Finally football weather is here. The new nip in the air (even though it may not last) is great.

Unfortunately, for my son, Matthew, his first junior high football season is one game shy of being over.

As he told me at the beginning of the season, he has waited his whole life for this.

And I would be hiding the truth if I didn’t admit that David and I grinned from ear to ear the first time Matthew’s name was announced over the loudspeaker, as did his grandparents.

The Cathedral seventh grade team has been beaten only once so needless to say, there is swagger in their steps.

We are proud of Matthew and the entire seventh- and eighth-grade team; they did a great job as did their coaches, Mark McCann and Mike Roboski.

At our house, when fall comes and football is almost over we know it is time for Trinity basketball.

For the first time in several years there will not be a No. 42, Bobby Craig announced in the roster.

Yes, I will probably shed a tear or two the first game. By the way, I will be making road trips to see him play at Belhaven College in Jackson if anyone wants a ride.

And while there will be some of my favorite guys playing basketball, I am going to go out on a pre-season limb and say the Lady Saints are the team to watch this season.

If you aren’t acquainted with one of these girls you may not know how dedicated they are. They have morning workout at 6 a.m., four mornings a week, for an hour. They also manage to shower and be at school on time which amazes me. Coach Melanie Hall then conducts afternoon practice. I have been by a few of those practices and the girls’ concentration level is as high as their dedication level.

There are going to be excellent playmakers emerging from this year’s team, but again I will venture out on my limb and say that Sara Greer will shine for her senior year.

Of course I cannot discuss sports without just mentioning Ole Miss Rebels. We have taught our Doberman puppy a new trick that involves a large stuffed tiger houseshoe (that we affectionately call &uot;Tyler Tiger&uot; for our favorite red-headed LSU fan).

Give us a call, anyone at our house will be glad to hold a &uot;kill-the-tiger&uot; demonstration for individuals or groups, free of charge.

Christina Hall is the lifestyle editor at The Democrat. She can be reached at 445-3549 or by e-mail at christina.hall@natchezdemocrat.com