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!"
Not MPP... ONE TASK! Teach them! 🙂
Congrats on your last hoorah...for now. ?
Where are you headed?
What is beautiful, lives forever.
Congrats on your last hoorah...for now. ?
Where are you headed?
Southeastern Missouri. Right off the Mississippi.
Not MPP... ONE TASK! Teach them! 🙂