49ers + Candlestick = Real Football

I'm very much looking forward to today! I love football! I had the privilege and pleasure of growing up near Candlestick Park. As the air began to crisp and the leaves began to fall; red, gold and white filled the neighborhood. Yes, hundreds of avid fans dressed to the 49s to watch and cheer on our San Francisco 49ers. Young and old coming together to celebrate the ups and downs of our franchise. Perfect strangers sharing meals from the back of their cars or trucks coming together in 49er solidarity. Seeing different people from all walks of life leaving all the mess of the world behind them joining together to watch football. A simple pleasure but no less important.

I grew up watching Joe Montana, Steve Young and Jerry Rice lead SF to 5 Superbowl rings. So when they retired, like most of the city, I was concerned. Will the Dynasty be able to continue as strong as we where? The answer was no. For many many years the team struggled and we didn't enjoy the plenty of the past. Yet like any good fans we continued to cheer them on even in the midst of their fumbles, interceptions and wayward field goal attempts. It was a rocky road but with time the pavement smoothed out.

This season has been unbelievable. No one saw it coming. Quite honestly I was prepared to see my beloved team struggle and fall as they had been. But to my surprise and to everyone else's it seems we have found our way back. The reason for this miraculous change, Jim Harbaugh.

Jim Harbaugh came to us from Standford University where he was head coach. He signed a five year contract with the 49ers in January 2011. He has managed to teach them to play together and to their strengths. In a believed to be reshaping year he has turn it into a revival year. He has lead the team to a 13-3 record.

There is another reason I think our team has been successful and that would be David Akers. As far as I can remember the 49ers have never had a good kicker. In a list of weakness that we had over the years a kicker makes the top every time. This year that's not the case. Right under Jim Harbaugh leading would be Akers kicking that has propelled the 49ers forward.

Today we face the New Orleans Saints in a play-off game. They are a tough adversary but I think we can take them. We have a smart leader, home-field advantage, a strong defensive line and a spectacular kicker.

So put on your gear, fire up the grill and get ready for a great game!

GO NINERS!!!!!