayne Bishop is another plum from San Saba. I’m not sure how we lured him here, but blessings to whomever talked him into this! Our band has taken on new life under his direction. He is ably assisted by is wife, an unpaid heroine! Mrs. Angela Schults is our South American plum. Her beautiful Columbian accent tickles little Southern ears, while she teaches them the concepts of line and design in art. We do not want to forget our precious Librarian Valerie Gosset, nor Maxine Robbins, who is special aide to Jeff Harbin. Donna Hill, tall and elegant, is slowly tugging our curriculum into alignment. Yes, those are teacher screams you hear! Next week I’ll hone in on our super special support staff.

Saturday was the special Play Day Benefit for young Jessica Estrada. Richland Springs turned out to bless this sweet child and her parents. This was one of many events that have been held in San Saba County for Jessica.

Three things occurred at this event. The first was the close to $3000 that was raised to help cover this family’s expenses. The second was the collective feeling of good will that permeates a community when it does something good. The third was the change in countenance that occurred when Karen Smith coaxed Jessica into participating in one of the events.

Onlookers tell me you could see her come to life as she was walked through the barrels. This young lady has bone cancer and our prayers are with her as she meets with doctors next week to determine their course of action.

Thank you everyone for your time and support. I can tell you that support takes on strange shapes upon occasion.

Dell Jolly and Sputnik offered to get haircuts if the bidding went high enough. To everyone’s amazement, close to $500 was raised and Jessica did a little trimming. Sputnik even agreed to cut off his mustache. I hope you recognize the good looking dude, when he goes by!

Bev Cohn is recuperating and it does my heart good to see her smiling face in church. She is a blessing to those she meets and her faith is an inspiration to those who watch her walk.

The Draper’s grandson Christian is responding to the new formula, and they hope to see this little tyke well on the road to health shortly.

The McKees have had Houston company all week. Mandy and the triplets have come to stay with Gramma and Granddaddy. That scenario is being repeated all over Texas, as loved ones come to stay with family, due to Hurricane Ike’s destruction. I hope and pray everyone will be able to return home soon.

Remember our precious troops as you talk to God this week. The lady who called me, and hoped my son would return to Iraq, so that I would quit meddling, has had her wish granted. He will be going back next year. I’m proud of that fact, although I have to admit I’m somewhat fearful.

Someone in my Sunday school class pointed out an astounding fact. In response to one of our ladies saying she didn’t know how anyone could give up their child to be killed as Jesus was, he said,”isn’t that what we do when we send our sons and daughters to war?” That’s an awesomely grave statement. Our thanks go to all the parents and family who send their loved ones off with a kiss and a prayer.

This little community has many service members who need our prayers.Have a blessed week. I think it is pray for rain time again! The forecasters smile, and say no rain for the next few weeks, as if that is a good thing! Pray for our elections, our President and our economy. We are still strong but there are a few areas that need patching.