Emotional Game!

[MazerRakhm]

Last Friday night held a game of games, history being made!

The little town that could hosted a quarterfinal upset of a team that was nationally ranked #6! Without going into a lot of detail, the game was just incredible, both teams played their heart out and left absolutely everything on the field.

http://ksmith.smugmug.com/photos/44786177-M.jpg

http://ksmith.smugmug.com/photos/44786193-M.jpg

What really stunned me most was the sportsmanship and respect of these two teams though! After the game both teams lined up for the usual "good game" handshakes, which quickly turned into hugs and tears of both sorrow and joy.

http://ksmith.smugmug.com/photos/44786247-M.jpg

Even the town was respectful as they swarmed the field to congratulate their players, they gave the opposing team their space, and in some cases wished them well, and never once did the "We're better than you, nanny, nanny, boo, boo" show it's head.

http://ksmith.smugmug.com/photos/44786230-M.jpg



It's a game that I'm bound to remember for a long time and wanted to share.

[JDrex05]

I'm a huge fan of sports photos that truly show emotion, and I LOVE #3

[MazerRakhm]

Thanks! I think that might be one of my favorites from the night as well. I really liked how it turned out.

[fslshooter]

Thanks for sharing and telling us the story of the game. You've captured the emotions and intensity that you described superbly -- #3 is classic. Good stuff!!

[liza]

Those last two just tore me up! I'm also a strong believer that some of the best shots come from the sidelines and after the game. Thanks for sharing! These are simply wonderful.

[MazerRakhm]

Thank fslshooter and liza! It was a game to be at! This late in playoffs you allways get the seniors that are overcome with emotion at the end of the game because they lost and their football career is over, this time more of the winners cried and broke down. This was thier first win over the other team in something like 20 years!

[dmwierz]

Kevin,

Nice shots. I was shooting a 7A quarterfinal game across town when this final score was announced. To say we were stunned would be an understatement. You gonna shoot Morris this week?

Dennis

[MazerRakhm]

Unfortunately not, I really like they Morris guys, the kids and coaches there are great but Friday night I have other commitments.

2 games on Saturday though!

[dmwierz]

I've been fortunate to be able to stay with the same teams throughout the year. Last week they played each other so only one remains, but again, it make the games a bit more enjoyable when you have a connection to the players. The knowledge of the team also helps cover the game.

Good luck Saturday.

Dennis

[MazerRakhm]

Thanks Dennis, good luck to you as well!

[cargo123]

cool shots.

[PhotosGuy]

Nice shots & story, Kevin!

[ae1969]

Great shots....... #3 is a keeper.

[dmwierz]

Thanks Dennis, good luck to you as well!

Kevin,

One thing I was wondering: did you use a flash for these? The reason I asked is I have had the opportnity to shoot some images like these but hesitated to take them with a flash for fear of "intruding" with the flash, but the ambient light was so poor that they wouldn't have worked without it.

My one remaining team was victorious last night, so it's on to the State finals next week.

Dennis

[MazerRakhm]

Oh yeah, I used a flash that game. The end zones of that field, as much as I love those guys, are like black holes of darkness. I can't remember, but I think there might be a moratorium on flashes at the finals... I know I had the flash with me, but I don't remember if I used it for the game, or just afterward. That stadium is pretty well lit though so I'd think the 2.8 should be fine, but not sure, as I only got mine this summer. (Unless it's pouring rain again this year and visibility absolutely sucks that is.)

I'll be there all day Sat, just look for the crazy guy sporting the classy POTN strap!