“Mr. Derbyshire—I am loathe to criticize my favorite doomsayer but I fear, that with you being a naturalized citizen, you may not understand some of the finer points of being an American father. More precisely, last week in The Corner you mentioned than your son was going forth Sunday to battle the infidels from Connetquot. Yet today is Tuesday, and there is no report of the results of the clash. As the father of a 13-year old who also plays youth football (for the mighty Montville Indians) I can tell you that any statement that one’s son has a game coming up must be followed with a report of the game. If your son’s team won, you mention first that the team won and then talk about how your son did well. If your son’s team lost, you mention it briefly and then move on to a description of your son’s highlights. If your son gave up the touchdown that lost the game, you gloss over that part and talk about how the offense needs to score more points. Or as most parents do, complain about the coaching staff. “But never, never, mention your son has a game and then not follow up. It’s un-American.”

[Derb] I have been remiss indeed. It was an exciting game. Our Bulldogs were leading 13-12 down to the last five minutes, then Connetquot got lucky and scored a touchdown. We played well, though, and have no cause to feel ashamed. (I am quoting here from Coach Frank Selario’s de-briefing.) No doubt we’ll be working over some of the points for improvement at tonight’s practice, while the enemy slacks off, languishing in over-confidence.

Danny didn’t get much time on the field, being small for the group and a rookie. Most of his team-mates are playing their second or third year. No problem with that, and I am definitely not going to second-guess Coach Frank, who is working his butt off with these kids. (As, of course, are support coaches Bill, James, and Jonathan.) In any case, Danny acquitted himself well on defense, blocking and tackling fearlessly against kids mostly larger than himself. We are proud of him.