At the end of Saturday's 2A football game, Dan Ford's voice came booming over the stadium loudspeakers, announcing there were just a few minutes left in the 2017 football season.
Even though he was completely accurate, it still brought a lump to the throats of local football fans, including mine.
This was it. We were done. Our boys had won the 2017 state title.
After the game and the boom of the cannon, I joined the fans out on the field, just to watch and hug a few parents and take my last photos of the season, as well.
I have to admit, I cried again, just as I did at the end of cross country. I've known a lot of these boys since they were toddlers, and I know how hard they've worked this year.
I talked with one of those players, Jake Sandrey.
"It still hasn't quite hit me," he said of the state title. "But it feels good!"
Along with the boys, I know a lot of hard work went into planning a state playoff game in one week. The Bayfield High School staff did a great job having the field ready. Football moms and supporting businesses plastered the town with signs urging the team on.
Ford and Jeff Misener and their spotters did a great job calling the game. Having police sirens bring our boys into the stadium was awesome!
The drill team, the band, dance team, the cheerleaders - everyone worked so hard this season to support the team and rev up the fans.
The parade and rally on Wednesday afternoon were a lot of fun and a great way to honor the players - and their town - for a wonderful season.
On the newspaper end, I have a lot of people to thank, as well.
As usual, Joel Priest put hundreds of miles on his car this fall, covering Bayfield and Ignacio football and volleyball.
Debbie Wilhelm and Richard Monyek are both top photographers who graciously allowed me to use their work to bring the games to you, our readers.
John Livingston, Karl Schneider and Jerry McBride brought us excellent coverage via The Durango Herald.
I filled in the cracks where I could, shooting photos, updating the Times website and posting updates on our Facebook page. Our advertising department and staff produced the nifty spirit banners we passed out before the state semi-final and final games.
It was a wonderful season. When you see them, I hope you can thank a coach or trainer or manager for a job well done.
Thanks for reading.
