Times have changed a lot for me recently.  I quit my Job of 27 years.  I'm moving to a new position, with a new company, in a new state.  Late in life Crisis or Catharsis? New Beginnings!   This week was my last with the squad I took over while their coach took a leave for a few weeks or so due to work.  To say that this was a challenge is an understatement especially when I wasnt expecting to Coach at all.  I honestly questioned my sanity as we struggled to do anything the same way twice.  3 games of hit and miss with the misses far out pacing the hits.  We needed a Moment, a Flash,  a Spark, to ignite that confidence that is desperately needed to grow as a team.  

Opponent took the kick off and was driving, with increasing confidence,  just inside our 10. We were just not quite getting there in time.  I saw heads starting to hang a bit.  (A brief please help me find a way Lord) I reminded them to stay focused,  disciplined, just be aggressive! What followed were  4 huge defensive plays that stopped them on our 6 and gave us the ball a long way from Pay Dirt.

2 FB Blasts got us outside the 10 within 2 yards of a 1st down.  A short 4 yard PA Pass got us the first down.  A quick Toss got 6 more.  Then it broke like Moses parting the Red Sea.  Duece 123 Blast.  Combo block Guard/Tackle  FB runs right up their butts.  Just like it was drawn up like you see it in your mind.  OL takes the 3 tech to the Linebacker, LB went one way FB the other.....Gone!  Untouched 80 yards.  The Gorilla was off their backs. PA Pass for 2 point conversion was complete.  As a coach we all strive for that moment when it all comes together and more so when they finally have that AH HA! moment.  I could see it in so many eyes!! I can do this!  Defense stymied them and we went into halftime up 8-0. 

The defense really stepped up in the second half.  3 sacks and 2 interceptions! After the first drive, in the first half, the opponent never came close to the end zone again!   Offensively we ran the ball consistently 3 and 4 yards per carry with the toss averaging about 7.  We play a running clock at this level so all it takes is a few first downs to control the clock.  We ended our scoring with a broken pass play.  QB stumbled coming back from center and bumped into the FB coming by for the fake.  Receiver was 5 yards in front of the defender WIDE OPEN on a Quick Slant...Ball never got there.  QB did a 360 after tripping and running into the FB and took off running 50 yards to score.  2 Point Conversion failed.   Our kicker hammered one between the 2 deep men and they started on their 15.  The second interception gave us the ball on their 35 with under 3 minutes to play.  Final was 14-0 

I couldnt be happier for this group.  What seems like an insignificant score was A MUCH NEEDED CONFIDENCE BOOST!  It is so strange how just a play or two can change an entire outlook and attitude. I grabbed the ball had them all sign it and it will serve as the cherry on top of my Career. 

A very emotional day and satisfying day for ALL!    To quote Jackie Gleason.."How Sweet it Is!"