PAOLA MILLERS: Flag Football: Hayden

Hayden has been playing flag football the past several weeks.

Not that they keep statistics, but I'm pretty sure Hayden has

the unofficial flag football record for most yardage covered on a

play from scrimmage. He took a handoff and veered left to

avoid pursuing defenders. When it was apparent he did not

have the angle to the corner, he turned and ran the other

direction...ALL the way to the other end zone (app. 40 yards backward) before he finally heard his coach telling him to turn around.

So he did. And he ran. And he ran. And he ran. ALL!! THE!! WAY!!

Well, almost all the way; his legs gave out at the 5 yard line and he

fell down just shy of a touchdown. So close!

Another highlight/funny: After one week when Hayden only

saw one carry as running back and fumbled the exchange (play is

immediately dead), I took some time to practice handoffs with

Hayden throughout the week. So , on the way to the game on

Saturday, I told him to be sure to tell the coach that he had practiced his handoffs and is ready to carry the ball and run hard (a subtle approach to asking for more chances to carry the ball). Well, Hayden prefers a more direct approach apparently. Here's how that conversation went.

Coach: "Good Morning, Hayden. Lets get your flag belt on."

Hayden: "Can you give me the ball more!"

Hayden diving over the goal line (not really, but makes