Notes from the Sports Desk by Tyler Julson

 

It’s Homecoming week in Albert Lea!

Homecoming week always seems to be the week when it finally starts to feel like fall. The leaves are starting to change a little and the air is getting crisp.

Albert Lea teams are doing well to start Homecoming week. The girls’ tennis team picked up a dominating win over rival school Austin, the boys’ soccer team picked up a win Monday night and the volleyball team has made clear improvements since the beginning of the season, taking Owatonna all the way to five sets Tuesday night. Now, wouldn’t it be great it the football team could pull out a victory over Fairmont on Friday? I’ve seen glimpses of what this team can be, and if they put it all together Friday night, they’ve got a fighting shot.

In the professional sports world, it has been a crazy past few days. How about Tiger this past weekend? Watching him walk up the 18th hole Sunday with that sea of people behind him was something special. I wish he would have pulled out the FedEx Cup win, as well, but Justin Rose is another one of my favorite golfers, so I was happy to see him pull it out, too. As I watched Tiger’s post-game interview, I was relieved no one else was with me to see the tears well up in my eyes. I don’t know why I have such a liking for Tiger or why my eyes felt the need to moisten after that. I did nothing but sit on my couch and watch it happen. That’s the power sports can have.

Some of you may have scoffed at my Super Bowl predictions at the beginning of the year, but look at what we’ve seen over the opening three weeks of the season. My Super Bowl picks, the Chiefs and the Rams, are tearing the league apart. The Rams are miles ahead of everyone else in the league; they’ve got tremendous talent at every position. The loss of their corners, Aqib Talib and Marcus Peters, for a few weeks might hurt, but they still have depth there.

The Chiefs are the league’s top offense. Patrick Mahomes is everything I wanted him to be and more. If he keeps this up, there’s going to be a shrine started at my house.

The Vikings looked like they may have taken a step back this week. Their play against the Bills was less than to be desired, but I don’t think Vikings fans should hit the panic button just yet. A tough game against the Rams awaits tonight, but without those corners, the Vikings receivers could have a big game.

Everyone remember to stay safe during the remainder of Homecoming week, and make sure to make plans to come to the football game Friday night. The weather looks like it might be a little chilly, so bundle up and come out to support the Tigers.

Tyler Julson is the Tribune’s sports reporter. Contact him at tyler.julson@albertleatribune.com.