Jill's Journal: Will, the winner

I’m one who pulls for the underdog, unless, of course, I’m cheering for my team, the winning team.

For the most part, I’m a faithful Lynx fan, and Minnesota Vikings and Twins fan. While I have no direct allegiance to South Dakota State, University of South Dakota, Augustana University or University of Sioux Falls, I’ll root for them, too. And even more so when a former Lynx is playing for one of those programs.

I guess I do the same for the faithful folks who play the weekly “Pick the Pigskin” contest we promote in the Brandon Valley Trader, our shopper that shows up in your mailbox on Tuesdays. Every week, many of the same folks grace our office with their weekly picks, including young Will Carroll.

Although he can barely see over the counter at our office, every Friday, the 6-year-old marches in with his entry. It was a couple of weeks ago that I wished young Will “good luck” before he darted out the door.

His response was a simple “thank you” and away he went.

Well, lo and behold, the 6-year-old made all the right picks that week and last Friday he stopped by to pick up his winnings, a $20 gift certificate that he can spend at one of the 14 participating businesses. 

I think I was more excited that he was.

I quizzed him which of the businesses he planned to spend his new-found fortune at.

Something on the shelves at ACE Hardware, perhaps?

Maybe a pizza and pop at 212º?

Or how about buying something nice for his mom at Beautique …

I got little to no response. (Sorry, Will’s mom – I tried!)

I was also curious if the kindergartener gets a little help in choosing teams. He shook his head in a firm “no” fashion and said he “just guesses,” adding, “I just like football.”

I like football, too, and I know many of you are fans of the game as well. So, if you haven’t entered our weekly Pick the Pigskin contest yet, there’s a handful of weeks left to play. All you need to do is turn to an inside page of this week’s Brandon Valley Trader, circle the teams you believe are going to win, include a tie-breaker score and of your course, your contact information and turn it into us. And who knows, maybe you’ll be the next underdog I’m cheering for!

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Speaking of winners, congratulations are warranted for a variety of Brandon Valley Lynx athletic teams. First, congratulations to the Lady Lynx tennis team who made school history behind their fourth-place team finish this year. It’s another step up the rung from their 2018 placing, so no doubt, this program is headed in the right direction.

Kudos to the BV boys’ soccer team who advances to the state semifinals Thursday night, and hats off to the Lady Lynx soccer team for a well-done season. 

The BV boys’ golf team wrapped up their year at state last week, and the cross country teams certainly made their mark at Monday’s ESD Conference meets behind their respective first place and runner-up finishes.  The fall season isn’t over with yet, so best wishes to the football, volleyball, cross country and cheer and dance teams!