EPILOGUE

 

Old Ric Flair Being Forced Out  

 

Randy Bethel was fired on Friday evening.  Thus, everyone on our coaching staff was let go at the same time.  Sebastian River High School (SRHS)  decided that they wanted to go in a different direction.  I guess we all have to face the facts at least once in our life.  I am going to do my best to keep this together, and I am going to try and paint a picture of what is happening in my life (and in my head) as I face the facts that I am no longer a Football Coach at SRHS.   

 

You know, it's funny.  I am not really sure why I kept this blog in the first place.  Truthfully, I never really intended to retire at the end of this season, although Coach Wilson, Coach Brown and I often made false promises that SRHS would miss us when we were not here next year.  In fact, in the opening statement of my blog, I stated that this could very possibly be my last year at SRHS.  I never really believed it would happen. 

 

 

Not Being Wanted Anymore is Hell

 

If this would have happened last year it would have been understandable.  If this would have happened two years ago, it would have been even more understandable.  We were struggling with a young team, and our win/loss record showed it.  People were not interested in our program any longer, and the empty stands were quite disheartening.  What were we doing wrong?  Why are we not getting the athletes out for football?  Why did I feel like hiding every time I walked into a Home Depot or Walmart?  Was I ashamed? Absolutely not, but I also got tired our answering the same question: "Whats wrong with the football team?" 

 

 

This year was different.  We knew we had a senior-loaded team coming back for this season.  We all felt like this was going to be our year.  The kids worked extremely hard during the off-season.  Our seniors were showing great leadership, and we had a great looking group of underclassmen.  YES!  This was it, and we knew it.  We knew the parameters we had to meet in order to keep our job:

 

A:  We MUST win the district

B:  We MUST get the community behind the program.

 

The season started off very badly for us.  We lost Coach Washington for the year.  We lost Coach Matthews for most of the season.  We lost Coach Jefferson for six weeks.  We lost Coach Wilson for three weeks.  We were operating on a skeleton coaching crew for most of the year.  All the Varsity coaches were stretched very thin....but we kept pushing forward.  We also lost at least five varsity starting players during the season due to injury or otherwise.....but we kept pushing forward.  Somehow we were going to get it done. We just knew this was our year.   

 

We dropped a couple of early games to much bigger schools than us.  Both Vero Beach and Ft. Pierce Central were state ranked, but we never quit fighting.  Then, we accomplished an amazing feat.  We ripped off seven straight victories to win the district for the first time in school's history.  We did exactly what we had to do.  People were excited for us.  People wanted to be part of our victory.  Our picture was taken and placed on a banner which hangs in the gym.  Our team was so proud.  Finally our job was safe.....I thought.   Then, our world came crashing down.  All of a sudden we were being pushed out into the street.  What the hell happened?  Didn't we just win the district?  I guess it was not good enough to survive the ax.  Our staff is extremely tight, so I am sure we are all going through the same thing. What is going to happen to Coach Bethel?  Where will all my friends coach next year?  The young guys will move on, but us older guys will probably never hit the field again. 

Who am I?  Why do I really care so deeply for my coaching colleagues?  Do I have a role in coaching anymore?  Who will want a 50 something year old coach who is set in his ways?  What happened to me?  I used to be such a good football coach, but I guess time has passed me by.  I guess I am still useful at fixing or building things for the team, and maybe I could still screw a facemask on a helmet or something.  Need something designed?  Coach George is your man, but he does not know shit about football (X's & O's) anymore.  Maybe I can still be the token old guy on a staff....you know the old guy who is always holding a clipboard? 

What about my players?  What will they think?  I wanted to hang around and see Mason and Zack finish up next year.  Did I quit on them?  No I did not!  I am fighting this mental battle in my head....I am having a hard time dealing with this.  I have NEVER been fired at anything.  Am I a loser?  How the hell did that happen?  One minute I want to cry, and the other minute I want to punch a hole in the wall.  I feel hurt and I feel betrayed. 

Here is the rub.  We worked our ass off this year to finish 8-3 to win the district title.....and we still lost our job.  Hell, I could have sat on my ass and did absolutely NOTHING to finish 0-10 (and still get fired.)  I wonder who is smarter?  

Who do I blame?  No one really.  Maybe I will blame society for placing so much emphasis on winning.  Yeah, lets blame society. When did winning become paramount over teaching the "Lessons in Life" that we have to teach every player coming through the system?  However, society loves a winner, so winning must be used to judge how successful a coach is to a community.  Its a shame really, because there are some awesome coaches looking for jobs right now. 

 



Ending The Story

 

Hakeem Feeding Cooper (43 Draw) 

My Boy Zach Finnegan  Feeling Down

Nate Pryor Looking for Running lanes

Bookie Taylor Makes Another Tackle (Javonte King backing him up) 



SRHS Football Team Hits The Field


I

I guess most of you know we lost on Friday night 29-0.  I have spent most of the day pouting and recovering from the emotional ordeal last night.  I am trying to get my head cleared enough to write some complete sentences and perhaps write a decent final blog entry for this year.  I have borrowed a few photographs from the newspaper for some filler.  I hope you don't mind.  I was too wrapped up last night to take any decent shots. 

The game was a disaster for us.  I think we prepared the best we could, but we just did not match up with them very well.  We were much bigger for sure, and perhaps we were physically stronger, but the team speed of Palm Bay Heritage (PBH)  was amazing.  They were easily the fastest team we have seen this year....including Ft.Pierce Central.  At the HS level, a fast player will often beat a much bigger and stronger opponent, and this is what happened to us.   We had trouble blocking their defense, and we just could not move the ball very well.

We stayed pretty close during the first half.  Our defense was going toe to toe with their skilled offensive team, and the the game was tied 0-0 until late in the 2nd qtr when they returned a punt for a touchdown.  We had the man stopped on the 40 yard line, but somehow the runner broke through the tackles and went for 74 yards to score.  Then the rain started....not a hard rain, but a misty rain which got everything wet  (No excuse....they had rain on their sideline too. )  We went into halftime down 7-0. 

At halftime, we were not panicked at all.  We made some corrections which we thought would work. Unfortunately, they received the second half kickoff and marched the ball down the field in four plays to score.  I knew at that time we may be in trouble.  We are a big-time running team which thrives on long scoring drives.  Quick scoring is just not our thing.  We generally grind it out and eat the clock.  We made a QB change early in the 3rd qtr and it costs us dearly.  We had a dropped ball in the endzone which was recovered my PBH and punched in one play later.  We were done.  They added another score to make the final 29-0.  Our kids never stopped fighting, and we went out with our heads held high. 

Collecting the game uniforms was kind of a somber event.  Generally a few coaches sit in the JV locker room and separate the uniforms as the players bring them next door.  This is always kind of sad to me, because we know, and they know,  this may very well be the last time most of them will ever wear football equipment again.  Many of the Seniors will take their time and linger in the locker room trying to remember their experiences during the past four years.  I always see a few tears (from players and coaches) during this time.  Many of the players say: "Coach, it went by so fast!"   I always say the same thing....."I know it does son, I know."    This is just another 'Lesson In Life" which is taught year after year.  I have always told the players:  "You only play high school football for four years, but you spend the rest of your life remembering it."   I don't think many of the kids understand how quickly it goes by. 

I have not talked to a single coach all day long.  No texting, no phone calls, no anything.  I am sure everyone is trying to second guess themselves for their game-day or game-week decisions.  I am sure we are all beating ourself up today.  What could we have done differently?  Did we prepare our team correctly?  I went up to school today (as usual) to wash some laundry.  I was HOPING no one would be up there, because I did not want to discuss the game at all.  I am just emotionally and physically spent.  My daughter Kristin know whats I am going through.  She has not called (or texted me) all day long.  In fact, I just got a 'Tweet" from her saying "when can I expect radio silence to end?'  LOL.  Like I have said before, Kristin is the perfect coach's daughter. 

If you have read my blog for any length of time, you will know that I have questioned myself if this was indeed going to be my final year at Sebastian River High School.  I just don't know that answer right now.  Hell, I don't even know if I will be invited back next year.  Randy may want a younger coaching staff in place, I just don't know.  I will admit that it was a long walk off the field on Friday night.  As the light rain lapped at my rain jacket, I slowly carried my field gear back into the equipment room and I relived many of the memories I had over the past sixteen years.  At that moment, I just felt old.  Maybe with the rain, God was telling me to hang it up.  Do I have anything left to offer this team?  I just do not know. 

I am going to wrap this blog up with this entry.  I have enjoyed writing this blog more than you can imagine.  I originally started writing this blog for my own kids....more so for my son Mike who is stationed in Germany.  I thought he would get a kick out of reading about Me and and my adventures this football season since he was not here to see it.  Unfortunately, Mike did not (or could not) read much of the blog due to his situation. However, my daughter was a major fan, so I dedicate this entire blog to Kristin, Kelsey, Kirby, and Grice who all provided me with so much writing material.  In fact, Kristin would prompt me with so many of her own memories of me in my younger days....good and bad.  I also want to thank by boy Mason Wilborn who let me verbaly pick on him (with the Pussy and Honey Boo Boo) stuff most of the year.  If Ric Flair is reading this blog, a special thank-you goes out to him as well! 

I appreciate all of you who read my blog this season.  This blog as over 6000 hits and it has became one of the most popular blogs on both  Blogspot.com  and Blogger.com this year.  In fact, the popularity of this blog has opened up another door for me next season.  I hope that all my players have indeed learned some 'Lessons In Life' from me this year.  I am getting older, but the lessons are the same.....they always have been.  Whooooooooo!

Thanks Again!

"Coach" George Zaleuke 

Follow me on Twitter:  @CoachGeorgeSRHS

Pre Game Jitters

 

Kirby: Little Miss Innocent

 

 

Kirby and Grice Playing 

 

 

Grice getting ready for Grass Drills

 

 

Kelsey and Kirby

 

Just some random thoughts tonight.  I am so nervous about the playoff game that I can't concentrate and write a complete sentence. 

 

Thinking about my kids seems to relax me a little.  I love these babies more than life itself.

 

Had a GREAT week of practice.  Kids are ready to play.  It's funny.  It seems like the kids are really having fun right now, and we are practicing so loose.  Even Bethel is allowing the kids to have some fun. 

 

Brad DeMarco is ready to play.  Truthfully, I did not think he would be ready to go so soon.  Ankle injuries are a real bitch.  He followed the rehab instructions and recovered nicely.  Severe high ankle sprain to playing in less than 10 days.  Amazing. 

 

We are healthy going into the biggest game in SRHS's history.  Hakeem is on fire this week.  OJ is really focused and Cooper is feeling it right now.  Damn, I am getting sick again. 

 

I love our big linemen.  I try to tap the top of their helmets every single day. I am constantly letting them know I love them all, and I appreciate every single one of them.   We are not very deep, but we have a nice lineup. 

 

Our damn defense is fast....very fast.  Miller and Perry has those kids playing at the top of their game right now.  I hate scrimmaging against them to be honest.  They know our offense so well that it makes it hard to get a play off.  We need for them to have a great game.  I am their biggest fan on the sideline.  I don't say much to them (as far as corrections) but I am constantly conversing with them on the sideline.  I love these kids. 

 

My head is going to explode.  My ears are ringing.

 

We have a lot of people hanging around right now.  Where were these people when we were 0-2 to start the season?  I am hearing a lot of compliments in the public.  I guess we know what we are doing again. 

 

Field looks really good for our game. 

 

I can't look at anymore video on Heritage.  Now I am starting to get pissed at them. 

 

My mood is changing the closer we get to the game.  I am TIGHT TIGHT right now.  Even the Coaches know that I change for big games.  Perry, Joe and Jefferson say that they had better talk to me today, because I won't be talking to them tomorrow.  

 

Miller is just as bad as I am.  I have been texting with him tonight.  He is throwing up too.  We MUST be related in some way. 

 

Randy had a bad accident in front of the school today.  He was turning left into the school, and he was hit broadside by an arriving student. Thankfully no one was hurt. 

 

Hey, I have to end this session.  My head is spinning.  I can't concentrate.  Tomorrow is a big day for all of us.  See you at the game

 

7:30 GAMETIME 

 

GZ

 

"LESSON IN LIFE"

 

Kelsey Bug

 

Many years ago I realized that football was so much more than a sport.  It is our job as coaches to constantly teach the "Lessons in Life" that every young person needs to be successful in the game of life.  I have often stated (in this blog) that we have a huge job on our hands, and these little lessons in life are often ignored (or forgotten) until much later in a player's life.  A coach is never really sure if his lessons are actually getting through to a young person, but sometimes we are reminded, in the most innocent way, that indeed the kids are listening. 

 

Let me set this up a little.  When my granddaughter Kelsey came to Florida and visited with me over the summer, I signed her up for the Shark's Cheerleading Camp being offered over the summer.  This was a very special time for me because I was able to spend some quality one-on-one time with the love of my life.  Kelsey would hang with the cheerleaders while I worked with the players over the summer.  It was awesome. 

 

 I noticed that the cheerleaders (and the campers) would run a single lap on the track to get warmed up before the practice.  Of course, all of the little girls would wind up walking the lap, and I noticed that Kelsey was no different...she was actually walking with the other little girls while the regular cheerleaders were running ahead of them. I was running my regular laps around the track and I ran up on Kelsey (who was walking) behind the cheerleaders.  I jumped her little ass: "KELSEY, get your butt running and FINISH your lap.  We are ZALEUKES and that is NOT what we do!"  She took off like a rocket and ran the rest of her lap.  I sort of chuckled to myself and finished my own run. 

 

Lets fast forward to this past weekend.  Kristin (and the kids)  were watching the Atlanta Falcon's game on TV last weekend.  I guess there was a "Hail Mary" pass to the endzone that a receiver could have easily caught and scored....if he would have kept running.  This infuriated Kristin of course.  Then, Kelsey pops off:  "WE DON'T STOP! I AM 7 YEARS OLD AND EVEN I KNOW THAT!"  I love this story of course.  It just proved to me that indeed Kelsey was listening to my lesson in life.  It also taught me that we have to keep teaching these kids.....you just never know who is listening to you. 

 

Randy Bethel is a great coach...much better than I realized.  It is interesting to watch him navigate these playoff waters which are not so familiar to this program.  He always has something to say which is appropriate to our situation.  He is demanding that we coaches keep our tempo up high this week, yet he is demonstrating complete calm and confidence at the same time.  I certainly get pissed off at Randy at times, and I often get aggravated with him, but make no mistake, this guy knows what he is doing.

 

Don't make plans to go away for Thanksgiving folks.  We will be practicing on Thursday morning. 

 

GZ 

 

VICTORY! Moving On!

 

SRHS Senior Football Players: Special Group 

 

 

Little BIG Man: Zach Perkins 

 

 

Big Brad DeMarco (Baseball) 

 

Here are a few photographs I took with my cell phone on Friday night.  This was our last home (regular season) game, and it was actually SENIOR NIGHT as well.  Every senior football player (and their parents) were honored on this night.  It's funny, I always thought this class was special,  but some of these kids have surprised even me.  Brad DeMarco started out being soft as cotton, but this kid turned out to be a real beast, and I hope to watch him at the next level someday.  Zach Perkins is not going to over power anyone, but there is not a finer long snapper in all of Florida.  We depend on Zach for ANYTHING dealing with our kicking game, and we are really going to miss him.   Mr. AUTOMATIC on every snap.  Amazing.  As you can see from the above photograph, we have a very large senior class, so all these kids will be moving on.  It is always bitter sweet for me, because I remember each of these kids coming into our program.  However, we hope that the "Lessons In Life" we try to teach the kids will stay with them the rest of their lives.  This is when all coaches get paid.  If any of you guys have followed my blog for any length of time, you will completely understand this statement.  Coach Wilson was PAID IN FULL on Friday night.   

 

Last night I promised I would tell you more about the game.  Truthfully, we did not know much about East Ridge (ER) High School, for I think Randy picked up the game late in the scheduling process.  We had some video on them, so we prepared for them just like we would for any opponent.   ER arrived to our stadium very late as far as we were concerned.  I think they finally arrived at around 6PM....and we played at 7PM.  By then, Coach Miller and I were well into our usual pre-game for skill kids.  I greeted the other team with a nod as I usually do, and I noticed the opposing coach walking towards me near the center of the field.  He asked me if they could borrow a couple of balls to warm up with, for they had accidentally forgot to bring their footballs.  Of course, I obliged with a couple of our Spalding balls knowing full well Randy would not mind at all.  I was thinking to myself: "Bethel would FIRE me if I forgot our footballs")  We finished our warm-ups and everyone went inside as usual. 

 

 

Pre-Game Prayer.  Don't like it?  Tough! 

 

Randy surprised us all and asked Coach Wilson (DANK) to give the players their pre-game speech before taking the field.  This has never happened before.  Usually, this is a time for Randy (alone) to address the players before the game.  So, the rest of us coaches decided to crowd into our locker room to witness Dank address the team on this special night.  The room was deathly quiet as Dank began speaking.  He started out slowly and his voice quivered slightly as he spoke to the kids for the last time in his career.  The room was so full of emotion, for all of us were witnessing a life-changing event as the hall-of-famer was speaking.  Tears filled my eyes as Dank slowly explained that it was his time to move on, but he wanted to leave them with one last story.  (Dank told this story, and I will have it posted on You-Tube by the end of the week.)  After Dank finished speaking, I was ready to play myself. 

 

We began the game a little flat truthfully.  However, we quickly gained control and kicked the shit out of them.  Their players were a little mouthy, and baited our players into altercations all game long.  They had nothing to lose, and we had EVERYTHING to lose.  If a player was thrown out of a game Friday night, that would mean they were through for the rest of the season, and it almost happened......several times.  In fact, my boy Mason retaliated against one of their players, and had a flag thrown on him.  I jumped his ass pretty hard as he came off the sideline, because we cannot afford to lose ANYBODY from our already thin lineup.  Once he cooled down, I am sure he saw it my way.  I was glad when the final seconds ran off the clock, and we got off the field clean.

 

At halftime, we honored Dank at mid-field.  Mr Stutzke pre-recorded a long message in honor of Coach Wilson listing all of his accomplishments.  Dank was surrounded by all his family, current players and former players from both Sebastian and Vero Beach.  Stutzke presented Dank with a special plaque, and allowed him to speak to the crowd one last time.  When it was over, Dank led our players in one special chant for the crowd.  It was a beautiful ceremony, and I was so happy for him.  It must be a special feeling to have so many people love you like that. 

 

We have continued our preparation for Palm Bay Heritage.  They seem to have a lot of athletes at every position, and we have our hands full.  I will keep you filled in all week long. 

 

Later.

GZ

 





Saying Goodbye to a Legend (WIN 45-27)

 

 

 

Tonight we said goodbye to Coach Wilson at halftime of our game against East  Ridge.  Everyone around here calls Coach Wilson "The Ranky Dank" so I will call him "Dank" while I am writing about him.  Like I said in an earlier posting, Dank has been coaching at the HS level for fifty years.  Behind my own Father and Grandfather,  Dank is probably the most influential man in my life.  I have learned so much about coaching and more importantly, "Lessons in Life" from this man.  Dank has touched the lives of countless young people in our area, and it would be impossible  to even begin listing all of his accomplishments.  Check out this link:  http://www.tcpalm.com/news/2012/nov/09/no-headline---tc_ir_wilson/

 

We won last night 45-27.  It was a great game for us, and we came out healthy heading into the playoffs.  My back-up QB Austin Hatch played the whole game, and he did a fantastic job. I was extremely proud of him.  I was also proud of Hakeem for being a leader on the sideline and helping me out all night long.  The entire team played very well, and we are ready to make a run in the playoffs. 

 

I have lots more to say about the game and our preparation for Palm Bay Heritage, but I wanted Dank to have the focus tonight.

 

Check the blog tomorrow night. 

 

GZ

Please Come To Game!

 

Vince Lombardi

 

 

Tom Landry 

 

 

Bobby Bowden 

 

 

Don Shula 

 

 

Paul "Bear" Bryant

 

 

Adolph Rupp 

 

Quite a list isn't it?  All of these guys are legends in coaching, and I remember watching every one of them.  I often talk about Lombardi in these blogs, but I also grew up idolizing Adolph Rupp of the University of Kentucky Basketball.  I am sure everyone knows at least one of these coaches as well.  I do not have one of his pictures to post, but we have a living legend right here on our coaching staff.  Coach Bill Wilson will be honored at halftime of our game on Friday night.  I do not have enough time to list all of his accomplishments on this blog, but Coach Wilson has touched the lives of thousands of athletes over his fifty years of coaching at the high school level.  PLEASE come out and support Coach Wilson when we honor him at halftime.  Someday, our players will say: "I once played for Coach Wilson."  It is an honor. 

 

I am having trouble putting together a coherent sentence or paragraph right now.  My mind is really not on writing.  We are preparing for our last regular season game against East Ridge High School right now, and we are also preparing for our first round playoff game against Palm Bay Heritage as well.  The workload has doubled, and I have watched hours and hours of video. 

 

I am going to call it quits for tonight.  Hang with me for one more day.  We play tomorrow night, and I am sure I will be in a better frame of mind to write a little more with only one game to prepare for.  I appreciate you guys reading this blog. 

 

Later

 

GZ

 

Last REGULAR SEASON Monday.

 

Javonte King :  This kid is a Player. 

 

 

Zach Finnegan- Center/Defensive Line

 

These are two of our finest.  I have been touting Javonte King all year long, and I will continue to tout him until he signs with a major college somewhere.  Javonte is a FIERCE hitter, a great team leader, and a fantastic athlete....best of all, he is a great kid.  Javonte has the grades and test scores to go anywhere, and a college would be lucky to have this kid.  He is just special student/athlete. 

 

Zach Finnegan is a Junior Lineman on our team, and he has grown up to be a real beast.  Built like his Dad, Zach is a POWERFUL young center with great feet and great speed for a lineman.  I have always like this kid, and I have watched him turn into a "little-bit-nasty" force on our offensive line.  I often ask him: "Zach, help me out a little with the snap"  when we are having QB/Center exchange issues.  I am sure there is no love lost between him and Hakeem, but Zach always works with me with no questions.  I am sure he gets tired of hearing this, but Zach is Nikko's little brother, so now you understand how great athletes run in this family.  Zach has certainly paved his own way onto our football team.  I am hoping he will stay in-state for college so I can watch him play on Saturday. 

 

Well, it's time to move on.  We won the district outright, so we will host the first round of the playoffs against Palm Bay Heritage.  But first, we have some unfinished business.  We are preparing for our last regular season game against East Lake HS out of Clermont.  Truthfully, we do not know much about them, but they look very big and athletic on video.  Again, we will have our hands full.  Even though this game means nothing to us right now, we must finish the regular season on a high note before entering the playoffs.  Hakeem is a little beat-up right now, so we are trying to rest him for a couple of days.  Austin Hatch took a majority of the snaps today, so we will be just fine.  He came into Friday's game (completely cold) off the bench when Hakeem got hurt, and he drove the team down the field for a touchdown to set the tone for the rest of the game.  We are very lucky to have Austin as our back-up QB. 

 

My leg is feeling a little better right now, but I am still fighting the swelling issue.  I wish I could just prop up the leg and relax for a few days to allow it to heal.  But I can't do that right now.  So, I must suffer the consequences. 

 

I am going to call it quits for tonight. 

 

GZ

 

VICTORY 41-30

 

Great Victory Pose in Endzone

 

 

Raising The Trophy 

 

 

Endzone Banner (Sorry So Blurry)

 

WE WON!  The score was 41-30.  I am just now starting to come down from our emotional victory.  It is amazing how exhausted you become from being on edge the whole week.  Maybe it's the lack of sleep, or maybe it has something to do with all the video I looked at, but the hard work payed huge dividends for the whole team.  I have been getting text messages from everyone I know...from Kentucky, South Carolina to Florida.  We have all worked so long and so hard for this District Championship, and I plan on reveling in the victory until 12 pm tonight.  Then, we must start preparing for East Ridge High School. 

 

Randy stated all week long for the players and coaches to enjoy the big-game atmosphere.  Truthfully, I was just not feeling it.  I was worried sick all week long, and I kept myself awake asking the same questions:  Was this going to be our last chance to win a district championship?  How will our kids respond?  How am I going to handle Hakeem on game night?  How well does Coach Lavelle know us?  How well do we know them?  Did I charge the water cows?  Did I plug in the headphones?  By Friday night, I was in a piss-poor mood.  I was absolutely ready to play ball. 

 

We jumped on them really early.  The defense set us up with a turnover, and we went ahead 3-0 on a 43 Yard field goal (having a quality kicker is awesome.)  Before long, we were up 10-0.  The defense was playing well, and we were moving the ball at will.  We completely gutted their defense with a powerful running game and nice play-action passing from Hakeem.  Our defense was outstanding.  Javonte, Bookie, and James each had an outstanding night.  Big Pork Chop dominated the middle of the line.  I can't mention everyone on the blog, but the entire defense played a fantastic game.  Frankly, we just kicked their ass all night long.  We were well prepared, and this was a quality victory over a quality football team.  Here is a link to read more about the victory.  http://www.tcpalm.com/news/2012/nov/03/sebastian-river-41-south-fork-30-sharks-win-first-/

 

Funny thing.  Now that we are winning, everyone want to be part of the football celebration.  We had all sorts of strangers on the sidelines...many of whom I have never seen before.  Where were all these people when we were 0-3 (including preseason) and struggling?  No one wanted to help me carry my equipment then.  Don't get me wrong, I appreciate the support; however, don't be one of those band-wagon jumpers who only support these kids when we are winning.  If anything, we need MORE support when we are struggling.  It's amazing to me on how many ALABAMA supporters there are in this area.....or any area for that matter.  I love to ask these band-wagon jumpers to name a few of the starters on their "favorite" team.  LOL.  That's life I guess.  Another "Lesson in Life"  People love a winner. 

 

I actually had to ask Marty if the band played on Friday night.  I have to wear the headphones all night long, so I do not hear anything except for the coaches talking or yelling into the headset.  It funny.  All the noise in the stands almost becomes 'white-noise' on the field.  I rarely hear the band, or fans, or cheerleaders during the game.  Most coaches are ultra-focused on the task-at-hand.  I won't hear the band, but I will sure as hell hear Randy as he is screaming for us at the other end of the field! Marty says I have 'Selective Hearing"   I guess she is right. 

 

I know we had a great crowd last night.  The stands were packed.  The atmosphere was electric.  I saw several of our former players hanging around, and it was great to see them all.  Every single one of them had something to do with our victory last night.  They all paved the way for our player's today, and I think it is important for our kids to understand that.  It was good to hear the "Good Jobs" or the "Congratulation Coach" coming from everyone who greeted us after the game.  It has been a long haul for me.  I came to this school when Randy was first hired as Head-Coach, so I have been through all the trials and tribulations with him.  This single victory lifted a huge monkey off our backs, and it has proved to EVERYONE that we know what the hell we are doing.   Hearing "Good Job Coach" sure beats the hell out of "You Guys Suck" 

 

GZ

 

 



 

 

Practice Time is OVER

 

 

Just some random thoughts tonight.  I am nervous as hell.  I just can't watch any more film. I think I know South Fork as well as our own team; however, I feel like I am cheating the team if I don't study some more.  I just got finished with the wrist bands and coaches play call sheets for tomorrow night.  I am absolutely all set to go.  I feel like crap right now.  I want to throw up already. 

I am trying to write something interesting here, but my mind is just not into it.  I feel like I have something to say, but I can't concentrate. 

I know Coach Miller is having a tough night too.  We exchanges a couple of text messages earlier, but it all ended abruptly.  I know he is about to chew his arm off, and he does not want to text either. 

I don't know what the hell is wrong with my damn leg.  It LOOKS better, but it does not FEEL better. 

Talked with Kelsey this evening.  Tried to talk with Kirby, but she was not into it.  I think she was hungry.  I felt better after talking with all three of my girls. 

Funny.  Kristin KNOWS when not to bother me.  She knows I am stressed out and worried about the game.  I will hear more from her after we win tomorrow night.  Kristin has to be the perfect coach's daughter.  She understands me. 

Marty is out of town this week, but she plans on returning tomorrow afternoon before the game.  I have tried to keep the house clean and in good shape, but I am not very good at it.  Its not too bad though. 

That's it.  I can't stand it any longer.  I have to quit writing for tonight.  I am going outside to throw up. 

GZ 

VICTORY 40-6.

 

Hakeem Rainey Feeding The Ball to OJ Jefferson 

 

 

Locker Room Before Game

 

I am pretty proud of the photograph above.  In this photograph, Hakeem is showing near perfect form

in the handoff process.  Look at his eyes.  See the concentration?  See how he is looking the ball into OJ's open pocket?  I call this "Delivering the Mail"  It is a chore to keep the older QB's from taking this process for granted. Notice OJ's open pocket and his arm placement.  We teach the running backs to place their top elbow to the handoff.   OJ's bottom arm is curved like a cradle forming a large pocket to receive the handoff.  All this sounds pretty silly doesn't it.  On the contrary, we try to emphasize the little things, so the big things take care of themselves.  The little things prevents fumbles in the QB/RB exchange. 

 

Have you ever wondered what happens in the locker room before going out onto the field?  In this photograph, #42 James Clark is leading some sort of chant to fire the players up.  #96 is Pork Chop who is really getting into it.  I can't name all the kids, but I heard it from the outside, so I opened the door to take this photograph.  Generally speaking, this is the player's time alone in the locker room, and a coach rarely in there with them.....but we are always close by.  Loud music, hollering, banging on lockers, chanting is all part of it.  Hey. whatever it takes to get fired up right? 

 

We destroyed Forest Hill last Friday night 40-7.  With this victory, we clinched our spot in the playoffs, and the victory also sets up a big showdown with South Fork this coming Friday night.  This game was not even close.  In fact, it could have been much worse.  We jumped on them early and continued to press the gas well into the third quarter. The defense was smothering, and the offense was really clicking.  

 

The whole day was weird if you ask me.  Travelling on a Monday was a big ordeal for us...especially to a school almost two hours away.  Miller and I agreed that the kids looked a little flat during pre-game, and it worried both of us.  The stadium was quiet as a morgue, and the only noise to to be heard was the roar of the cars travelling up and down Hwy 95 in Palm Beach County.  I warned the coaches and players that this was a noisy field, and we all expected to lose our voices trying to holler over the cars, trucks, and jet aircraft landing at Palm Beach International.  I think Forest Hill had about 10 people sitting in the stands, and like I said, the stadium was quiet....except for the ambient noise I just spoke about.  We went down there, did our job, and came back home.  I think I finally arrived home at midnight. 

 

We had a pretty good practice today.  The kids were tired of course, and we had to shake them up a little.  Coach Miller and I started jawing at each other early on during practice.  This jawing got progressively worse as the practice wore on, and it finally came to a head during scout team.  He barked at me, I barked back, and a couple of punches were thrown.  This little escapade definitely got everyones attention....including the coaches.  Then, we both turned around and laughed.  It was all a big set-up that we planned last night during pre-game.  We both agreed that the kids no longer took our jawing seriously, so we had to shake it up a little.  LOL.  Funny as hell.  We both got a big kick out of it.  (If it did go down, I would have pulled out his insulin pump hose, and waited for him to fall out.  He would have kicked my sore leg and waited for me to fall out.)  I love that dude. 

 

This Friday night we are facing South Fork for the District Championship.  This is the biggest game in SRHS history, and it is also one of the biggest games in the area as well.  We deserve to win this championship.  We have paid our dues.  We have worked like dogs to overcome adversity.  Someone has to win it, so why not us?  Our Victory on Friday night will not be an upset.  We EXPECT to win this championship.  It is our destiny.  All of the "Lessons In Life" we have been teaching this year will finally pay off. 

 

Don't miss this game!

 

GZ 

Eventful Day.

 

 

I have just discovered how to post videos on my blog.  Uh-oh.  This may add a whole new dimension to my blogging.  Of course, I will start the videos with the THE NATURE BOY doing what he does best.  WHOOOOOOO!   I am going to have some fun with this new toy. 

 

I had a long day.  Remember last week when I told you about running into my trailer hitch and messing up my knee?  Well, I am paying the price today.  A huge grapefruit-sized lump quickly formed on my knee.  Of course, I put Ice on the lump for about 30 minutes; then, I went about my business and cut my lawn as usual.  It was sore all week long, but I refused to let anyone see the knee or see me hurt.  I mean, I never really study my feet or my knee, and I knew that my foot and ankle was sore.  I just thought the soreness was just part of my normal ankle-reconstruction pains which I have suffered for years. I noticed my shoe was fitting tighter.  I looked at my foot and ankle, and the damn thing was purple and black with swelling up into my calf. 

 

 

Ankle Swelled

  

Wow.  This leg looked pretty bad.  In my mind, I figured the swelling had ran down my leg, but I was getting a little worried now.  Worst of all, how was I going to hide the injury from the coaches?  How was I going to hide the extent of the injury to our players?  Naturally, I just kept going and walked it off.....like a man!  I am so stupid sometimes.  Marty started nagging my butt on Thursday about seeing a doctor.  Did I listen to her?  NO.  I never do.  I am NOT the type of dude who visits the doctor very often.  If Hilary can't fix it, then I will suffer with it. 

 

Today at practice, I was limping on the field.  I took off my shoe and sock to show Coach Willis.  He about fell over.  He immediately called Hilary (unknown to me) and told her about it.  All the players saw my ankle, and just shook their heads.  Tracy Wilborn (Mason's mom) saw the ankle and pretty much called me out about it.  Other parents and coaches saw my (foot -ankle) and freaked out saying I had a blood clot and it could kill me.  Hmmmm.  I started to worry a little.  Hilary called me on the phone and wanted to see me immediately at the community swimming pool where she was working.  After practice, I went to the pool and showed Hilary.  Again, she was very concerned about the injury.  I decided to go and see the doctor.  Dr. Maes (our team doctor) was not available, so Marty (who is in Georgia) told me to visit the Emergency room at her hospital.  I walked in the Emergency Room and showed them the injury.  They took me right in.  I had a Ultrasound (to check for blood flow and obstructions) and X Rays to check for breaks. I really lucked out. Blood flow was good, so I was out of immediate danger.  As I suspected, the un-checked swelling in my knee drained to my ankle and foot and settled.  The doctor gave me some antibiotics to clear up infection, and released me to go home.  It was scary for a minute.

 

  I want to thank everyone who cares about me.  Marty is out of town, so I was alone for all of this.  Tracy Wilborn checked on me many times; in fact, she was coming up to the hospital (to be with me) until I reassured her I was OK.  My Coaching buddies were very concerned about me.  I  passed the time texting with them during the five hours I was in the hospital.  Thanks to Hilary and her guidance.  I really love the people I work with.  We do care about one another. 

 

Back to football.  We had a GREAT practice today.  The coaches reported to work at 10am to officially begin our preparation for South Fork.  The kids came in at noon for a short (Thursday-style)

workout.  The team was on fire, and we were very sharp.  This really pleased the coaches, and we got off the field quickly.  We are ready to play on Monday night.....and Friday night.  Coach Miller seemed a little more at ease today.  We tried to spar verbally a little, but we were not fooling anyone.  The kids were pretty much laughing at our pathetic attempts to appear angry with one another. I was able to give him a decent look on scout team this week, so that alone kept him calmer.  I WAS the one who was on edge, for I was worried about giving HIM a decent look on scout offense.  Without a doubt, the defense is ready to play Monday. 

 

I am done.  More tomorrow. 

 

GZ

Day of Turmoil.

 

PawPaw, Did you see that?  (Grice)  I love his colors! 

 

 

PawPaw, I tried to cut block him!  (Grice)

 

Queens of my Heart: Kelsey and Kirby 

 

 

Kirby wearing PawPaw's colors. 

 

Well, the hurricane has thrown everything in a turmoil.  All after-school activities were cancelled today, and school was cancelled tomorrow as well.  Originally we had planned to have a normal pre-game practice today even though we knew there would not be a game on Friday.  However, when the school board cancelled everything, it threw a wrench into those plans.  There was a chance that the game could have been played on Saturday morning down at Forest Hill, and we all were hoping this was going to be the case.  No dice Chino.... did not happen.  The game will be played on Monday afterall.  This is really going to suck.  Last week we did not get home until 2am or so, and the kids still have school on Tuesday.  Going to be a hectic week.  This may push Coach Miller over the edge.  Hmmmm.  I wonder if I can get his motorcycle? 

 

We are planning on bringing the kids in to practice on Saturday.  This will be a helmets and shorts type of practice, but I expect it to be quite intense.  Afterall, when we win, we guarantee ourselves at least a spot in the playoffs; then, we control our own destiny.  Beat South Fork and we are the district champions.  Unfortunately, we MUST start preparing for South Fork even though we play Forest Hill on Monday.  But, what choice do we have?  What choice do they have?  They are in the same boat as we are.  I respect their program.  Coach Levelle has always run a clean program, and I am sure he will have his kids ready to play as well.  Luckily, this year we play them at home.  This will be a battle of two evenly matched teams.  It could come down to coaching.  Like I have always said, NO ONE will out-work our staff to get the kids prepared.  Big games bring out the best in well prepared teams. 

 

Bethel will be pretty intense this week, and he will be miserable to work with.  However, Randy has a lot of experience in playing big games from his Miami days.  Miami vs Florida State.  Miami vs Nebraska.  Miami vs Notre Dame.  The list goes on and on.  So, I am curious to see how he verbally prepares our kids for this big game.  Will he draw on his experience with Jimmy Johnson?  Maybe he will draw on his experience with Dennis Erickson?  Maybe the experience will be from all his coaches, I don't know.  However, Randy is very good at coming up with the right words for the kids.  I admire that.  However, he may be a little short with the coaches.  So, I warned him that he better learn how to talk to me, because I was about to put his ass in a RIC FLAIR Figure Four Leglock and make him tap out!! 

 

 

WHOOOOOOOO!  

 

 

 This is going to be a long week for all of us.  I will do my best to keep everyone up-to date with what is going on.  If you see me in Walmart or Home Depot, and I don't speak, please forgive me.  I get sort of zoned out and I do not see anything else but opposing defenses.....until the game is over.

 

Later,

 

GZ

 

 

 

Game Cancelled Until Monday!

 

 

Hurricane SANDY Official Forecast 

 

Who gets a hurricane in late October?  Can you believe this?  Most of the games this weekend  (with Palm Beach County Schools) have been cancelled until Monday.  This storm will not give us any problems because it is forecast to remain well offshore; however, the bands of weather surrounding the storm will dump some rain on us, and gusts of wind (above 30MPH) are expected on Thursday and Friday.  Unfortunately, school buses are not allowed to operate when wind gusts are above 30 MPH, so transportation is impossible.  I hate this because we are ready to play.  One never knows what will happen between now and Monday night.  At least all schools are playing within the same rules. 

 

I am so tired of dealing with the weather down here.  We have got more than our share of boiling weather and more than our share of rain and lightning storms.  Now, we have to deal with hurricanes right in the meat of our season.  It really sucks.  When I was in South Carolina, it was great to enjoy the colder weather during football season, and climbing or sitting in that deer stand was just a little easier when you were not drenched with sweat before you got there.  I have just about had it with this place some people call "Paradise."  Paradise my ass. 

 

For what it's worth, we are ready to play.  We had a great few days of practice, and the kids are primed and ready.  We are healthy for the most part.  I am happy to get some of the JV kids to help us practice.  They (we) sure have some nice looking kids.  I was able to work with a few of their skill kids directly this week, and I came away pretty impressed with their athleticism.  Surprisingly, we have some nice receivers in the bunch, and I really like the young QB (Cameron) too.  He is becoming my right-hand man on the field. Cameron is willing to help me with anything I do (off the field) and he seems to work hard on the field.  I will say this:  The kid is not afraid to compete against the varsity,  and he will take a hit and do what he is supposed to do when playing scout QB. 

 

Miller is just about ready to blow his top.  All this uncertainty about the game just drives him crazy.  Billy is one of those dudes who has a set routine for everything he does.  He is very organized on and off the field, and breaking his weekly routine on game week is going to keep him on edge.  I think I may find some ways to pick at him a little bit just for fun.  I may hide his ball bag, or I may steal his binder with all the (opponents) offensive plays written on them.....all in fun of course.  Miller and I say some god-awful things to each other (all week long) during practice.  Sometimes we sound like the arguing is very heated, and even the players and coaches look at us funny like we are really going at it.  Every now and then we will lock eyes and sort of grin at each other.  WE KNOW it is all in fun, but the kids and coaches are not really too sure.   Miller is one of my best friends on the staff, and I enjoy working with him.....even if he is an ass.  (I will hear something about this tomorrow! LOL) 

 

I have always had fun with the other coaches....sometimes at their expense.  We had a young-buck coach name Roger T on the staff at one time.  He was a former Vero Beach Fighting Indian  Linebacker who went on to play ball at Troy University.  He came back to Indian River County to teach and coach on our staff.  Roger was a young cocky dude, and he was not exactly known for his work habits while he was here....fact is that he was just plain lazy at times.  Of course, the coaches picked up on this, and we were constantly messing with him.  Roger used to argue with (Coach Kris) our defensive coordinator about the defensive calls or linebacker positions.  Roger would say: "I PLAYED THE POSITION, I KNOW!!"  More than once, it came back to bite him in the ass.  I would do all sorts of things to aggravate Roger...like hiding his ball bag, or hiding just one of his practice shoes, or fill his whistle with mud...anything to piss his off.  However, he always thought it was someone else doing it.  Roger would say: "Zaleuke, you the only one man, the only one!"  meaning I was the only one who never messed with him.  On the contrary, I was the main one who messed with him.  I used to say: "Roger, I am going to help you find who did this!"  I did not have to look too hard.  I was standing directly in front of him.   Roger had a habit of forgetting his game gear on game days.  More than once, Roger coached the game in blue jean shorts and a polo shirt.  During one span, Roger forgot his stuff two weeks in a row.  Randy warned Roger not to forget his stuff the following week during an away game.  We travelled in a motor coach back then, and I noticed that Roger neatly hung up his game shirt and khaki pants in his seat area.  We arrived at our destination and got off the bus.  Later, I got back on the bus and stole Roger's clothing and hid it all in the bathroom.  Randy said: "OK Fellas, let all get dressed for the game.  Roger, you got your stuff?"  Roger went back to the bus, and all his clothing was gone.  I could hear him telling Randy: "Coach, I SWEAR I had the clothes when I got on the bus!"  I said:  "Hey Roger, why don't you wear a poncho?"  Coach Wilson said: "You can't wear on poncho if its not raining!"  I laughed and laughed that day.  Finally, I FOUND his clothes in the bathroom and swore I was going to bring the stealing culprit to justice!.  Man, that was funny.  Roger did not last another season with us. 

 

Later:

 

GZ