Defeated in Playoffs by East Lincoln

We played a good game but just wasn't quite enough. Going in, we thought East Lincoln would run over us. But it was a close game. Exciting to watch. The first nerve racking part was when Robbie got hurt in the first quarter of the game. He hyper-extended his leg. Mom was a nervous wreak. The coaches carried him off the field and thank goodness Tony was there. We went to him at the edge of the field and he couldn't walk on it very good but could put weight on it. So we were relieved we didn't think it was broken. After some time, ice, aspirin and of course a pep talk from dad, he was back in the game in time for the 2nd qtr. He played well but you could tell he was a little reserved when he first returned. The rest of the game was a nail biter. It was back and forth and we made a few mistakes at the wrong time. We just couldn't recover from them. We were extremely excited that we gave East Lincoln a run for their money. The season is now over and we are very proud of the boys. They did a great job! We had a fun party at Hickory Dickory Dock with pizza and lots of games to celebrate. I'm extremely proud of Robbie and his first year of football. We'll definitely be back next year!!!

WLO Wins First Round of Playoffs!

October 31, 2009 at 3:00pm in the pouring rain.....WLO defeated Startown 22-0. It was a nasty day to play football but West Lincoln Optimist was determined to win. First half started out slow scoring our first touchdown in the 2nd Qtr. The second half was a whole new ball game. Lots more action. We had more touchdowns and 2 pt conversions along with an interception and lots of great tackles. Robbie even scored one of the touchdowns. (That makes a total of 3 for Robbie!!!!) Robbie was able to play the whole game again on offense and defense. He left the field with lots of dirt, grass and bruises but nothing a good hot shower couldn't cure. Next Saturday, we play East Lincoln in Round 2nd of the Playoffs. Location to be announced.

Playoffs Time & Place:

Playoffs will begin this Saturday, Oct 31st. Robbie's game is at Newton-Conover HS at 3pm.

WLO Beats Bessemer City

The Scoreboard - 32-0

Robbie's touchdown - Picture 3

Robbie's touchdown - Picture 2

Robbie's touchdown - Picture 1

Today, October 25th was the make up game from yesterday. The game was postponed on Friday afternoon due to the threat of rain all day Saturday, however it never rained and was beautiful. So Sunday afternoon at 3:15pm WLO played Bessemer City and won 32-0. WLO played great. Robbie was able to score another touchdown and a 2 point conversion during the game. We were once again very proud of Robbie. Today was Robbie first time wearing his contacts in a game. Obviously they didn't bother him a bit and allowed him to see so much better. We were excited that friends of the family, Wayne & Jane Lowe came with Grandma & Grandpa to watch Robbie play and even score! Also Freda and all the Graggs there to watch too. We are really enjoying all the time together while having such fun! Next week will be the first round of play-offs. I'll let you know the time and place as soon as we know.

West Lincoln was defeated by Sherrill Ford

Saturday, October 10th at 10:15, West Lincoln Optimist were defeated by Sherrills Ford 22-0. This was a big team. They looked as if WLO was playing a middle school team. This week Robbie was one of the 4 team captains. And when lined up across from the opposing teams for the coin toss, the Sherrills Ford boys were a head taller than the WLO boys. The Sherrills Ford team scored right off the bat and the WLO player worked hard the rest of the game to hold them. SF was a great team and the score was not as bad as the game looked. Robbie played the entire game except the last 2 minutes, never getting a break. It seemed as if he played every position possible. He was even on the line. My small 80 lb Robbie was lined up across from a boy at least 200+ lbs. Boy, did that make mom nervous. But he handled it fine. He was quick and ran around him allowing him to help get in on many tackles. He also had one carry that got them the closest to scoring for the WLO team. When leaving the game Robbie was pretty exhausted and beaten up. He had a huge knot on his fore arm along with many bruises. He was even spitting grass from his mouth. He played very good even in a tough game. We were very proud of him.

West Lincoln beats Pumpkin Center Panthers!

Robbie's Tackle (Robbie's in the air)

Picture 5 - Touchdown!!!

Picture 4 of the touchdown

Picture 3 of the touchdown

Picture 2 of the touchdown
Picture 1 of the touchdown

Sunday, October 4, 2009 West Lincoln Optimist defeated Pumpkin Center Panthers at Bandy's High School at 11:15am. The score was 32 to 8. This was a make up game that was rained out last Saturday. The Rebels looked great during this whole game. They started this game out much better than Saturday's. They scored a touchdown within the first four minutes of the game. This was a great surprise since the Panthers were an undefeated team. Robbie played great and scored yet another touchdown!!! He carried the ball 40 yards to score. He almost had another touchdown too but was tackled at the 1 yard line. Mom came through this time and brought her camera. I actually got the touchdown myself instead begging for pictures from Sat. What a great end to a long football weekend......2 touchdowns by Robbie and 2 wins!

Robbie's First Touchdown!!!

Saturday October 3, 2009 - West Lincoln vs. Balls Creek at West Lincoln High School. West Lincoln won 28-12. Today's game was a great game to watch. It started out terrible for West Lincoln. The boys didn't play well in the beginning and there were lots of penalties. Once they got through the 1st quarter and were warmed up good things began to happen for them. Robbie scored a 2 point conversion and his first touch down today. His run was 55-yards while mom yelled all the way!!! No one touched him while he ran for his touchdown. This brought the score closer as West made their come back. It was a very proud moment for us. Robbie said that it "felt good". We were sorry that MawMaw Freda & Mackey and Grandma Wanda missed it. But Grandpa was there to witness it! So today was a great day on our home field.....weather was perfect, West Lincoln won plus Robbie scored his first touchdown. Let's see if they can do it again tomorrow at Bandy's. (Tomorrow's game is the make up game from last week)

Check out Robbie's Touchdown on YouTube......visit at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rzntVqQrRYU
or use the link at the top right of his blog

Game Rained Out!

Just wanted to let you all know that Robbie's football game this week was rained out. They first postponed it to Sunday afternoon but then said the field was too wet. So we didn't play football this weekend at all. The tentative plan is to play the make up game next Sunday. So next weekend we'll have a full weekend of football. Our game Sat is at our home High School and the school were I now work. So we are looking forward to being on our home turf.

Game Against Gastonia Huskies

Saturday September 19, 2009 at 4:45pm West Lincoln Optimist was defeated by Gastonia Huskies at Hunter Huss High School. The Huskies were an intimidating team when looking at their size. They had some pretty big boys on the team. The Rebels gave it a good try but lost 18-2. The team played well and moved the ball down the field much better than the last time we were at Hunter Huss HS for a scrimmage. Robbie played well. He played the entire game except the last 2 minutes of the game and the kick off returns. Each game we see more improvements in Robbie and his confidence level. This week he ran the ball several times. Most of those runs, he gained at least 5 yards running through the line. He did have one run on the outside that gave them close to 10 yards. Other proud moments were his two quarter back sacks and the safety which earned the team the only 2 points of the game. We were also glad to have all of Robbie's grandparents there to support him at the game. Especially Freda & Mackey after a long day of selling apples at the Apple Festival.

First Win! Against Newton Wolverines

Robbie's 2 point Conversion.

Robbie #13 with Cousin Lawson # 89.

Robbie's fans: The Gragg's left- Rodney, Amy & Barrett, Steve, Mackey, Mom & Dad (back) with Carter, Freda and Myra Grace. Tony is in the back right with the red hat.

Robbie far left as wide receiver.

On September 12, 2009 at 11:30 am West Lincoln beat the Newton Wolverines 22-6. West Lincoln lead the entire game and the Wolverines did not score until the 4th quarter when we put in our second string. It was nice to have a win under our belt. Robbie played very well. He played most of the game. He played running back and wide receiver. He had made several 5 yard runs for the Rebels, several good tackles and also scored a 2 point conversion. It was also nice to have his entire family there to see him (all except for Abby - Missed you!) From Tony's side of the family there was Freda, Mackey, Amy & Rodney with the boys. From my side of the family was Gary, Wanda, Steve and his kids. Myra Grace looked for Robbie on the field as she said, "Robbie has a one and a three."

First Season Game at East Lincoln High School

Saturday was our first season game. We played East Lincoln at 4:45pm. East Lincoln beat us 14-0. Robbie played wide receiver, corner back and running back. He did well and played most of the game. Robbie made several tackles and gained about 5 yards as running back. All of Robbie's grandparents were there to see him and his dad even got off work early to make the game. Of course, Amy & Rodney were there since Lawson is playing too. Lawson plays wide receiver and kick off return. He made several good plays too. It's so nice to have the whole family together. Hopefully we'll have a better game next week against Newton at St. Stephens High School.

NEW GAME SCHEDULE

The regular season schedule has changed!!!! See schedule below or the UPDATED link to the right.

Sept 5th - 4:45 pm East Lincoln Orange at East Lincoln HS
Sept 12th - 11:30 am Newton at St. Stephens HS
Sept 19th - 4:45 pm Gastonia at Hunter Huss HS
Sept 26th - 9:15 am Pumpkin Center at Bandys HS
Oct 3rd - 3:30 pm Balls Creek at Home (WLHS)
Oct 10th - 10:15 am Sherrills Ford at East Lincoln HS
Oct 17th - Bye - No game for West Lincoln Optimist
Oct 24th - 12:45 pm Bessemer City at North Lincoln HS
Oct 31st - First Round of Playoffs

Scrimmage at Newton-Conover

Today's scrimmage was against Conover Cowboys at 1:00pm and was more like a real game. We used special teams, had less coaches on the field and even had cheerleaders. West Lincoln had a great game. We won 24-14. The score was 24-0 until the four quarter when they put the 2nd string in the game. Robbie started on offense and defense again. He played corner back, running back and wide receiver. One of the beginning plays of the game Robbie was tackled by a huge guy I believe was bigger than Tony. He looked like he was squashed like a bug from the stands. Robbie also had a solo tackle and a 2 pt conversion during the game that earned his name to be announced over the intercom. This game was a big improvement from last weeks game. They now look ready for next weeks first season game against East Lincoln.

Game Schedule for JV West Lincoln Optimist

There is a link to the West Lincoln Optimist's website with the schedule to the right of my blog but it has not been updated yet. All games are on Saturdays and the home games will be at West Lincoln High School. Here's the schedule we've been given:

Sept 5th - 4:45 pm East Lincoln at East Lincoln HS
Sept 12th - 11:30 am Newton in Hickory place TBD
Sept 19th - 4:45 pm Gastonia at Hunter Huss HS
Sept 26th - 9:15 am Pumpkin Center at Bandys HS
Oct 3rd - 3:30 pm Balls Creek at Home (WLHS)
Oct 10th - Bye - No game for West Lincoln JV
Oct 17th - 3:30 pm Hickory at Home (WLHS)
Oct 24th - 9:15 am Sherrills Ford at Bandys HS

Playoffs:
Oct 31st at N. Gastonia, Hunter Huss or N. Lincoln HS
Nov 7th at Bessemer or Bandys HS
Nov 14th all at WLHS
Championship:
Nov 21st all at Moorseville HS
Times and places TBD - I will update that later in the season. Hope to see you all on Nov 21st in Moorseville at the Championship!

August 22, 2009 - Scrimmage at Hunter Huss High School

Sat. August 22nd was our first scrimmage. We played Bessemer City at Hunter Huss High School in Gastonia at 2:45 pm. We did not use any special teams during the game and the game clock never stopped. I started on both offense and defense. We got beat 18-0.I played wide receiver , running back and corner back. I can't wait till the next game. By Robbie

Official Practice begins!!!

The official football practice began on August 3rd. Practice is now 4 days a week, Monday, Tuesday, Thursday & Friday from 6pm- 8pm. Pads were given out on Thursday, Aug. 6th. Robbie could hardly wait! He came home with practice pants, pads and helmet and couldn't get in the door fast enough to have Tony help him put it all on. I believe we've created a lean, mean fighting machine! First practice with pads on was Friday, August 7th. He said it was a lot different. He couldn't get his arms up as high with the pads on and of course it was much Hotter!

Football Begins with Camp

West Lincoln Optimist voluntary football practice or camp began July 13th. They began practicing 3 days a week from 6pm - 8pm, Monday, Tuesday & Thursday. Robbie skipped the 2nd week of practice because we were at the beach and was concerned he was not going to get to play if he wasn't there. He was happy to learn when we returned that 2 additional weeks of camp were added. So the official practice began August 3rd.