The Battle of the Bell

 It's game day!!! 

It is more than game day is Bell Day! One of the oldest rivalries in North Carolina history is the Battle of the Bell. Concord High plays AL Brown. Two of the oldest high schools in the same county in two different towns play football for bragging rights and a bell. A great big bell on wheels! 

This game is HUGE! My oldest was born on October 15, 2004. Traditionally this is the last game of the regular season. David was two weeks old and we took him to the Bell Game. He was bundled up in one of those kangaroo type carriers. I think there was a blanket on top of that. He had on a Spider beanie that was a baby gift.

He was so bundled up some people didn't even realize he was in there! We didn't stay for the entire game, it was that cold. But Concord won.

This year David gets to play in that game. It has been a week of spirit. Everyone has dressed up each themed day. My daughter is a JV cheerleader. She spent Monday (a teacher work day) decorating the school, it took the entire day! The Athletic Boosters have all but sold out of their spirit wear. Kids from other schools are coming to watch. Some of the football parents have had shirts made, just for this game. 

My hopes and prayers for last week were more anxious. While this game is important, the Spiders are heading into this game with some well earned confidence. Not the cocky, obnoxious type of confidence, the kind that comes from playing and praying with your teammates. The defensive line eats together every Thursday after practice. The offensive line won 'player of the week' in the Charlotte Observer. The varisty wears their jerseys and watches the JV team play. As a team after practice they sat on the hill and cheered for the soccer team, also SPC champions. And they cheered BIG!

I hope the Spiders have a great black and gold day at school. I hope they enjoy each other as the share a pregame meal. I hope they are happy and confident as they prepare for the bus ride across town. The stands will be packed. It will be loud, louder than last week and that was loud! But it will be fun. Embrace the fun, embrace the spirit of the Spiders and leave all you have out on that field. 

As I always say; play hard, play smart and keep it classy. Remember the faith you have in your team, the faith you have in your brothers. Go Spiders, bring home that bell!