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