MLS Football at Our Lady of the Lakes, Waterford (Playoff Edition)

          The Cardinals of Michigan Lutheran Seminary travelled down to Waterford to play the undefeated Lakers of Our Lady of the Lakes on Saturday, November 14.  This was the state quarter-finals, or the regional championship.  Although Our Lady of the Lakes had an undefeated record, we still had our hopes up.

          Unfortunately, the Lakers ran a very effecient offense, and we had some problems getting our offense going.  By the end of the 1st quarter, we were down 15-0.  Though MLS posted one TD in the 2nd quarter, the Lakers added points, too.  The 3rd quarter saw MLS run a total of three plays (three and out was a far-too-common theme).  By the end of the 4th quarter, we had several shots down in the red zone, but they all came up empty.  The final score was 32-6.

          MLS can be proud of what they accomplished this year, wrapping it up with a 10-2 record.  The only two losses they suffered are to teams that have advanced to the semi-finals in state, and Ithaca is expected to win it all again.  Well done, boys.

          You can view an M-Live article here and see the post game coach's speech.

          With this game also comes the end of Andrew's high school career.  It did not seem like long ago that Andrew was suiting up for the Novi Bobcats.  Now his time as an MLS Cardinal has concluded.  (And today happens to be his 18th birthday.)  Man, these things go fast.  It has been great watching him play all these years.  It remains to be seen if and where he will play in college.  But for now, we are observing another set of lasts -- the last high school football game for Andrew and the last time Andrew and Caleb will play football together (Caleb got pulled up for the playoffs, and they were never on the field at the same time).  Some lasts you don't recognize until after the fact -- the last catch, the last TD, and so on.  But it was a fun ride.  I would be happy to go on it again, and I think Andrew would too.

          Some photos, but not from the game because the MHSAA forbids that.

The final walk off the field.

The final team huddle.

A farewell hug with Coach Schmugge.  Thanks for everything, Coach!