Bingo and the 49ers win a critical game

Life has a funny way of making us remember what matters most. As my friend Mary Ann won at the Salesian Mother's Club Bingo, we all cheered wildly. Finally, our yearly group had a winner. Actually our table of 13 lovely women supporting an amazing charity had two big winners and 4 good neighbors winners.  That doesn't even include the thousands of kids who benefit from the outstanding programs at the Salesian Boys and Girls' Club in North Beach.

 It was a similar story at Levi's Stadium late Sunday afternoon. The San Francisco 49ers pulled out another ugly victory, beating the lowly Washington Redskins 17-13. But how they're getting the W doesn't really matter. The Niners are now tied with Seattle for second place in the Division at 7-4 just two games back of leader Arizona. The next critical game, Thanksgiving at home against the World Champion Seahawks who beat the Cardinals today.
Coach Jim Harbaugh knows his team has to play better than they have in the last three games, even though they've come away with three wins. The three turnovers against Washington and depending on the defense to hold the opposition won't play against top teams like Seattle. and Arizona.
"It was a valiant effort," said Harbaugh who praised the play of receivers Anquan Boldin and Michael  Crabtree. "There were a lot of valiant efforts today. We turned the ball over, some teams hang their heads when that happens. That's not what this team is about. This team is about the team, the team, the team."

And the team did it when it needed it most. Colin Kaepernick led the offense on the season's first fourth quarter touchdown with just 2:59 remaining in the game. Carlos Hyde who earlier fumbled, scored on a 4 yard run to redeem himself and keep the Niners playoff dreams alive. Of course the defense can take much of the credit, again. Aldon Smith showed no rust at all, sacking Washington quarterback Robert Griffin III twice. But he wasn't the only one punishing the embattled quarterback. Griffin was sacked 5 times.
There will be no rest for the Niners and their fans at Levi's Stadium where a bit of magic seems to finally be shinning through in Santa Clara. This Thursday is once again a must win game for San Francisco and mistakes can not be on the menu for the Thanksgiving festivities.