Nail Biter

Before today, I thought getting skunked in a football game was the worst way to lose. Now I realize that coming from behind, then blowing the lead is a much more painful way to earn a loss.

The Rapids Raptors took a roadtrip to Auburndale today, playing under clear skies with the temperature hovering nicely around 60 degrees. Nice day for a good football game.

The Auburndale team was the first to score and, early on, it looked like they could run away with it. At one point the score was 22-8. We got inspired and ended up coming back again and again. With just 3 minutes left in the game, we'd actually captured the lead -- 24-22.

The kids were pumped on the field. The parents were pumped in the stands. We were so proud of our boys! So amazed with the comeback. But it wasn't over yet. We know from watching any sport with a clock that 3 minutes is a long time. Anything can happen.

And it did. Auburndale scored again and we ended up getting the ball back with a minute 12 seconds left. We tried some tricky plays but just couldn't score. We lost 30-24. Tough, tough loss.

What I hope is that our guys realize they can score and do well when they work together and when they want it. They were bummed, yes, but I think Carter's over it. His main concern is that when his team wins, the Vikings win. When his team loses, the Vikings lose. Yep, his record is 1-4 and Vikings are sitting at 1-3. We'll see Monday night how much "power" Carter's Raptors have!