A Season to Remember

1. It was as anticlimactic as it was disappointing. in the Class AAAAA state championship game Saturday night felt like it was over before halftime, as the Raiders couldn't get anything going against the best team, and especially the best defense, they faced all season. 

It was tough watching Walton coach Rocky Hidalgo and his players hold the runner-up trophy and fighting back emotions. But a 14-1 season and some of the best football played by a Cobb team in years is something to celebrate. 

Grayson better not hope they draw Walton in boys lacrosse or girls tennis in the spring. Just saying. 

And as a long-time Cobb Countian, I'm feeling a little snakes on a plane about losing to Gwinnett. Again. Enough is enough. 

Despite the loss, I wanted to give readers another look at the magnificent photography of Cecil Copeland from Walton's last two games. His work for East Cobb Patch in the and the  was just spectacular, and we were thrilled to feature them. 

2. graduate T.J. Yates made Tim Tebow play catch-up dramatics on Sunday as the ex-Greyhound threw a last-second touchdown pass to lift the Houston Texans over the Bengals and into the playoffs for the first time. It's enough to almost want to forgive him for beating the Falcons last week. Almost.

Of course, Tebow just had to answer by leading the Broncos to a 13-10 win over the Bears in overtime for their sixth win in a row. Jake Locker tried to help the Falcons but got sacked by the Saints as the Titans' upset bid fell short. 

3. Football-like weather continues at the start of the week, with Monday temperatures expected to get only into the high 40s, with a low into the high 30s and there's a chance of rain. So bundle up, keep an umbrella handy and hope the needle doesn't hover around freezing before your day is done.

For the rest of the week, we'll be in the mid 60s and it will be mostly sunny. I can't figure out when it's ever going to be winter to stay. 

4. Patch contributor Vicki Hammond features some adorable dogs and cats , and forever after. She promises they've been nice enough, far beyond Santa's exacting standards, to merit the gift of a loving new family. 

5. Do you want to help Cobb schools win $100,000? Then you'll want to participate in Patch's school donation contest. You can nominate your home between now and Dec. 26, and you and your neighbors will be able to vote for your favorite decorated homes during that time. 

Out of the 24 national finalists will be the grand prize winner, with a $100,000 donation made to that person's local school district. 

So think of your children's schools as you upload your photos. It's free and easy to do, and you can submit them online here. 

Good luck!