Monday, Monday.....(again)

As far as football this past weekend - mixed emotions. First the Raiders - without their starting QB (out for season with broken collarbone)-they looked horrible against KC and lost 28-0. Even with that though - they are only one game out of first in their division with 9 games to go - so.... fingers crossed. MSU had a bye week - so no news there. This coming weekend (Oct.29th) they play at Kentucky and Tyler Russell will get his second start - so again....fingers crossed.
Much better news on the SHS front. They pitched their first shut-out Friday - defeating Yazoo City 35-0. As a result the Jackson (MS) paper has moved them into their "Super 10" (regardless of class) at number 8 and among the 5A teams at Number 2. Starkville is 7-2 overall and undefeated (5-0) in Region 2-5A. As a result they have already clinched a play-off spot with 2 regular season games to go. They play Callaway (1-4 in Region 2-5A) at home Friday and then finish up at Neshoba Central (4-1 in Region 2-5A & currently tied for 2nd place). SOOOO - Go Jackets.
Everyone Have a great Day!

Hmmmm..................

This past weekend DKW and I made what has become our annual pilgrimage to Natchez to celebrate our anniversary (2nd this year) though we did go a couple of weeks early this time to partake of the annual hot air balloon festival. While it was an enjoyable time with us having great fun at the Natchez Little Theater production of the "Mississippi Medicine Show" - a salute to the riverboat shows of days of yore - with a tip of the hat to vaudeville thrown in.
While I was celebrating over the weekend - my football teams did this: Starkville High defeated Canton 38-7 and are in first in Region 2-5A. MSU lost a heartbreaker to South Carolina 12-14 and have a bye-week on the 22nd. The Raiders defeated the Cleveland Browns 24-17 to go 4-2 on the year (their best start since they went to the Superbowl in 2002). In the process QB Jason Campbell broke his collarbone and is out indefinitely - so they signed Carson Palmer away from the Cincinnati Bengals. Even with this - the Raiders are favored this weekend against Kansas City.
Read this morning that Kent Hull had passed away. Kent played for MSU and was on 4 Superbowl teams with the Buffalo Bills. One of the nicest, most down-to-earth guys you would ever want to meet. Also read this morning about Delta State (Cleveland, Miss.) overcoming a 10 point deficit in the final 5 minutes oftheir game against #1 (in Division 2) North Alabama to become the new NUMBER 1 team. And by coincidence - their game this weekend is against #10 Valdosta State. VSU is where my sweetie got her Master's Degree from. Ought to be a pretty good game.
MSU has announced special "gold-trimmed" uniform for the "Egg Bowl" game against Ole Miss on Nov. 26th. I think it looks pretty cool. Their are a lot of info links in this entry. Take a look if you have time.
Everyone have a great day!

The Weekend That Wuz.....

While I will share all the fun & exciting things that went on this past weekend - I would be remiss if I didn't first comment on the passing of a football icon - Al Davis. (Seen Here shaking hads with close,personal friend - Darth Raider). Al was the youngest head coach in the AFL (at 33) before he became AFL Commissioner, then owner of the Raiders. Definitely unique, Love him or hate him - AL you will be missed.
Friday night started a weekend of nail-biting games for me. SHS scored with less than 2 minutes to go in the game and hung on to beat Ridgeland High 26-23. The Yellowjackets are now 5-2 on the season and 3-0 in their region (currently tied with Neshoba Central for first place.) By coincidence, SHS plays at Neshoba Central in the final regular season game (Nov.4th) for both. This game could be for the Region 2-5A title.
Saturday I was at Legion Field in Birmingham to was MSU defeat UAB 21-3. To be blunt, MSU looked horrible offensively in the first half and trailed 3-0 to start the 3rd quarter. Coach Mullen started Tyler Russell in the second half and it was like the offense finally showed up and won it going away. I have no doubt (even though he's denying it) that Coach Mullen will start Russell when MSU hosts South Carolina this coming weekend. GO Dogs!
To get away from football briefly - While I was at the MSU game DKW was visiting with her friend, Ferah, (who was having a "Funky, Fabulous, Forty" birthday party that evening) and helping her as much as she could. The party was great. We were happy for Ferah and had a good time. But I'd be lying if I didn't say we were glad to get back home that night/morning. (We arrived around 1 AM Sunday).
With the death of Al Davis, Sunday was an emotional day for the Raiders as they played the Houston Texans. It was a very tight game - with several lead changes - and at the end -with Houston at the 5 yard line - the Raiders intercepted the ball in the end zone to preserve the 25-20 victory. WHEW!
Everyone Have A Great Day!

Flick Yer Bics & Raise 'Em High - - -

On this date in 1970 one of my all time favorite singers died at the age of 27. She was, is, and always shall be Janis Joplin! Often imitated - but never duplicated. I'm not going to try and write about her life - there is plenty of info about her online - Wikipedia for example. But every since I discovered her music (at the age of 12 in 1967) it has been part of my collection. Even now, I have her greatest hits in my car! So - Flick your Bics, raise 'em high and get "dem ole Kozmic Blues again!"
Today is also our Sophie's 1st birthday. (or 7th - if ya want to go with the common thinking.) She has so much become a part of DKW's and my life in the past year that its hard to imagine not having her around. HAPPY BIRTHDAY SOPHIE!
Yesterday my grandson had his next to last (7th grade) game of the year. They played the Koscuisko (MS) Whippets and (unfortunately) lost by the score of 18-0. So they are 4-1-1 on the year with one game left on Oct.13th at West Point.
Speaking of football, the SHS varsity won their 2nd region game in Region 2-5A and are undefeated, so far, in region games. Take a look yourself at the standings.
This Friday though we play at Ridgeland High in Jackson. If we win this one, I think we will end up with the number 1 seed for our region come playoff time and will have a real shot at the state title. Go Jackets!
Everyone have a great day!