Friday Night Lights (in Randolph)

Friday night found us in Randolph, of all places. After promising Z for years that I would go to a game, Andrew and I joined her for the season opener for the Randolph Oilers, a semi-pro football team. Z's husband T.D. is in his early forties but has poured his heart, soul and some ribs into playing his heart out for the team.

Not only were the stands crowded but we were surprised when three large motorcycles entered the field:

Turns out, they were there to help introduce the home team Oilers onto the field:

The whole atmosphere of the game reminded me of high school football games at Zama - you had families, community members, teenagers, and members of competing semi-pro football teams scouting out the competition. Adding to the school-like feel was the concessions stand and its fundraising efforts. It's hard to beat hot dogs for $1 and nachos for $2 and great popcorn for $1 a bag.

We made sure to cheer loudly for T.D., shown here (#77) in a captain's meeting on the field:

Admittedly, Z and I also spent much of the game talking about wedding planning, as Z herself just got married last summer:

After a tough overtime loss, we headed to the local "V" for drinks - as you can see, it's the home of the Randolph Oilers!

Unfortunately for us, it was karaoke night and let me just say that the singing was a little interesting, as you can see from T.D.'s expression:

Andrew and I had a great time at the game and we'll definitely be keeping Z company at another Oilers game soon.