Keeping Tabs on the Fangupo's: Football

We're back in Vegas. Sad to have left behind our family, but I will say that I'm happy we're back to warmer weather. I will blog about our Thanksgiving weekend in beautiful Salt Lake City, but there is one thing that definitely deserves a post all to itself. Yes you guessed it... the Utah vs. BYU game!

My family actually grew up rooting for the Cougars. I remember Fatu being interviewed in High School and he continually gave props to BYU football. Since Fatu attends the University of Utah our family has slowly discarded all our blue for everything red. The switch was harder for certain people in our family.... *ahem* my Dad! Growing up as a Tongan in Utah I feel that there are 3 things that you grow up loving - the Jazz, 49ers, and BYU. I think it broke my Dad's heart a little to disconnect himself from that blue and white. One of my friends left a comment on facebook that I think describes what made the transition a little easier for our family:

"Nothing beats cheering for a team with a jersey
that has your name on it". <~ Aint that the truth?!

The Utes got off to an amazing start this season, but it seemed as though their spirits dwindled after that TCU game. BYU on the other hand seemed to be having a season that reflected the complete opposite of their rivals. So as it got closer to the big game I started to get a little nervous about the outcome. One thing was for sure though- it was gauranteed to be a great game! Fatu only had 4 tickets so my Dad, me, and Ti Tonga each claimed one. Sila and Bubba duked it out for the 4th one and Sila came out victorious. I wish we had enough to where we could've all went :( Anyway the football game was an all day event. After breakfast we headed up to the trax station where we were joined by fans of both sides up to the stadium.

When we got up to Foothill it was so neat to see how the homes were decorated to show their team spirit.

[Arriving to Rice Eccles]

Ti Tonga knew a guy who gave him a sideline pass, so I got to go right onto the field before the kickoff! It was soooo cool!

Fatu was running his drills and it took him a while to notice me. He was so surprised to see me of all people on the sideline. After he caught his pass he ran over and gave me a hug before getting back in line to practice.

I snapped a couple more pics then headed back up to my seat and got ready for the game to start.

[crazy fans]

Game time!

As soon as the game began it was nonstop excitement. There were a couple BYU fans sitting near us and they were all so nice. This was my very first college game so it was a complete thrill. I loved everything about it - from the painted faces of fans, to the MUSS, to the school band. The stadium exuded loyalty. And if you've ever been to or seen a game you know that the crowd never misses that 3rd Down Jump!!

[our #8]

Almost halfway through the game I got a text from Neo saying she got tickets and was on her way. She's so crazy! When me and Sila took our seats again after half time I heard someone yelling my name. I looked over to see Neo jumping up and down with her black paint under her eyes. Crazy girl I tell ya!

The game came down to the very last seconds of the 4th quarter. We were up by 1 and BYU had possession of the ball. As they got ready to kick their field goal I prepped myself for a loss, but thought of how grateful I was to be able to come out to a game and how much fun I had. When all of the sudden the kick went up and ricocheted off someones hands. It was blocked!!! We won! I couldn't believe it!!! We jumped up and down screaming and hugging. We high fived all our neighbors and roared on for our team. Within seconds of the end of the play the field was ambushed by red fans from the bleachers.