For nearly all of the fall sports teams in Plymouth County, the season is over. I can't believe it's already November and it's time to start getting ready for basketball and wrestling.

Nine weeks of high school football just wasn't enough! Fortunately, the state expanded the playoff bracket this year and I got to cover FIVE sub-state football games and then FOUR first round state games. Unfortunately, ranked opponents reigned supreme as I went from four football teams to none in a matter of hours on Monday night. I was sad to see the seasons end for so many squads that worked so hard all season.

So going into Tuesday, I had two teams left - Gehlen and Kingsley-Pierson volleyball.

As a sports editor, I was thrilled to have two squads in the regional final. But the match-up was a classic 'torn between two lovers' scenerio as I was forced into my 'fair & balanced journalist' role.

I would like to congratulate the Lady Jays for their tremendous season. I had a great time covering you girls this year and was sad to see your season end.

But not everyone can win their last game and the Lady Panthers won the chance to compete at the state tournament next week. Only 32 teams from across the state - 8 from each class - get the coveted honor of playing in the US Cellular Center, so being just one game away is definitely an honor and an attribute to the talented play of both squads in last night's game.

I'd like to congratulate the K-P squad and Coach Jon Mouw for the tremendous play last night and for earning the first-ever state volleyball berth in school history. Last night was an exciting night for the town of Kingsley.

I'm looking forward to seeing these girls play Tripoli next Thursday afternoon in Cedar Rapids.

I am also so grateful that I work in a county that supports so many quality athletic teams, giving me the chance to cover teams late into the postseason.

Congratulations to all the fall sports teams! It was a blast covering you this fall.