Cowboys! A RL Youth Football Dynasty. Texas version.

[Senator]

Poli - Rodney and I have been writing back and forth about our football coaching, and I mentioned we both should write a dynasty. He informed me I was a D-bag and he had already been doing one.

When I found out he was head coaching, and had the same age group as myself, it suddenly made sense to have a comparison dynasty, not in any way as a competitive piece, but to see how we each handled the challenges.

This is my 4th year as a head coach; I am in Texas; the league is very affluent and well financed; they take football serious in Texas and this is no exception; I am coaching 9 and 10 year olds; and finally, I am defending my Super Bowl win from last season where we were the 4th seed out of 12, and won the final 27-6. I ran the 5-2 Monster on defense, and a mixed single wing and bash offense.

The age division I coach has 20 teams. I will go into detail on the other teams later, but we get to keep our Cowboys name. We are going old school on the uniforms. Single blue stripe on the helmet, with the solid blue star. Blue pants, white socks with three navy stripes, and the jerseys are blue on the shoulders, white in the middle, with navy numbers, and names on the back.

I am returning 3 players that I am protecting. 2 from last season that will be 10 year old's and one 9 year that is my assistant coach from last season, whose son is finally old enough to play for us.

All three players are big.

Jack - all pro last season - 10 years old - played pulling guard and defensive end. He is 5'6 - 120 pounds

Jacob - all pro last season - 10 years old - played tackle next to Jack and nose guard. He is 5'5 - 125 pounds

Andrew - played select bantam last season - 9 years old - will play power tackle probably, and DT. 5'5 - 120 pounds

That is the right side of my unbalanced single wing line. Pretty substantial by any standards, but between the skills they have and the size they carry, we should have one of the best lines in the league.

This means I will draft in the 4th round. We will have about 17 players a team. Coaches who were returning could keep as many as 6 players, and new coaches could keep their son and an assistant. So, because we have 20 teams, I do not know where I fall or what to expect.

The combine is August 26, 27, 28. It is being handled by a professional agency. We will get a printout with the picture, name, weight, experience, and all the combine scores of each kid (around 350 kids) on the 29th.

On the 30th, we go to the city police station, where they have a giant room with a podium, and giant projection screen. Each coach will have a table for his staff, a laptop, and a microphone. As each players is selected, his photo and info will be relayed on the screen, and the commish will verify at the podium.

Guys, I didn't create this, I am just reporting the facts. Because it sounds self important to me as well.

I will call the parents on the night of the 30th, and we will begin practice on September 2.

[Barkeep49]

Ok so far yours sounds serious, but not all that is wrong with youth sports. A promising start indeed.

[BYU 14]

Wow again......Texas Football is on a whole other plain, even at this level.

[Senator]

As we get closer to draft day, I work on finishing up the important administration stuff.

I spent 300 dollars at Academy last night, buying cones, tape, chin straps, mouth pieces, ect.. stuff that gets needed during the year. I have a tackle box full of it. It has saved me in years past.

I spent about 500 last Monday on helmets, pads, ect. We always have 2-3 kids from low income families play, and the equipment is not safe enough, so I make sure they feel and look good while they play for me. It makes everyone feel good, including me, so I know I will spend around 1500 a season on just being the coach.

Finished up the team website. Cleaned it up from last season, added the new dates for the calendar. Finished up the parents packet, which is a three ring binder with my expectations, parent, player, and coaching contract, playbooks for offense and defense, and maps to the different locations we play.

We have the three day combine a week from Tuesday, with 500 kids trying out, and then the big draft on Saturday, I will make the calls to the parents that night, and we will get it going the day after Labor Day.

[Poli]

I can certainly learn from that. I've bought mouthpieces, but I'm looking to build up a small supply or arm shields, etc. I've found our league's supply of equipment lacking thus far.

[Barkeep49]

I give you credit. I spend, between baseball and basketball, between 300-500 a year on "stuff", but most of it is stuff that more benefits me, as it tends to be books or videos or the like. I give you all the credit in the world for spending that kind of money to provide your kids with a quality experience. This gave me a good feeling just reading about it.

[Senator]

I appreciate that, but I am luckily at a place in my life where I can afford to do this, without much of a problem. I have very few hobbies that require funding, so this is something I budget for and expect. I was the kid who didn't have anything; and it feels good to get to a place where I can make it easier for some kid like I was.

[Poli]

I was the kid who didn't have anything; and it feels good to get to a place where I can make it easier for some kid like I was.
Very well said, I feel exactly the same way.

[Poli]

Dola:

How did you score the most popular team nickname in that area, or are there ten Cowboy teams?

[Senator]

No, every team has a unique name. We are the only Cowboys. Apparently, this area has one of the highest carpetbagger ratios in America. I bet I only meet 3 out of 10 who were born or raised around here. Most are out of state people who came here because the economy is so good. When I took over the team 2 years ago, there were 12 teams in the division, and not one was named the Cowboys. We are actually hated because of our name, and now, of course because we are the defending champs. (Even though I only bring 2 starters back).

[Senator]

tonight from 7-10pm we had yet another all-coaches meeting. They showed us the draft software that will be used. It is about as professional as you can get. We received our coaches package. 3 Junior Nike Footballs, 4 blocking dummies, 2 hand blocking dummies, coaching bag, 22 cones, whistles, lanyard, basically most of the stuff I already own. But it is nice to have backup and I do get to keep it all after the season.

17 kids on a team.

The 20 teams are all in one conference. A random schedule draw.

Cowboys
Broncos
Hawkeyes
Indians
Killer Frogs
Scorpions
Hurricanes
Saints
Desperados
Hornets
Colts
Yellow Jackets
Steelers
Mojo
Raiders
Aggies
Tigers
Longhorns
Chargers
Spartans

[Poli]

Wow, that's nice! I still haven't received my "full" coaching bag. It's not as nearly complete as yours is, and I'm almost positive I'll have to turn it back in afterward.

[fantastic flying froggies]

OK, I'll obviously be rooting for the Cowboys (FOFC homerism!), but my 2nd favorite team will just have to be the Killer Frogs!!! :)

[Senator]

We played the Killer Frogs the very first game last season and limped out with a 21-6 win. He is bringing back 14 players. They should be pretty tough.

[Senator]

Tonight is the first 300 kids in the combine/tryout. I get to finally see the man child Onassis - a 200 pound 10 year old.

First Name Age Weight Height
Onassis 10 200 70
Eli 10 165 62
Dorian 10 164 63
Demitrius 10 160 62
Blake 9 149 62
Isaac 10 149 61
Ryan 10 147 61
Tristan 9 144 57
Addison 10 143 59
Michael 10 142 62

[Poli]

Onassis sounds like "my" Ray. Ray missed our weigh in, so I still don't know where he's at weight-wise. Do you know if he's very athletic? Ray's pretty scary being as athletic as he is.

The boys you have listed are BIG, though! My heaviest 9 is 126, and he's not in any kind of shape. Besides Ray, I'd only have two boys that would make that list based on weight.

[Senator]

I won't see Onassis try out until Thursday, so I am not sure what he brings, athletic wise.

Last night from 6-9pm we had the combine for kids with last names A-G. About 100 kids ran through the system. I saw about 10 that really stood out, but there is enough that if the right mix lands on a team, it will be all she wrote. We had the 40 time, vertical jump, then a weave through cones, catch the ball, and then throw it to a reciever 10 yards away. Next came the ladder run and explode through the bag to show tackling technique. So, basically, two drills with a raw number, and two that are subjective scores from the coaches.

I saw one kid named Alexander. He was quiet; a little shy, but a nice sized kid, about 110 pounds. I just noticed how he was taking it all in, sort of all business, and focused. I went over and talked to his mom, and she said he has an older brother that plays in high school (good), and he has played soccer the past 4 years (good) but has begged to play football every year (good) and his uncles won state in Ohio last year as HS coaches (good).

He really flew under the radar, but I rated him pretty high in the drills. I am hoping I can get him, as he looks like one of the kids that might slip by if you didn't find out more about him.

One kid named Detamore (164 pounds) will probably go overall #1. This kid was solid and brought the heat on the tackling dummy. The coach who has the overall #1 is a really D-bag who I saw in the uniform store asking how shoulder pads worked. But he walks around like he is Lombardi or something, so we all think that the best thing would be he gets Detamore and his coaching will offset the value the player would bring.

I wish I could take video of just the coaches. There is one staff that all dressed the same; down to the shoes. That was a little funny. There is another group that we call Top Gun, because they are right out of casting for the Top Gun movie. Remember Slider, the right hand guy for Iceman. Well, there are three of them walking around with bowed out chest and skin tight under armour shirts, stop watched slung casually, yet cooly behind their necks. One said, "nobody beats us man, nobody". I, of course, had to say at least once, "That's right Iceman, (snap teeth), I am dangerous." I don't think they appreciated it.

One of the best coaches from last season was Jeremy. This guy knows his business. He walked up to me at one point and said, "Seeing lots of self love from the coaches."

I suspect the draft Saturday will be an ugly affair. There are 311 kids to draft, and 80% have a little caveat where the player "supposedly" requested coach so and so. In theory, you would respect these gentlemen's agreements, but it will become clear very soon that this will not be practical if we are going to field 20 teams.

I didn't see a superstar sprinter like I had on the team last season. Maybe tonight.

[Barkeep49]

Your descriptions of the coaches made me laugh.

[Senator]

Ok, last night was the next 125 to try out. I had a "special" kid run a 4.8 forty last year, and the very best so far out of 250 kids has been a 5.85. Only 3 have broke the 6 second barrier. One of those is designated to be mine because of the assistant coach rule. There are 20 teams, and only 15kids weigh over 125. I will have 4 of them.

Not sure what all this means, but when I see that this is not a speed class, the next differential is size, and I feel good about power football this season. Last season we had 10 TD's over 80 yards. This year, cloud of dust, 4 yards all day will make me happy.

Tonight is the last night of tryouts - another 100 or so. Then we will draw for draft order, and get ready for the big draft on Saturday.

[Poli]

That's a sizable advantage. I like it. I'm surprised so few weighed in over 125. I'd say we have 10-15 boys here amongst 4 teams.

[Senator]

We are surprised as well about the size and speed. We still have 100 or so tonight, maybe it will shake up a little bit.

[Senator]

Ok, three days, 12 hours, 320 kids - FINISHED!

All 20 teams drew for drafting position. Wouldn't you know it, I picked the #1 pick. But..... I saved 2 players from last season, and since this is a serpentine draft, I get the LAST pick in round 3 and the 1st pick in round 4. Basically I have back to back picks all the way through.

I have to use my first 2 picks on my 2 assistants kids. One is Andrew, a 130 pound kid and the other is Tyler, a little 65 pounder with quickness and a mean streak. Both are 9 years old.

So, it will be the 5th round, last pick before I have a shot at any kid I don't know. I need skill guys, but if Luken is still there, I am grabbing him. He is 130 and moves like a cat. I think he might be there. That would make my line:

130
130
125
135

Little Tyler would have a field day behind that line. Lots to think about and decipher tomorrow.

Tomorrow night I am going to see my brothers high school team play, and then Saturday, it is draft time. I am itching to get going.

[Senator]

Attached is a partial working sheet for the draft today. Obvious info left off this public attachment, but it shows my weighted scale I chose to evaluate talent.

We have about 60 kids, 3 per team, that did not go through the combine that will be placed in the blind draft. Big Onassis (5'11 200 pounds 10yrs old has been put in the senior division with the 11 and 12 year olds).

[JonInMiddleGA]

I would so have a blast working on a draft like this. I wouldn't be much of a football coach but I'd be a hell of a Moneyball-for-football guy.

It's a good read Sen, thanks for posting, now go find some blue chippers.

[Senator]

Here was my criteria I used.

Skill

40-.40

Vert-.05

Ladder-.25

Weave-.30



Line

Ladder-.70

Weave-.30

[Barkeep49]

Are the kids really so unevenly distributed between line and skill? I mean are you trying to compose a whole line out of that 22 or do you shift some skill kids into line slots?

[Senator]

I was using the 115 rule for non-running players. I already have a line of four 130 pounders, so I really did not have to focus much on those kids anyway in the draft. Most teams will have 70,80, or 90 pounders who are listed as skill to play the line.

[Senator]

Long draft, but it went really well. Attached is the excel sheet earlier with my picks. I had 2 freeze players, Jack 125 pounds, who would have been the top pick and Jacob 130, who would have been the 2nd lineman picked.

I had the 18th, 19th, 41st, and 42 pick and I managed, based on my data, to get off the board 3 top ten picks.

My first pick I chose the best lineman, Andrew. His 40 time is not accurate, but he demolished the offense and defensive drills. That gives me three huge linemen of top caliber.

My second pick was Tyler. This kid is just tough as nails, and quick as can be. He should be perfect as my halfback. He plays select baseball at the state level, and I can't believe I grabbed him. Because there were so few lineman, coaches focused on an early run there, and I was able to grab this kid.

My third pick produced groans because he was wanted by everyone. Brenton is 102 pounds. I will have to run him through some paces, because at 102 pounds, I might be able to use him as a pound runner, as his speed was one of the best for a 100 pounder.

My next pick was Austin, 82 pounds. Looks like my TE, but we will see. Happy to get him.

Next was one of three total steals of the draft. Derek is 94 pounds and I recall really being impressed in the combine. His scores were good, and I remember a real focused mindset. Alot of kids were grab assing during the wait between their turns, and Derek looked like he was there on a mission. I will wait and see, but he caught my eye and I was thrilled he was on the board. Either my system is far and away better than the other coaches, or I don't know what I am doing, but I am finding all kinds of value.

Next pick was Garett. I put a double check next to his name so I would not forget him during the combine. 69 pounds, but another with a sense of purpose and a maturity that was evident to me. I see him as my wingback.

Next pick is Reegan. He played for me last season, and I didn't freeze him. So happy to get him. He played blocking back for me on the single wing, and was rock on solid every time. Plus, he will take a vicious hit and not even blink. Lucky to get him. Plus, he gained 10 pounds from last season.

Tyler with my next pick. My only controversy of the draft. When I picked him, howls of protest from the Longhorn coaches. "The dad will only let him play for me or he will quit!" they shouted. I looked over at the commish and said, I confirm my pick. What they didn't know is that I knew he plays select baseball with Tyler and Ryan and is a complete stud. Once the dad found out the other two boys were on my team, it was no issue. Apparently he is quite an athlete.

Next is Ryan. 90 pounds, stands tall, and played quarterback for two years. He was sick during the combine, and had poor numbers, but he is another perennial all-star in baseball and the two years he played football. So far, not one dud in the draft from my draft goggles.

Next is 65 pound Payton. Don't remember him, but he merited a check mark from me during the combine and was the next best available off my board.

Next is 69 pound Clayton, who had almost the exact score as Payton and who also garnered a check mark from me. Not sure where these guys go yet, will have to see.

Next is 55 pound Tre, my littlest player. His dad seemed like a nice guy and we needed a 4th coach. He did well in the offensive drill, poor on the defensive. Just not sure where he fits, but we will make it work.

Big shock with my next pick, 86 pound Richard. Everyone left him alone because he has a request to play with the commish. But, I casually asked him if that kid meant anything to him, and he said he didn't know who he was. His numbers were ok, I had checked him in the combine, and at this stage to get an 86 pound guy was a big deal. May be my center for my single wing. Everyone groaned again, because no one had asked the question until then.

My last pick is Wil. 68 pounds. One of only two I did not check and was better than anything left on the board. We'll make him love football.

So, like I said earlier, I am seeing this with draft goggles, but historically, one of my best assets has always been to see talent. This will be tested this year. My combine check marks were a little note to me to remember this kid, he has "something" even if the score was not the best on draft value. I watched the way they carried themselves, how they interacted with other kids, how they answered me, and if it was confident yet respectful. I considered all these intangibles coupled with raw athletic data, and I believe I was the most prepared in the room. Once again, the proof is in the results.

My only regret was waiting too long to draft Evan. He was my left guard from last season, 125 pounds. His dad helped us all season, did all the grunt work, and I will really miss them. The value of big kids was too obvious and I couldn't get him. I dread making that phone call.

I will call the parents tomorrow, and will call a coaches meeting for Monday, and we begin full pads on Tuesday. Finally.

[Poli]

Interesting. I felt like I got a lot of good value in our draft as well. Kind of surprising that you could get some 'complete studs' so late in the draft. After the first 3-4 rounds in our 10 year olds, we went very average. 'Elite' 9 year olds probably were gone in the first 2.

You've probably got more bigger kids than I have, but I don't have anyone under 70.

[Senator]

Man, who knows, I will have to line them up and go from there.

I noticed about 1/2 of the coaches were completely overwhelmed by the sheer numbers and had little idea how to evaluate talent.

[Poli]

Steve and the Trojans essentially had a printout of my notes.

The Bulldogs seemed to have some stuff on paper and somewhat organized.

The Tigers, the team I want to beat more than anything, had a sheet of my paper with kids written down on it. They scratched out names as they went along. I have no idea how they got by.

[Senator]

Unbelievable.

We had one coach (in the 4th round) actually pick 9 kids in a row who had already been picked during the draft. What the hell was he doing?

[Poli]

Unbelievable.

We had one coach (in the 4th round) actually pick 9 kids in a row who had already been picked during the draft. What the hell was he doing?
I forgot my favorite pick of the Tigers. They picked Ashanti in the 7th round of the 10 year olds. Problem is, he's nine.

[Senator]

Tonight is the first practice - FINALLY!

Tough to think about work - it is like I have a hot date or something tonight.

2-Sep-08

6:00pm Parent and Player Orientation
6:20pm Cals - Positions, Jumping Jacks,butt kicks, cherry pickers, high knees
6:30pm Angle Form Tackling
6:40pm Three point stance, ready position
6:45pm Break
6:48pm ladder drill - head across dummy
6:53pm Dummy Relay Drill and Evaluation
7:10pm Sumo Game and Evaluation
7:35pm break
7:38pm Splatter Drill
7:45pm Conditioning
7:55pm Daily Review
8:00pm Done

[Poli]

The boys enjoyed Sumo. I wish I had the right amount of pads/dummies, actually I wish I had any, to do things like Splatter and a dummy relay.

We'll get there next year, even if I'm buying all of it myself.

[Senator]

Last night we had all the confusion of kids, parents, and coaches who don't know each other, but have to begin that first step.

Half my team has never worn pads, much less hit someone at full speed, so we did many drills to show them that the pads really do absorb most of the perceived pain.

As we went through the drills, I took mental notes on each player.

Jack was out this week for a school trip. We know he is our Lawrence Taylor, so it was not important for him to be there. The kids are going to freak out like in Little Giants when that big kid Spike walks up during practice.

Jacob came in a solid 132. He really makes me proud. Last season his mom said she could not get him to interact with people and his school work was poor. After a season with us, his self esteem rose, and he became an A student. All he needed was someone to believe in him, and for him to find something he loved to do and was good at. He was raw at first, but he developed and I put him on the All-Star team because I wanted him to carry over that confidence to this season. He spent all summer at a running camp, played baseball and hit the game winning homer in the All-Star Game. Yesterday I asked him which game he liked more, and he said, "Always football, coach!" Love that kid. Then, during the drills he was crushing the bag and won sumo. He and Jack should have a field day.

Andrew is 132 but is still finding his feet. He will do fine taking those 2 steps off the line.

Tyler is insane. He is 65 pounds and hits like a mack truck and is quick. I sense him scoring alot for us.

Brenton is going to baffle me. He is 102 pounds and can play the backfield. He is aggressive and has a good attitude. I need a center, but I almost dare myself to play him in the backfield.

Austin is 82 pounds, and really had a scary time at first. He didn't want to hit at all. We did the splatter drill where you land on pads, and seemed to feel better about it.

Derek I am going to love. He has a big smile on his face and loves contact. I see him at LB. My proudest draft pick.

Garett has speed, but seems to have an attitude. Not sure what we got there. While we were working him out on a drill, his dad walked all the way down and started trying to coach him up. We asked the parents to let us evaluate the first week. Then after practice he started whipping me about his 40 time. With glee I looked it up. It was 52 out of 300. Not Usain Bolt like his dad thought. Maybe our free safety and wingback.

Reegan was solid. Not alot of talent or speed, but heart of a giant and smart enough to remember multiple positions.

Tyler T really has fun and might end up being one of my better players. All boy and now I know why the Longhorn coach wanted him. He should play alot.

Ryan is 90 pounds and his family thinks he is the next Dan Marino. Too bad he is about as fast as Marino was his final season. He seems like he doesn't want to be there very much. In my brain, he might be a DE or TE. Not quarterback.

Little 65 pound Payton is small, small, small. But he fought hard and won against bigger kids in the sumo drill. In our defense we need a little, quick kid at noseguard, and he might fit the bill.

Not sure where Clayton will end up. He did not stand out much. We'll see how he does the skill drills.

Little Tre. I feel sorry for him because this kid is so tiny and it looks like maybe his dad made him play to toughen him up or something.

Richard is tall and big. Maybe center or left tackle, depending on how it shakes out. Development player.

Wil is very much like Tre. We will have to find spots to put them in the game. My dream is we go up 20 by halftime and I can play them to my heart's content.

I have two good assistants who know the game, and we should develop pretty good before our first game on the 20th. We are small in many places, but so is the rest of the league through parity.

There are some people, including one of my assistants that are going to second guess me alot and question my choice of offense. I am sure I will hear "froggie offense" again. Once again, the wins will silence them, but once again I will have to prove myself.

[Barkeep49]

What's the froggie offense taunt referring to?

[Senator]

It is the single wing. No QB, it is a direct snap to one of three players sitting almost squat like 2 yards behind the line. With spinner and motion plays, this hesitates the defense as to who has the ball, and misdirection works wonders. It is one of the oldest offenses in the world but is not cool like a spread or something. Give me wins.

[Senator]

4-Sep-08

6:00pm Cals - Stance, cadence, butt kicks, cherry pickers, high knees, Jumping Jacks
6:10pm Angle Form Tackling
6:20pm Tackling Progression
6:25pm Gauntlet Drill and Evaluation
6:35pm break
6:38pm Bear Crawler Drill
6:45pm Splatter Drill
6:55pm Base Tackle Drill
7:15pm break
7:20pm Specialized Drills - Defensive Line, Linebackers, Defensive Backs
7:45pm Conditioning
7:55pm Daily Review
8:00pm Done

[BYU 14]

It is the single wing. No QB, it is a direct snap to one of three players sitting almost squat like 2 yards behind the line. With spinner and motion plays, this hesitates the defense as to who has the ball, and misdirection works wonders. It is one of the oldest offenses in the world but is not cool like a spread or something. Give me wins.

People dog us all the time too cause we still run wing-t. Well there is a reason these offenses have been around so long. They work and will continue to have a niche in HS and youth football long after the latest flavor of the week offense (See the A-11 for this years flavor) have lost their luster. :)

I am a big single wing fan too coach (Behind the wing-t of course) looking forward to your season coach.

[Senator]

Our second practice and some lights went on with some of the players.

Garett just realized he liked to hit alot. He is fast and we projected him at corner, but he is linebacker material if there ever was. He has the mentality for it, and he was popping out there. His dad is a tool, but that is a different story.

Austin, who was very timid, found out during the splatter drill that is was pretty fun to hit. In the speed drills, was in the front, and on recognition drills, he showed a quick study. He will be one of our corners or safeties.

Brenton, just blew up the gaunlet drill. He has power and a natural lean. He has to get the ball. He is now 106 pounds, so that is pretty impressive considering many teams average line weight is 92.

We have about 5-6 players that will really need some help developing, but that is what we are here to do. My assistants could coach a team as head coach, but they want to be with me, so we really form a good trio.

Next week we start three practices a week, and putting players where we think they will fit. That is when the parents start squawking, the second they see little Joey not lining up in the starting 11. I expect some conversations explaining we rotate liberally. We have to; to get 14+ plays a half for every player.

[Senator]

People dog us all the time too cause we still run wing-t. Well there is a reason these offenses have been around so long. They work and will continue to have a niche in HS and youth football long after the latest flavor of the week offense (See the A-11 for this years flavor) have lost their luster. :)

I am a big single wing fan too coach (Behind the wing-t of course) looking forward to your season coach.

I love the wing-t; it is a beautiful thing when done correctly. If at some point I coach an older group, the wing-t will be the offense.

[JonInMiddleGA]

I love the wing-t; it is a beautiful thing when done correctly. If at some point I coach an older group, the wing-t will be the offense.

I can't say I blame you. Of all the HS games & schemes I've seen, it's the one I've seen shut down the least often by a wide margin. When it's run well, I've run across very few teams that can stop it consistently.

[fantastic flying froggies]

...There are some people, including one of my assistants that are going to second guess me alot and question my choice of offense. I am sure I will hear "froggie offense" again. Once again, the wins will silence them, but once again I will have to prove myself.

Nothing wrong with a "froggie offense"... :D

[Senator]

I am going to try and add media content with this thread as well. Much like I did with my brothers college games, I will add video highlights. It will be much better, as I paid a professional this season to do these.

[Poli]

Just another thing I need to keep in mind for next year.

[Senator]

Wow, tough 3rd practice. As I look at the schedule, I see we have 4 practices before our official kickoff classic scrimmage, and 6 before our first game. We have so much to do.

It was pouring rain last night, but no lightning. I handled all the calls from the mom contingent saying, "are you kidding?", to which I responded, "This is football weather, we are practicing!"

The kids seemed to like it, but when we got started, they were anywhere but practice mentally. Our form tackle drill was just atrocious. I spend a huge amount of time molly coddling our guys. Maybe too much. Eventually, after we showed them technique for about the 10th time, and it became obvious that they just didn't feel like doing, not that they couldn't, I ran them. Suddenly, they changed attitude.

Now, I should note, about 8 of my guys are solid, give effort at all times. The other 8 just became zombies on me.

[Senator]

Hurricane #1 made us wet this week, and Hurricane #2 hits the coast on Saturday, so we can probably expect another week of it. Beats the heat that is usually here in Texas this time of year.

We had a solid practice last night. We did half field instruction on defense. We only have 16 players, so we played a scout offense against the starting right side, and then a scouting offense on the left side. This worked really well. We ran basic dives, sweeps, a few passes, just to get the guys used to what they will see. Liked the agression. Our monster, Jack, played liked a damn senior in high school. This kid is amazing. Full throttle, hits like a ton of bricks, and is lean and mean. He keeps making kids (big kids) cry. I don't see how any team slows him down playing the position he will be playing.

On offense, we have installed our "core plays" - power, sweep, reverse, trap. I have two backfield units that looked pretty good. Our issue is a first year player at center who keeps hiking the ball too high. This happened last season as well, and it can be fixed by reps. He is a little timid, I am afraid a big noseguard might light him up, but we are out of options for that position. It has to be Richard, and we have to make it work.

My assistant is trying to get me to agree to a scrimmage with a select bantam team. The last two seasons, I have had complete backfires with scrimmages. It always turns out to be an ego-fest for the coach, and less instructional. They want to run around and yell, and make it feel like a real game, and I never seem to feel like I have any value out of it. We'll see. I need to install a bunch more plays and if we scrimmage this Thursday, that gives me only 4 more practices before game #1.

[Senator]

Last night was the first practice this week without rain. It was in the high
90's because of Ike pushing it north. Many teams have plans to practice this Saturday, but they are going to get wet from Ike. We planned it correctly, I think.

It was another solid practice. At this stage of process, this is the best overall team I have coached. We have a major development issue with Richard at center, but we are coaching him up, and he is actively working at home to get better. He wants our faith in him, and I am going to be consistent. If he falters we are hanging in with him. The direct snap is not easy at any age, but for someone who has never done it before, it will take a little time.

I will say it again. This should be the year of Jack. From that monster position on defense, we threw three guys at him to slow him down, and he just flattened them every play. I don't see anything stopping him except injury. (Knock on wood!)

Our O-line learned the wedge last night. Really, really well done. I can put my smallest running back behind that wedge and feel good about 4 yards.

I told my brother on the phone last night that I was really watching myself against having starry eyes, but I think we should be competitive in the top level of 18 teams. We will see, but just a feeling, that can be easily destroyed.

On Tuesday, we are going to really test them physically. The first half of practice will be hitting, hitting, hitting. Then, Thursday we go through some walk through's of our calls, and Saturday is the kickoff classic. I have scheduled to scrimmage the Hawkeyes on Saturday after the official scrimmage for 2 hours on our practice field. It should be a good measuring stick.

Last night we learned 2 pass plays - hot patterns from our TE positions, and 22, 32 wedge.

We now have:

16 power
18 sweep
31 trap
43 reverse
Pass left
Pass right
22 wedge
32 wedge

I want to install about 6 more "easy to learn" plays before our first real game, giving me 14 total. Unless we run them perfectly, I won't call them.

[johnnyshaka]

Where did "Alexander" end up and when was he drafted?

[Senator]

Alexander went to the Broncos with the second overall pick. So much for being under the radar.

[johnnyshaka]

Yet another reason to hate the Broncos!!

[Senator]

Finally received the schedule. We practice Tue, Thursday of this week, and then Saturday we have the official weigh in at 9:45, then scrimmage the Hawkeyes from 11:30-12:00 in front of the world. We are then going to go over to our field and scrimmage the Hawkeyes from 12:30-2:30pm.

This is good, as both teams want to spend some time working full teams against another one. The funny thing is; we just received the scehdule for the season. We play the same Hawkeye team in game one. Well, I guess we will know each other pretty well by the 27th. Just one of those weird things. We had 16 other teams, and we draw the Hawkeyes for the scrimmage and first game.

Date Place Time Home Away

Sat 09/27/08 Field 1 4:45 PM Hawkeyes
Sat 10/04/08 Stadium 12:30 P Yellow Jackets
Sat 10/11/08 Field 2 3:30 PM Broncos
Sat 10/18/08 Field 1 3:30 PM Panthers
Sat 10/25/08 Field 1 6:00 PM Colts
Sat 11/01/08 Stadium 10:00 A Killer Frogs
Sat 11/08/08 Field 1 3:30 PM Saints
Sat 11/15/08 Field 2 4:45 PM Chargers

Pre-season scouting report:

Game 1: Hawkeyes - we scrimmage them a week before we play them for almost 3 hours. I wonder if I can run the same offensive play over and over. If it looks like we are having a hard time with this team in the scrimmage, I am going to run every play to get reps in. If it looks like we are better than them by a long shot, I may only run 6 or so plays and save my others. Early indications are we are much better, but who knows.

Game 2: Yellow Jackets - The odds on favorites to win the entire thing. In the coaches poll, they were ranked #1. We were ranked #7 out of 18 teams. The head coach and his staff are very good and always prepared and have the best QB in the league. Rumors are they are running the spread offense and kicking field goals, which would blow everyone's mind. Hopefully I can scout them with my DVD, and I bet I put in 40 hours in film study of this team before we play them.

Game 3: Broncos - The hated Broncos. I don't like the coach, and he has Alexander. They are considered a lower level team (because of the coach and his ineptness). I expect to win this game.

Game 4: Panthers - The mystery team. Now, this is the team that had the Top Gun coaches who looked roided up and couldn't stop looking at each other longingly during the tryouts. But during the draft, the coach made some bizarre choices early on that made me think he was an idiot. I think we destroy this team or are destroyed, no middle ground.

Game 5: Colts - I didn't get a chance to play this team last season, but he brought 6 players back from his squad. The coach seems a little unfocused to me, but when he saw the single wing last season he loudly proclaimed if we "tried that shit on him, he would whip our ass." He gets his wish this season.

Game 6: Killer Frogs - We beat this team 14-6 in game one last season. They are looking for payback. The coach kept 6 players who look pretty good. This team is ranked #3 in the coaches poll. We should have our hands full.

Game 7: Saints - We lost the last game of the regular season last year to this team in triple overtime. It was a war. The Saints coach is smart and has the equal of Jack in a kid named Atmore. I expect this game to be a defensive war.

Game 8: Chargers - If l lose to this team, I hope the ghost of Lombardi haunts me forever. The coach tried during the draft to pick 9 players in a row that had already been drafted. How can I lose to this guy??

So, in just speculative theory, we have 4-5 games I think we should win just on coaching alone. The other 3-4 are going to test us all that we want.

[Celeval]

Yellow Jackets - The odds on favorites to win the entire thing. In the coaches poll, they were ranked #1.

I generally like the way that sentence sounds. :)

Good luck - worth noting that even without any real, constructive input, I'm really enjoying reading this (and the other team coaching dynasties out there). Thanks for doing it.

[Senator]

Last night was another practice. We inch closer to the days I love. Prepping for an upcoming opponent, and seeing the results on Saturday. Heaven.

At practice last night, I saw some things I really liked. The boys were "up" and seem like a group that are naturally spirited. They want to hit someone other than each other.

A few of the "lesser" kids really showed me something. Payton, Clayton, and Tre - our 13,14,15 rated players came to practice ready to learn. In the Oklahoma drill, little Clayton took on Jack and took him out. The screams from the kids and the bounding whoops from the coaches made the whole practice buzz. Clayton has been afraid to hit, and he lined up against the toughest, biggest kid in the entire league and went toe to toe. It was beautiful. Later, on one on one drills, little Tyler called out Jack for a one one one drill and Jack just crushed him. Tyler got up and said, "That didn't hurt. My dad paid alot of money for these pads". I couldn't stop smiling. I think we have some hitters with alot of heart. Will it translate, will it translate to the field?

One more practice, then the open kimona scrimmage. My excitement level is building.....

[Senator]

Got an email from the #1 seed. He is trying to get in my head.

"I got some tricks up my sleeve for you....I'm changing it up when we play you guys. I hate to lose. I heard all of the teams are struggling. We have a few weak kids but I think our defense will be just as good as last years but our offense will be a little different than last year. It should be a tough game for both of us. The first game has me worried because I don't know what to expect from the kids that haven't played. I am running the spread,double wing,trips,quad,wish bone,and I formations. The backfield has 50 plays committed to memory so far. I am going to be tough to beat."

I told him I am only thinking about the Hawkeyes. Then I said, "You sure have a diverse offense. As for me..... Single Wing 4 Life."

[Barkeep49]

I don't know how football is, but in basketball the time it would take to install 10 plays is monumental. If he has installed anywhere close to 50, I admire his staff's ability.

[Poli]

He forgot to add the A-11 Offense. I'm disappointed.

[Senator]

A couple of bon mots from team notebook:

One of the kids moms showed up Tuesday night hammered. She came up to talk to me after practice with a 32 ounce tumbler full of vodka, most of which had already been consumed. Luckily the team mom's saw my dilemma, and made sure she didn't drive the player home, by driving them home. The vodka was so strong from the glass, it was stinging my eyes.

It looks like Andrew and Garett go to the same school, and have major issues with each other. Andrew is 130 pounds and the sweetest kid I ever met. Garett is 65 pounds and seems angry. I notice they glare at each other during practice, but that is normal when you are beating each other up 6 hours a week. But, the history is, that Garett runs around with a bully around school. They get into trouble. Apparently, Andrew comes to the aid of kids when the bully goes on his rampage. Garett is the friend of the bully, so the hatred is transferred to Andrew. Apparently, on Monday, Garett and the bully walked into the restroom and saw Andrew washing his hands. They called Andrew a "loser", and Andrew maintained his composure but seethed the past few days. He told his dad, "I am calling out Garett during drills, and when I pound him in the dirt, I am going to ask him who the loser is now."

How to handle this?

Option 1: Do nothing and let it work itself out, as every team has these types of things happen.

Option 2: Put them on each other as much as possible to let them fight the anger out of them.

Option 3: Do buddy events that force them to talk, interact, and get to know each other as people.

Option 4: Sit them down and lecture them on teamwork and being cohesive as a team.

Option 5: Run them every time I hear of a school altercation.

Option 6: Use their hatred of each other as a motivational tool

[BYU 14]

I vote 4 and 3 both, first a talk, then assign them some tasks that force them to interact positively. Can be as simple as have them lead the team onto the field for your first game (We go 2 by 2 and have the players hold hands) Put in a "fun" end of practice event like a piggyback race and pair them up. I did those types of things once a week when I coached Pop Warner years back and it was always something the kids enjoyed.

[Poli]

Same as BYU. Anytime I've had known bully issues I've pulled the boys aside since losing Tyler W.

[Barkeep49]

I don't think the problem is that these two don't know each other. I've done something in basketball where they are a team and are forced to rely on each other, like BYU is suggesting.

I think this idea that people don't get along because they don't know each other is a naive and pat explanation perpetrated upon us. First impressions are not only lasting, but often correct. Short of a change in outlook by one of the players, and in this case we'd all hope it would be Garett, I don't see these two every liking each other.

Hopefully you build up some trust between the two. But no matter what I think you do set clear boundaries of what is OK or not. I would be frank with them and explain that if they can't get at least tolerate each other it's going to hurt them, as their learning and PT will suffer, and it's going to hurt the team. While you set the goal of tolerate to them, I would, of course, aim much higher.

[Senator]

I think it will be fine long term. Andrew has a big heart, and Garett seems easily led, and we are showing him the right path.

Practice was a little sluggish last night. I think the guys are really tired of hitting each other, and ready to play someone else. Tomorrow is quite a day. I will help the bantam coaches with weigh in from 7-9:30, and then weigh my guys in, and afterward scrimmage the Hawkeyes. Then we go over to our field to continue, and I am buying the pizza for the day. I am allotting about 300 dollars for pizza and drinks for 35 players and parents. I hope it is enough. Maybe I should add another 100 to be safe.

Things that happen to every coach, that I was hoping might avoid this season, happened.

First, our starting fullback and linebacker, Derek, showed up with a severe sprain on his ankle. He was running around at recess, and hurt himself. So, I am keeping him out of this scrimmage and hoping he will be ready by game day on the 27th.

Wil is the only one who has missed a practice and he needs it most. When he arrives, he has forgotten his mouth piece, pants pads, and yesterday, his jersey. Luckily, I have been doing this long enough, where I have several backups of everything a kid could lose, break, or forget. He is exhausting my supply, though.

My assistant coach, whose son is my QB and CB, and the leader of the team, informed me yesterday he will miss 3 games because he paid 2000 dollars for season LSU tickets and will go to them. I would never have drafted my star player if I knew he would miss games. I also need the coach there, as he handles special teams and linebackers. He and I are going to have a very frank discussion tomorrow.

So, a day of frustration, that I hope works itself out by next week. Tomorrow, though, we will see where we are, as we scrimmage a very poor team, by all accounts.

[johnnyshaka]

My assistant coach, whose son is my QB and CB, and the leader of the team, informed me yesterday he will miss 3 games because he paid 2000 dollars for season LSU tickets and will go to them. I would never have drafted my star player if I knew he would miss games. I also need the coach there, as he handles special teams and linebackers. He and I are going to have a very frank discussion tomorrow.

What a bunch of BS. That's showing the kid how to be a committed, responsible person by joining a team and bailing when there is something "more fun" or something Mommy and Daddy want to do. Not to mention leaving you minus a coach for several games.

What a douche.

[Senator]

Well boys, I would love not to have to report this, but a dynasty thread should be truthful and honest or what is the point?

We played a team today in the kickoff classic scrimmage that really does not have much going for it. They whipped us. They got outside of our supposed select level corner and ran to the house twice. Our center direct snap failed 12 out of 17 plays. Which means, those 12 plays were bust, where we just jumped on the ball. We scored once, a methodical march on the 5 good plays, but they were a better team. And they should be a .500 squad.

We went back to our field afterwards and scrimmaged. The boys were hungry and tired and it was a hour and a half of attrition basically. Big Jack got racked in the first scrimmage, and then he twisted his ankle in the second. We pin so much on his play that when he is out, we have little in reserve. Speaking of reserves; ours are really green and really small, and really scared of what they got themselves into.

Now, it is typical for first time players to be shell shocked playing in front of everyone against another team, and we have 10 newbies. But, I was able to watch some of the other teams we play, and I am being sincerely honest when I say, based on what I saw, we are 1-2 win team. Now, true I didn't pick a true player I wanted until the 5th round, but that is hole I dug, and I have to live with it.

So, for those following along, we face this same team next Saturday. You might be following a train wreck, but I won't make excuses. I am going to give these kids my best effort, and take my whippings like a man.

I know that we are the defending champions, even though I only have 3 players from that team, but I could see the happy grins on the other coaches faces when they saw I had little to show them today. I guess I would have been the same way.

[Senator]

September 21, 2008
Week 1 - Must Haves for Success


GOALS
A. GOOD SNAP
B. STOP THE SWEEP





OFFENSE

1. The Snap – We had 12 of 17 plays result in fumbled snaps where we could not run a play. The snap will be resolved this week. I am taking Reegan and Richard and spending all the time I need to get them ready. As of now, Reegan starts.

2. Running backs ready positions - Almost all of the backs had their knees rarely bent and the knuckles were not touching the ground. Fix this.

3. Left side of line – If the snap is at correct velocity and position, never a problem, unless backs are not running hard enough. Determine good snap, quick backs off the ball, and if the problem still exists, run adjustment play called CROSS, using the FB as a blocker on left side.

4. #4 wing back – Garett walked to line of scrimmage, lined up in wrong positions, held almost every play, and ran through wrong hole on reverse. #1 have honest talk with him, #2 replace with Thomas.

5. Tight Ends – Austin needs to hold block on left side, and Ryan needs to block someone and get out of the way, never stand around. BLOCK until whistle blows.

6. Consider adding 2 more outside plays to playbook.




DEFENSE


1. #20 fastest kid in the entire combine with a 5.80 forty. Second place was almost 6.0. He burned us on the corners. The Hawkeye coaches feel they could have done that all game, so we will have to spend our time here working on stopping the sweep.


2. Our safeties and corners sucked in and did not play their positions. This was at all three positions. Teach them better this week.

3. Linebackers need a second look – best personnel? Review

4. Defensive ends – Big part of stopping the sweep

5. Jack – Harness his enthusiasm – play smarter

[Barkeep49]

Ouch. Having coached a couple of really awful teams that first game can sure provide a sinking feeling. Hopefully once your offense hits its rhythm better, with more successful snaps, your defense will follow

[BYU 14]

Tough go in the scrimmage my friend, but like I always say, plenty of good opportunities for teaching. As you know we had our share this week too.

I will say this, in the circumstances you are facing now, you are the type of coach I would want my son playing for. It is crystal clear that you care and will do a great job coaching them up!

[Poli]

I couldn't agree more. I have faith you can coach these boys up and get them confident in themselves.

[Senator]

Gentlemen,

Thank you for the continued support. Even though I have played football 17 years, and coached for 4, I have learned a very valuable lesson. Until you have something to compare your team to; you have no idea what you have.

Lesson learned. Hey, we stop the sweep and solve the snap, we have a shot.

[Senator]

F me.

I guess the boys wanted no more of what happened to them on Saturday. My starting LB, and both DE's moms called today and said they were sick. We get what we deserve on Saturday.

[Barkeep49]

Yeah when that stuff happened to me, it nearly drove me out of coaching. And after only one game? Man that's rough. I'm so sorry to hear about that.

[JonInMiddleGA]

We get what we deserve on Saturday.

Actually, seems more like you (that show up) will get what they (who didn't show up) deserve.

[Senator]

Ok, our starting LB and FB Derek will not be able to play Saturday. He was one of the few solid guys who I was depending on and who played well during the scrimmage Saturday.

We will have to start little Payton, who is all heart and no talent. But, you know what, he will give us his best, and that is good enough for me.

[Senator]

I didn't have this problem last year, and maybe I just got unlucky this season.

Derek is out from his asthma. Wil called me on my way to practice,

"Coach, I don't feel good and will miss practice tonight, my mom is right here and asked I call you."

"Wow, Wil, I am sorry to hear that. You have missed one or two practices a week, is everything ok?"

"Yeah, I just don't feel good. I will see you Tuesday."

"Well, today is only Thursday, are you going to miss the game on Saturday?"

"Yeah, I will feel bad until then."

"Can I talk to your mom?"

"She is in the bathroom, now."

"Please tell her I will call her later."

16-2 = 14.

Practice starts. We must work on stopping that sweep. We put little Payton in at LB to teach him his assignments since Derek is out. He says he is having an asthma attack. His mom comes over and says she is taking him home.

14-1= 13.

We do some half lines and fit and freeze drills with the remaining players. Then Tyler tells his dad he is sick and has to go home.

13-1 = 12.

We work on wrapping up, Jack hit Clayton with a good tackle. Clayton starts crying he broke his hand. He tells his mom he wants to go home. His hand is not broke but the coaches and I see what is spreading among the players. Clayton cries dramatically until they leave.

12-1= 11.

The 11 who remain include 5 kids that were probably going to play minimum plays because of experience and talent. We repped them the best we could, but I really think we might be beat by 30 points on Saturday because these kids need to fed into football slowly and in the right situations. Playing a full game on both sides of the ball, will be asking way more than they should be asked at this point in their development.

I don't recall in any year coaching going through something like this.

[Poli]

Mercy.

[johnnyshaka]

Boy, there is no way my folks would let me get away that kind of crap. Is it just me or have times really changed?

[flere-imsaho]

When I pulled that kind of stunt, after consoling me for a reasonable amount of time, my Dad would say "Look, you're not hurt. You want me to give you something to really cry about?" Worked like a charm. :D

[Barkeep49]

Man do I feel for you. What an ugly situation and it's only getting worse. I wish you some luck with their parents. Man that just sucks.

[Senator]

Ok, trying to give the facts is sounding alot like whining. So, ok Senator, you are in a tough spot. What are you going to do?

I have been watching the scrimmage film over and over. I think I can nasty my right overbalanced TE and pinch that DE, which gives me numerical advantage on that right side. I have big Jack pulling, and thunder Perez running. (I call Perez Earl Campbell because of his legs and build). If I have to run 16 power and 18 sweep every damn play I will. Then I will hit them with a 43 reverse. If we can get the snap off, I think we can get yardage.

Defense, box the ends and have the corners contain. Make them go inside on us, force it. Give up 4 - never 80, and hope we can get a turnover or a miscue on them.

That's the game plan. 4:45pm CST. We are going to show and see what happens.

[JonInMiddleGA]

Give up 4 - never 80, and hope we can get a turnover or a miscue on them. That's the game plan.

I like this. If you get beat, let it be because the other guy has simply got more weapons, not because you didn't make the best of what you have.

All you can really do in this kind of situation is work with what you have & give them the most opportunities to succeed, and that seems like what you've come up with.

[Senator]

We won 20-12. With 18 seconds to go at our own 40, score tied 12-12, I called time out and gave the line and backs my best Rockne speech, and told them to take it to the house.

16 power, beautifully done, touchdown. Little Tyler outran the fastest guy in the league for the score.

[JonInMiddleGA]

WTF? OMG ! LOL !

Nice job Coach :)

[Barkeep49]

This is the best possible thing to have happened. I'm guessing the health of your team is going to experience some remarkable recovery. Congrats!

[BYU 14]

Damn the doubters and their Froggie chants, great job coach!!

[Senator]

Oh, why the heck not, let's celebrate with video.

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[JonInMiddleGA]

Lovin' the video. Once their big guy stumbled for just a second it was over.

The demolition of your back in the post-TD celebration by what looks like a very tall lineman was worth the price of admission too ;)

[johnnyshaka]

Awesome!!!

[Senator]

Stats and summary written by parent.

Junior Cowboys vs. Hawkeyes
9/27/2008 4:45 PM at Football Field
Score Board
9/27/2008 4:45 PM
Football Field
1 2 3 4 F
Junior Cowboys
6 0 6 8 20
Hawkeyes
6 0 6 0 12
Junior Cowboys Offensive Stats Summary
Pts F Rush Yds Rush Plays Rush Avg Pass Plays TDs Yds Tot 1st Downs T/O
20 280 23 12.2 2 3 280 6 3

TOTAL 2
Junior Cowboys Rushing Stats
No Name POS YDS ATT TDS 2PT FUM LNG AVG
12 Payton RB 2 2 1 1.0
25 Garet HRB 13 2 18 6.5
32 Brenton RB 90 8 1 1 57 11.2
20 Thomas RB 80 3 76 26.7
18 Tyler QB 95 8 2 3 50 11.9
TOTAL 280 23 3 1 3 76 12.2
Game Summary
Cowboys Win 20-12 over tough Hawkeye squad. Using a trio of running backs, the Cowboys gained 280 yards and three touchdowns in route to an exciting last second finish in the first game of the 2008 season. Feisty quarterback Tyler , along with Big Brenton, and Crazy legs Thomas, rushed 23 times and averaged 12 yards a carry to carry the offense. Along with Payton and Garret in the offense, the backfield rushed with authority behind the almost perfect snapping of Richard. The line dominated, as the big boys Jack, Andrew, Jacob, Reegan, and Austin kept the pressure on. Defensively, the team had their hands full as Hawkeye running back Fudge, showed speed to the outside on two long sweeps to bring the score 12-12 late in the fourth quarter. On the last drive, which started at the Cowboys own 15, things looked rough until Brenton powered 25 yards to get the team a new set of downs. Then, on 3rd and 14, a picture perfect reverse to Garret gave the Cowboys 1st down at the 50 yard line. With 18 seconds left, the Cowboys had time for one more play. 16 power was the call, and Tyler sped past stumbling defensive men, and scored on the long run. The defense caused several bad snaps, and seemed to frustrate the Hawkeye team all day. Next up is the impressive Yellow Jacket team, who won 32-0 over the Saints.

[thealmighty]

Is that big guy's head to big for a white helmet?

[Senator]

His dad is a coach at a local high school and that is the color of the helmets. He gets it free.

[Senator]

The new "very informal" coaches poll is out. We draw the #1 seed this week.

1. Yellow Jackets (1-0) - beat Saints 32-0
2. Killer Frogs (1-0) - beat Broncos 27-6
3. Hornets (1-0) - beat Steelers 43-0
4. Longhorns (1-0) - beat Hurricanes 26-0
5. Raiders (1-0) - beat Panthers 18-6
6. Indians (1-0) - beat Desperados 14-0
7. Cowboys (1-0) - beat Hawkeyes 20-12
8. Chargers (1-0) - beat Scorpions 14-0
9. Colts (1-0) - beat Red Raiders 6-0
10. Saints (0-1) - a solid team that met a juggernaut. Might win out from this point.
11. Hawkeyes (0-1) - Gave us all we wanted. A B Bracket team (5-8) when said and done.
12. Broncos (0-1) - From what I saw had 2 pass plays and 2 running plays.
13. Panthers (0-1) - Don't know. Just a guess, they are not very good.
14. Scorpions (0-1) - The two cool coaches could not pull a win together despite hours trying.
15. Desperados (0-1) - Not sure why they are so bad, but they are.
16. Red Raiders (0-1) - a strong team from last season re-tooling after losing top heavy 10y olds.
17. Hurricanes (0-1) - coach seems indifferent to everything.
18. Steelers (0-1) - This poor team is so poorly coached, I bet there is a change before season end.

[Senator]

Ok, so we missed a bullet last week. What can we expect from the Yellow Jackets. I know the coaches. They are very, very good. The defense swarms, they gang tackle, the always win the first two steps off the ball. The head coaches son plays LB and QB and he might be the MVP of the league. Smart, fast, plays with contained anger.

We are going to install a few changes from our usual setup to adjust to HIM. We feel if we contain him on both sides of the ball, we might be in the game. I still think I will need to score 20 or more to win.

[Senator]

Good practice tonight. We decided to go for broke against the highly favored Yellow Jackets. Anything can happen.

Here is the compiled offensive highlights from Saturday.

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[Senator]

By the way, #32 is my Earl Campbell, Perez. #18 is Tyler. #20 is Thomas.

Shaking hands at the end - big guy up front is my DC and I always trail the end to talk to the coaches.

[Poli]

Not exactly the single wing I was expecting. You should email me your playbook. ;)

[johnnyshaka]

Great stuff, Senator...definitely have some solid, little runners!!

Great run by #20 when he cut back to the near side of the field for what looked like 50 or so yards. Even better, one of the kids chasing him drops to his knees in exhaustion after the play is over...ah, to be a kid again!!

[flere-imsaho]

Why does one kid have a black helmet?

[Senator]

His dad is a coach at a local high school and that is the color of the helmets. He gets it free.

see above

[flere-imsaho]

Sorry, my bad.

[Senator]

no big deal. It was easier to quote myself than write it again.

[Senator]

The day before the storm. The coach from the Yellow Jackets, who won 32-0, and I have been talking back and forth in emails. He says his kids have not been performing well in practice and he is nervous. Funny. He told me the same thing before the Saints game last week, and they destroyed their opponent.

We decided to throw something at them. We changed our defense after scouting their offensive tendencies. I put in a new formation and 6 plays to hopefully pound the rock and control the clock.

We had 20 offensive plays last week, opposed to 38 for the other team. We did score 3 out of 5 series, but I need to control the clock and keep this Yellow Jacket offense off the field.

Stop #5 is our MAIN goal. He is the straw that stirs the drink. Derek is back at LB after missing almost 2 weeks of practice and the last game.

We have our hands full. No fumbles on offense and POUND THE ROCK!

Gametime - 12:30pm at a beautiful 10,000 seat stadium. The kids will love it.

[Senator]

To quote Denny Green, "They are who we thought they were."

Could not stop #5, easily the best player in the entire league. We lost 25-12, and it really shows us where we are. We won't play a team this talented again this season. Kind of glad to get them out of the way.

[Barkeep49]

If you lost only 25-12 to the best team in the league, complete with the best player, that seems to speak well, not poorly, of your team.

[Senator]

New Rankings


Offense Defense Rankings
Week 2 1 Jackets (57) Colts (0) 1. Jackets (2-0)
2 Hornets (49) Hornets (2) 2. Frogs (2-0)
3 Frogs (45) Red Raiders (6) 3. Hornets (2-0)
4 Hawkeyes (45) Indians (7) 4. Indians (2-0)
5 Saints (40) Frogs (8) 5. Colts (2-0)
6 Cowboys (32) Jackets (12) 6. Saints (1-1)
7 Indians (27) Longhorns (12) 7. Raiders (1-1)
8 Longhonrs (26) Raiders (12) 8. Longhorns (1-1)
9 Raiders (20) Chargers (18) 9. Cowboys (1-1)
10 Colts (18) Panthers (18) 10. Hawkeyes (1-1)
11 Panthers (18) Hawkeyes (20) 11. Red Raiders (1-1)
12 Chargers (14) Scorpions (22) 12. Chargers (1-1)
13 Broncos (8) Saints (32) 13. Panthers (1-1)
14 Red Raiders (8) Cowboys (37) 14. Broncos (0-2)
15 Hurricanes (7) Hurricanes (39) 15. Scorpions (0-2)
16 Scorpions (0) Broncos (39) 16. Hurricanes (0-2)
17 Desperados (0) Desperados (47) 17. Desperados (0-2)
18 Steelers (0) Steelers (83) 18. Steelers (0-2)

[Senator]

Scores from this week:

10/4/2008 F Hornets*6* Raiders*2
10/4/2008 F Hawkeyes*33* Desperados*0
10/4/2008 F Indians*13* Hurricanes*7
10/4/2008 F Red Raiders*8* Scorpions*0
10/4/2008 F Saints*40* Steelers*0
10/4/2008 F Panthers*12* Broncos*0
10/4/2008 F Yellow Jackets*25* Cowboys*12
10/4/2008 F Colts*12* Longhorns*0
10/4/2008 F Killer Frogs*18* Chargers*0

[Senator]

So, later I will put up the 80 yard run by Brenton that was pretty to watch. What I got from the tape is we met up with a big kid who was at another level in talent, and our guys still have not learned how to tackle. I told my DC I would give him all the time he wanted this week, but to work the fundamentals of tackling until we felt good. #5 stiff armed our guys into the turf. I kept telling them all week he would do that, and there are no stiff arms around the knees, but they would not listen.

This week we play the Broncos. The are a run and shoot team on the youth level. They run trips and quads. Pressure should solve all our problems this week on defense.

Based on what we have seen so far, this will be the last of the easier teams we play. We still have the #2, 5, and 6 rated teams after already playing #1. We don't play any of the bottom 4 teams, the only team not to do so.

We were pleased by scoring 12 on the Yellow Jackets. The coach was upset, because they had a six game streak of shutouts going back to last season. They are now 22-0 over three years. Pretty good. Really because of #5, the coaches son. Without him, they are a good team, not a great team.

The team we beat last week (Hawkeyes) won 33-0. He said his schedule is very soft. They play all the bottom 6 teams going forward and do not have to play the Yellow Jackets in the regular season.

[Senator]

Spent many hours last night watching our game film. One thought came back to me over and over. Our kids looked poorly coached. They did. We have spent 6 weeks doing drills and teaching and they just reverted back to arm tackling and not blocking.

The desperate side of me wants to throw everything out and start over, but I know better than that. Basics will continue. Teach blocking and tackling over and over and over. Spend quality time doing it. We have our schemes in place, now we just need to enforce fundamentals and push them to be accountable to their teammates.

[Barkeep49]

Spent many hours last night watching our game film. One thought came back to me over and over. Our kids looked poorly coached. They did. We have spent 6 weeks doing drills and teaching and they just reverted back to arm tackling and not blocking.

The desperate side of me wants to throw everything out and start over, but I know better than that. Basics will continue. Teach blocking and tackling over and over and over. Spend quality time doing it. We have our schemes in place, now we just need to enforce fundamentals and push them to be accountable to their teammates.
When talking to other coaches, they frequently tell me that my teams are "well coached." I've always felt that means that I've got good players rather than a reflection on any ability of mine. Your commitment to the fundamentals is right here and I commend you for the strength to see it through.

[JeeberD]

Just found this dynasty, Sen. Great stuff, I'll be sure to follow along from now on. I don't get many Saturday's off from work, but I would love to watch y'all play at some point...

[Senator]

We play the run and shoot Broncos tomorrow at 3:30. This is a real measuring stick for us. Last week we played the #1 team, this week, the lowest ranked team of any we will play this year. We need a statement game. We need to send a message, and we need to get some real confidence. Interested to see if this weeks work in practice has any bearing.

[Senator]

We won 20-6. They only scored on the opening second half kickoff. Our defense really did well, as we had 7 sacks. Offensively, we looked sluggish throughout, and only did our superior conditioning wear them down where we scored some points. Happy to be 2-1.

[Rawhide]

This is a great read. Congratulations on the results thus far.

[JeeberD]

Congrats on the win...

[Senator]

Had to miss the Red River Shootout, but what the hell, this is pretty fun too.

[Barkeep49]

... based on what I saw, we are 1-2 win team.

After yesterday's game this prediction has certainly proven true :)

[Senator]

With the schedule remaining, I hope the good times are not over. We have a really tough run the next 4 games.

[BYU 14]

Congrats on the win Senator, the next four games could really surprise you. You work so much on fundemantals I have a feeling your team will be closing any talent gaps that may exist fairly quickly.

[JonInMiddleGA]

We have a really tough run the next 4 games.

One game at a time Coach, one game at a time ;)

[Senator]

Video from Game 3. Much better on the defensive swarming and wrapping up. We will continue the repping.

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[johnnyshaka]

Poor QB on the other side...definitely tough to run a shotgun offense when you can't pass protect.

[Senator]

Blocking and tackling, my friend. Cliche' but true.

[Senator]

The new coaches poll is out - uh oh. We play #13 Panthers, followed up by #2, #4, and #6. Yikes

Offense Defense Rankings
Week 3 1 Jackets (91) Colts (0) 1. Jackets (3-0)
2 Hornets (79) RRaiders (6) 2. Frogs (3-0)
3 Raiders (60) Frogs (8) 3. Hornets (3-0)
4 Saints (54) Longhorns (12) 4. Colts (3-0)
5 Frogs (52) Raiders (12) 5. Indians (2-1)
6 Cowboys (52) Hornets (14) 6. Saints (2-1)
7 Hawkeyes (45) Jackets (18) 7. Raiders (2-1)
8 Colts (38) Scorpions (29) 8. Longhorns (2-1)
9 Longhorns (38) Saints (32) 9. Cowboys (2-1)
10 Indians (33) Hawkeyes (32) 10. Hawkeyes (1-2)
11 Panthers (18) Chargers (32) 11. RRaiders (2-1)
12 Chargers (14) Panthers (38) 12. Chargers (1-2)
13 Broncos (14) Indians (41) 13. Panthers (1-2)
14 RRaiders (14) Cowboys (43) 14. Broncos (0-3)
15 Desperados (12) Hurricanes (45) 15. Scorpions (0-3)
16 Hurricanes (7) Broncos (59) 16. Hurricanes (0-3)
17 Scorpions (0) Desperados (77) 17. Desperados (0-3)
18 Steelers (0) Steelers (123) 18. Steelers (0-3)

[Barkeep49]

I can't remember. Does everyone make the play-offs? Just the top 8? 16?

[Senator]

They are brackets.

A Bracket - 1-4
B Bracket - 5-8
C Bracket - 9-12
D Bracket - 13-16
Toilet Bowl - 17-18

I would be happy to be in the B Bracket this year, could probably win the C bracket.

[Barkeep49]

So if you end up in the B bracket, the best you can finish is 5th?

[Senator]

Yes and No, but they have awards ceremonies for the CHAMPION of each bracket. Last year we slid into 4th overall place in the regular season, and won the A bracket championship. But, at the awards banquet, they had the winner or champion of each bracket. I always thought that was a crock for the #2,3,4 team.

So, the winner of the B bracket is not officially considered 5th place, he is 1st place of the B Bracket. They only recognize the champs. I have submitted that we have 2 - 8 team tourneys but it was shot down by the other coaches.

[Senator]

We had practice for 20 minutes on Tuesday. There was a lightning flash, and I had to call it immediately. All it did was rain from that point on, but there was no way I would risk it. In my experience, the teams that only have one practice a week play BAD on Saturday. We will see.

We have the Panthers this week, who, talent-wise are about equal to the Hawkeyes, who we played and slipped by the first week. We will have to play well to win.

The coaches on the Panthers stormed the field last week. (These are the Top Gun coaches, read one of my first post about them). The bigger one has been suspended for a game and the head coach is on probation. Apparently, the refs called the game after the coaches threatened them. At least they are living up to the opinion I had of them early in the season.

I am in hopes we can get a 2 score lead so I can put Thomas in at QB. Tyler will be out for the biggest game of the season because his dad wants to take him to an LSU game. This dad is also my assistant coach. The game next week with the undefeated Colts will probably determine if we are Bracket A or B and he pulls his kid to go to a college game. Nice, real nice. I am dedicating God knows how many hours to this trying to get the kids to a level of success and he jeapordizes it. I will have to think really hard if I want to bring him back on the team next season. He is good, (the little kid scoring the long runs) but this is just wrong.

I scheduled a scrimmage against the very good Longhorns next Tuesday. I am going to rep Thomas the entire time, and have been giving thoughts about using Ryan at RB a little. Just a feeling I have. He is a 100 pounder and so is Brenton. Maybe a black and bruise offensive scheme for the Colts. Something to think about.

We need a good practice tonight.

[Senator]

Had what I consider a solid practice last night. I am in hopes of a game Saturday that reflects it.

I hate to be having to play the team of a suspended coach the week after the incident. I dislike drama, and here we are in the thick of it because of our opponent. The Panthers assistance was suspended for 3 games, despite what I thought was a zero tolerance organization. Oh well, we will line up and play.

Last night I repped Thomas and Ryan at QB, in the hopes of getting them game time tomorrow, then a full scrimmage against the Longhorns on Tuesday, which I hope will translate into some solid play against the dirty Colts a week from tomorrow. Remember, we lose Tyler to an LSU football game on that day.

It's Panther time.

[Senator]

A solid 19-0 win for the team. It was 0-0 at halftime and I made some adjustments that worked out. Our defense swarmed well, and the hard work on tackling really is starting to show.

Next up is the 4-0 Colts, the 3-1 Frogs, and the 3-1 Saints. The gauntlet has arrived without Tyler, who scored 2 long TDs today for us. What a shame. I would have loved to see what we could have done with him playing in the game.

As it stands, I have some thinking to do in my approach to this game. These guys hit hard and have allowed 7 points in 16 quarters.

[Senator]

Offense Defense Rankings
Week 4 1 Jackets (135) Colts (7) 1. Jackets (4-0)
2 Hornets (100) Raiders (12) 2. Colts (4-0)
3 Raiders (79) Longhorns (12) 3. Hornets (4-0)
4 Cowboys (71) Rraiders (12) 4. Indians (3-1)
5 Colts (70) Frogs (20) 5. Saints (3-1)
6 Saints (66) Hornets (27) 6. Frogs (3-1)
7 Longhorns (58) Jackets (30) 7. Raiders (3-1)
8 Frogs (52) Saints (32) 8. RedRaiders (3-1)
9 Hawkeyes (51) Cowboys (43) 9. Longhorns (3-1)
10 Indians (46) Chargers (45) 10. Cowboys (3-1)
11 Rraiders (34) Indians (47) 11. Chargers (1-3)
12 Desperados (24) Scorpions (49) 12. Hawkeyes (1-3)
13 Chargers (20) Hawkeyes (52) 13. Panthers (1-3)
14 Hurricanes (20) Panthers (57) 14. Broncos (0-4)
15 Panthers (18) Hurricanes (66) 15. Scorpions (0-4)
16 Broncos (14) Broncos (78) 16. Hurricanes (0-4)
17 Steelers (7) Desperados(121) 17. Desperados (0-4)
18 Scorpions (0) Steelers (155) 18. Steelers (0-4)

[Senator]

We play the #2 team with the #1 offense who is undefeated and has allowed only 7 points all season, and that was on an onside kick gone bad.

Ok, so I don't have a QB or starting left CB this very important game. What do I do? That is the question, and I need to find an answer.

I scheduled a scrimmage against the 3-1 Longhorns tomorrow. I expect to get pummeled, but I am experimenting. I need to see if Ryan or Thomas gets the call at QB. Both limit my plays. The constant challenges of a coach.

[JonInMiddleGA]

We play the #2 team with the #1 offense who is undefeated and has allowed only 7 points all season, and that was on an onside kick gone bad. Ok, so I don't have a QB or starting left CB this very important game. What do I do? That is the question, and I need to find an answer.

What have they seen offensively so far? Obviously those things they seem to have covered pretty well.

Otherwise, has anyone tried
-- slipping laxative into their sideline cooler?
-- taking their players on a drunken night out on the town on Friday?
-- food poisoning at a team breakfast?

[Poli]

I'm most concerned that it appears Jon edited something out.

[Senator]

Had a good scrimmage last night against the 3-1 Longhorns. We really are coming together on the defensive side of the ball. Much better. But, Tyler not only will miss this game (QB, CB) because of the LSU game, he was goofing off and hurt his foot. Out 10 days. So, we won't even see our star QB until game day in 2 weeks.

We will try and find an answer at CB this Thursday. Ryan and Austin don't have it. Garret might, just because he hits so hard, but fails to wrap up. Maybe he slows down the sweep so Jack can get over and help from DE.

Offense, we are not pulling Jack, but moving him to power tackle so he can go toe to toe with the dirtiest coaches son in the league, #13. This kid needs to be taught a lesson, and Jack will do it.

Highlight from Game 4.

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[thealmighty]

Some of those guys look like they are 2 feet tall.

How did you get 7 on the first score? Is there no 2-point conversion? (I can't imagine one of those kids kicking an xp.)

[Senator]

I have 7 kids (out of 16) that are tiny and weigh 60 pounds. Now, the film is being taken from a stand almost 15 foot tall, and that will add to the appearance of smallness. But, yeah, about 2 foot is right.

You can go for 1 from 3 or go for 2 from the 5.

[Senator]

Thursday we did not have Brenton #32 or Tyler #18, who have combined for every score we have this season.

We worked on a special pass play I feel might work this game, and we worked on our defense, which can win this game for us if they show up. My assistant and I feel like there will be at least 2 times when Austin (who is replacing Tyler this week) will whiff on a tackle and let the kid sweep to victory. Austin is who we had at CB the first two games, and we replaced him with Thomas who has been solid. We moved Austin back to FS where he can take up space. He cries when we ask him to hit. He just doesn't want to do it. This week, he is sitting in the cross hairs. He makes us or breaks us. I wish I had faith that he would come through, but 2 months of never ending one on one time with him has not made any improvement. Really, the only kid I can say that about. Too bad, because he has the weight and build. But, he is our only option, trust me, we have looked at every possibility and change.

I plan on running Brenton 20-25 times. That is alot when most offenses get only about 30-35 plays. We are running power right/left and wedge until we wear them down. I am hoping to keep them off the field as much as possible.

If things go well for us, we win 12-6, 6-0, something like that. Things go bad, it might be 26-0, if they find that edge.

We have not beat a team with a winning record yet, much less an undefeated team who has not allowed a point on defense all year. We will do the best we can with what we got and let fortune decide the issue.

[Senator]

Oddly nervous. Woke up at 3:45 this morning. Crave the dare to be great situation this provides.

[Celeval]

Good luck, man.

[fantastic flying froggies]

Just caught up on games 3 and 4, congrats on the wins Sen!

I absolutely love the sacks in the video of game #3. At one point, it looked like the black helmeted kid was gonna rip the Broncos' QB head off... :shock:

Good luck for today's game.

[Senator]

I plan on running Brenton 20-25 times. That is alot when most offenses get only about 30-35 plays. We are running power right/left and wedge until we wear them down. I am hoping to keep them off the field as much as possible.

If things go well for us, we win 12-6, 6-0, something like that. Things go bad, it might be 26-0, if they find that edge.


We won 6-0. It went almost exactly like I thought it would. I have never been more happy about any football game I have ever been a part of. This team was way bigger than us, they were poor sportsmen (calling our kids fags and gays on the line of scrimmage), and they were undefeated and unscored upon.

The defense rose to every challenge, and Brenton made a couple of gutsy 4th down runs to move the sticks late. I ran to the right every play of the night, and then with 1:36 left at the 50, I ran 43 reverse to Garret from the wingback spot and he went to the house. They came back and got to our 10 on 2 long runs on Austin's side, and then we came up big.

We beat this team on sheer guts and heart, and now we find ourselves at 4-1 and looking like a real team to think about.

Early in the season when I thought we were a 1-2 win team, we really were. A total re-dedication to the fundamentals have given us hope that can be a pretty good team. We just have to believe in ourselves. Starting with the head coach.

[BYU 14]

We won 6-0. It went almost exactly like I thought it would. I have never been more happy about any football game I have ever been a part of. This team was way bigger than us, they were poor sportsmen (calling our kids fags and gays on the line of scrimmage), and they were undefeated and unscored upon.

The defense rose to every challenge, and Brenton made a couple of gutsy 4th down runs to move the sticks late. I ran to the right every play of the night, and then with 1:36 left at the 50, I ran 43 reverse to Garret from the wingback spot and he went to the house. They came back and got to our 10 on 2 long runs on Austin's side, and then we came up big.

We beat this team on sheer guts and heart, and now we find ourselves at 4-1 and looking like a real team to think about.

Early in the season when I thought we were a 1-2 win team, we really were. A total re-dedication to the fundamentals have given us hope that can be a pretty good team. We just have to believe in ourselves. Starting with the head coach.

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College Benchwarmer

Join Date: Jun 2002
Location: Phoenix AZ



</TD><TD class=alt1 id=td_post_1858750 style="BORDER-RIGHT: #d1d1e1 1px solid"><!-- message -->Congrats on the win Senator, the next four games could really surprise you. You work so much on fundemantals I have a feeling your team will be closing any talent gaps that may exist fairly quickly.
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I called that one eh? ;)

Great win Senator!! I really did expect it though from reading about our pratices and the amount of time you put into preparation. Looks like you are sitting poised for a good run when the playoffs roll around. Keep 'em rolling!!

[fantastic flying froggies]

Woohoo!

Still think your players are 'poorly coached?'

[Rawhide]

Excellent work!

How many more games do you have to play? Do you play each team?

[thealmighty]

Huge congrats to your youngsters and coaches.

[Senator]

Woohoo!

Still think your players are 'poorly coached?'

I don't know. Sometimes. All I know is I am getting emails from parents telling me their sons had always quit in difficult times and situations, and I wouldn't let them and the kids are seeing that adversity is something to overcome, not give you an excuse for failure. These are the moments that make coaching young men all worthwhile, just seeing the exhausted looks of confidence on their faces.

[Senator]

I called that one eh? ;)

Great win Senator!! I really did expect it though from reading about our pratices and the amount of time you put into preparation. Looks like you are sitting poised for a good run when the playoffs roll around. Keep 'em rolling!!


You did call it. I remember thinking, that is a nice thing to say, but....
thanks, my friend.

[Senator]

Excellent work!

How many more games do you have to play? Do you play each team?

We play 3 more regular season games, and then we get bracketed in A,B,C,D,E in groups of four.

Our goal at the beginning of the year was to get into the A elite bracket and see what happens. Ideally, beat the 3 year undefeated Yellow Jackets.

We have to win out to get into the A bracket.

We play the Killer Frogs and the Saints the next two weeks, both are 4-1 like us. So, we have our hands full there. Then we play the Chargers the last week of the season, they are 2-3, so sort of a trap game if we are 6-1 when we play them.

Right now my focus is on those dirty Killer Frogs, but I am smiling while I prepare.

[Celeval]

Rock on!

[Barkeep49]

I love putting teams like that in their place. WAY TO GO SENATOR! I hope to see you move way up in the coach's poll :)

[Senator]

Game Results


10/25/2008 F Cowboys*6* Colts*0
10/25/2008 F Saints*20* Red Raiders*14
10/25/2008 F Yellow Jackets*27* Broncos*7
10/25/2008 F Panthers*14* Hurricanes*6
10/25/2008 F Raiders*41* Desperados*0
10/25/2008 F Hornets*13* Chargers*0
10/25/2008 F Longhorns*41* Steelers*0
10/25/2008 F Indians*14* Killer Frogs*0
10/25/2008 F Hawkeyes*12* Scorpions*0

[Senator]

New Standings: (we moved but we have lots of work to do)


Offense Defense Rankings
Week 5 1 Jackets (162) Raiders (12) 1. Jackets (5-0)
2 Raiders (120) Longhorns (12) 2. Hornets (5-0)
3 Hornets (113) Colts (13) 3. Raiders (4-1)
4 Longhorns (99) Hornets (27) 4. Saints (4-1)
5 Saints (86) Rraiders (32) 5. Cowboys (4-1)
6 Cowboys (77) Frogs (34) 6. Colts (4-1)
7 Colts (70) Jackets (37) 7. Longhorns (4-1)
8 Hawkeyes (63) Cowboys (43) 8. Indians (4-1)
9 Indians (60) Saints (46) 9. Red Raiders (3-2)
10 Frogs (52) Indians (47) 10. Frogs (3-2)
11 Rraiders (48) Hawkeyes (52) 11. Hawkeyes (2-3)
12 Panthers (32) Chargers (58) 12. Panthers (2-3)
13 Hurricanes (26) Scorpions (61) 13. Chargers (1-4)
14 Desper(24) Panthers (63) 14. Hurricanes (0-5)
15 Broncos (21) Hurricanes (80) 15. Broncos (0-5)
16 Chargers (20) Broncos (105) 16. Scorpions (0-5)
17 Steelers (7) Despera (162) 17. Despera (0-5)
18 Scorpions(0) Steelers (196) 18.Steelers (0-5)

[Senator]

Week 5:

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[JonInMiddleGA]

Incredibly sweet. Nicely done Coach.

[Senator]

Last night we had another practice of fundamentals. I think my Tuesday night practices are going to continue to focus on the 2 elements of tackling and blocking.

Ryan was not there, and Tyler is back from his LSU trip but is limping from his foot injury. I told him I am keeping him out until the game on Saturday but he can work on snaps with Richards and do offensive walk through's.

The Killer Frogs have a good team, with a strange offense, (I should talk). They have 2 split guys and 2 wing guys, the QB in shotgun with a running back next to him. Our defensive ends are uncovered, (if you don't count the wing backs as true line blockers, so I like our odds there.

The guys are hitting better, but Ryan, Austin, Wil, Tre, and Clayton all are still struggling despite hours of work with them. We will continue to make baby steps, but I can't help but feel the pressure that comes with the realization we could be playing for the Championship at the elite bracket. My mind is on the Frogs. We will have to show up.

Thursday we will work on our offensive game plan, (grind, grind, grind, score) and show the defense what to expect. Our corners and linebackers have to help Jack and Brenton this week more than last.

[Senator]

Thursday was a practice on some new plays I am putting in. 38 Buck wedge, 15 Power, T-47 Sweep, Mouse 16 Power, Mouse 47 Sweep, Hitch and Go Pass, Hot TE Pass.

As you can see, I saw some things that should open up to us tomorrow morning at 10am. I need these for playoff ball, and would like to use them, but a big part of me wants to stick to the formula. (grind, grind, grind, score). I still would like Brenton to have the ball 15 times.

Tyler did not suit up Thursday, but he went through our plays and looked really fast. His grandparents are coming into town, he feels upset we won without him, and is itching to prove something. I hope he does.

I will confess to feeling some pressure now, but I really try and not show it to anyone. I just find myself with upset stomach alot, and unable to sleep. As in now.

I don't know, the team we face tomorrow looks very Panther like to me. Unless we lay an egg, we should be ok. I just worry about Halloween being tonight and the boys showing up at 9am looking like they just got home. Maybe I worry too much.

[Senator]

I didn't worry too much. The kids were flat. We fumbled at their one yard line going in for a score right before half. We only had the ball for 4 series, and when we did finally score, we didn't block very good to get the extra point. We lost 7-6, and we get dumped out of the top elite bracket, as well we should. We are 4-2.

[Barkeep49]

Sorry to hear that. Hopefully you win the second bracket.

[Senator]

Both undefeated teams lost today. The Yellow Jackets 3 year undefeated streak ends to the Longhorns, and the Hornets lose to the lowly Panthers. Things are really muddled up now. 3 of the top 4 teams, including us, all lost. Must be something in the water.

[JonInMiddleGA]

The kids were flat.

I had a bad feeling I was going to see that word when I clicked on the thread tonight. It seemed like one of those situations where that might happen, and if it's tough to avoid with D1 players I can only imagine how hard it would be to prevent at this age.

[Senator]

Ok, so I went from the highest high two weeks ago, to the lowest low this past Saturday. Still stings to miss an opportunity like that. With 18 teams, we were in charge and had jumped the highest hurdle. It is hard to get kids to see it that way, though.

So, we have the 5-1 Saints this week. Our brutal schedule continues. We have, easily, the hardest schedule in the league. I don't know how I get lucky like that every season, but it just happens that way. If we can somehow pull out a victory the next 2 weeks, this schedule works to our advantage in any tie-breaker scenario.

The Saints are very salty. They have the biggest team, not the fastest, but the biggest team, and they are physical. They have Mock, whom I consider the second best running back in the league behind McKentire. So, if we try that arm tackling stuff this week, we will get more of the same as last Saturday.

I have only put up 6 points the past 2 weeks. I need to get more out of my offense, and I hope this week, I can.

Last night we practiced under the lights of the field with every other team. We blocked off 20 yards for each team and half the field. It wasn't much to work with, but we blocked and tackled, tackled and blocked. Tomorrow night, I work on offense, and the boys will run through the holes I call or they won't run again.

In my game summary I send out, I have had comments it was heavy handed. I try to write from the vantage point of a reporter, but it was too brutal. Lesson learned, these are 10 year olds, not pros.

[Senator]

Offense Defense Rankings
Week 6 1 Jackets (174) Raiders (18) 1. Raiders (5-1)
2 Raiders (134) Colts (19) 2. Longhorns (5-1)
3 Hornets (125) Longhorns (24) 3. Jackets (5-1)
4 Longhorns (113) Frogs (40) 4. Colts (5-1)
5 Saints (112) Hornets (45) 5. Saints (5-1)
6 Colts (89) Rraiders (46) 6. Hornets (5-1)
7 Cowboys (83) Cowboys (50) 7. Indians (5-1)
8 Indians (72) Jackets (51) 8. Frogs (4-2)
9 Hawkeyes (71) Saints (52) 9. Cowboys (4-2)
10 Frogs (59) Indians (55) 10. RRaiders (3-3)
11 Rraiders (54) Scorpions (61) 11. Panthers (3-3)
12 Panthers (50) Hawkeyes (64) 12. Hawkeyes (2-4)
13 Desp (42) Panthers (75) 13. Chargers (1-5)
14 Hurricanes (32) Chargers (76) 14. Scorpions (1-5)
15 Broncos (27) Canes (106) 15. Desp (1-5)
16 Chargers (20) Broncos (124) 16. Broncos (0-6)
17 Scorpions (20) Desp (162) 17. Hurricanes (0-6)
18 Steelers (7) Steelers (216) 18. Steelers (0-6)

[Senator]

Not sure anyone is reading anymore, but I thought I would finish this out. Practice tonight was almost 2 hours scrimmaging the Yellow Jackets. It went ok, I think it was good to hit instead of 2 hours of doing air drills.

Tyler our QB and CB is hurt once again. Same foot. I doubt he will play. If he doesn't play this game, I am sitting him out the last game and maybe the playoffs will be ok for him. Wait until his dad hears I only get 4 All-Stars and he won't be one. I can't make him an All-Star when he will miss 3 games out of 8. Sorry.

I don't like our chances Saturday, but the Killer Frog game sealed our fate anyway. We are just playing out the season and see where we land - Bracket B or C.

[Barkeep49]

Still reading. I hope you gain some good momentum going into the playoffs since it really seems like you could win either the B or C brackets. A bummer about Tyler being hurt -- AGAIN.

[JonInMiddleGA]

Yep, still here, regular as clockwork (give or take a day or two).

[Poli]

Don't be so down. 4-2 is far better than what you expected at one point. With the schedule you've had (like I layed out with mine), success isn't necessarily spelled out in wins.

[fantastic flying froggies]

Still here as well, Coach, and enjoying the ride.

[Rawhide]

I'm still reading too. Keep up the good work.

[primelord]

FWIW you are picking up readers. I just found this thread last night and am completely hooked. Good luck tomorrow!

[Senator]

Not that I am expecting replies or anything, but I didn't know how interesting this would be once we laid the egg.

[Poli]

When's gametime?

[Senator]

We play at 3:30 CST.

I had a long talk with my DC this morning. He was brutal with them on Tuesday and I was on Thursday. Look, if I was coaching for a paycheck or these were older kids, I think I might justify it more, but not this. I was so unhappy with myself because I never do that. Compared to other coaches I am considered a Dungy type, and that is considered weak. I just don't think so. These kids love football when they leave my team, and I get emails from them all the time after they leave. I know I am doing the right thing. I just thought this team was about to shock me and run the table after we beat a juggernaut, and then we turn around and lose to someone less than us. Part of the gig.

Well, tomorrow we face the Saints (5-1) and the impressive Mr. Mock.

[Poli]

Funny, Mock is the name of perhaps the best kid in our 9/10 yr old league...and would be on my team next season if I joined the Tiger staff.

Mock is also an infamous name on my first ship. The then MA1 (meaning he was a master-at-arms, first class) Mock He turned in 5 senior enlisted members for hazing and they were quickly reprimanded and transferred. He was also on my flag football team that I organized for our ship.

Ironically, I ran into him in Africa in 2006 and watched the Tennessee-Alabama game in his office. He in now a junior officer.

[Senator]

My Mr. Mock likes to run over 10 year olds who arm tackle.

I think I like your Mock better.

[Poli]

Our Mock had the best combine scores according to my rankings on the first day on combine. I then realized I had set the course too long...I had measured out the 10/20 yard marks off by more than a yard or two.

Most of the boys returned on the 2nd day and had better times, although he was absent.

His score on the 1st day was still better than anyone on the 2nd day.

[Senator]

Mock rolled us. He had 4 long touchdowns running at our corners. We lost 25-12. We went from 4-1 and A bracket to 4-3 and B or C bracket.

Our defense is atrocious at the edges.

We scored on our first 2 offensive plays to Brenton. One a 55 yard TD and then a 65 yard TD. After that, we played flat and without much heart.

[Rawhide]

Keep your head up coach.

"Greatness consists not of never falling, but of always getting up again"

[Poli]

Keep pushing forward. I know losses can make it tough, but you have nothing to be ashamed about.

[Senator]

We had a rain out on Monday, and last night we scrimmaged the Yellow Jackets. We moved Derek to defensive end and Brenton to linebacker.

Playing the Chargers, and we need to make a strong statement. If we can win, we will be 5-3 and will land either at the bottom of the B bracket against some really tough teams, or at the top of the C bracket where we are the best team. I am not really sure what I would prefer. I argue back and forth.

Offense Defense Rankings
Jackets (210) Raiders (18) 1. Raiders (6-1)
Hornets (156) Longhorns (31) 2. Longhorns (6-1)
Riaders (152) Colts (37) 3. Jackets (6-1)
Longhorns (139) Hornets (52) 4. Hornets (6-1)
Saints (137) Frogs (53) 5. Saints (6-1)
Cowboys (95) Jackets (57) 6. Colts (5-2)
Colts (89) Scorpions (61) 7. Indians (5-2)
Indians (79) Saints (64) 8. Frogs (4-3)
Hawkeyes (77) Hawkeyes (64) 9. Cowboys (4-3)
Frogs (65) Rraiders (72) 10. Panthers (4-3)
Panthers (63) Cowboys (75) 11. Rraiders (3-4)
Rraiders (61) Panthers (81) 12. Hawkeyes (3-4)
Broncos (53) Indians (86) 13. Scorpions (2-5)
Scorpions (50) Chargers (102) 14. Broncos (1-6)
Desp (42) Canes (112) 15. Chargers (1-6)
Hurricanes (32) Broncos (130) 16. Desp (1-6)
Chargers (26) Desp (192) 17. Hurricanes (0-7)
Steelers (13) Steelers (252) 18. Steelers (0-8)

[Poli]

I feel for ya. We were the top team in the 3rd bracket, yet we still had some tough teams in it. However, had SCAC 2 (our first playoff victim) managed to beat SCAC 1 (our first regular season victim) in that final regular season game, we would have been the bottom seed in the 2nd bracket.

What I wanted? I changed my mind hourly.

In that scenario, I'd like to believe we come out and beat the White Hawks for some revenge and then beat whatever Hawk team survived after that to win the second bracket's Super Bowl. Honestly, though, I believe that are kids might have been shell shocked from the last time we faced them and may not put forth their best effort.

I'm happy with how it turned out, and I'm sure you will be as well, no matter the outcome. Good luck today!

[Senator]

We won 18-6 in a game marred by big Jack (#24) possibly breaking his leg on the last play of the game. He is at the hospital now, there was not room for me to ride with them. I will know more later.

With the win we are in the second bracket (B Bracket). There are 5 brackets, so our 5-3 record makes us a pretty good team.

Without Jack we are in trouble, obviously, and we drew the #2 Colts as our opponent. So be it.

[Poli]

I'm sorry to hear about Jack. I hope he's okay.

Good luck in the playoffs!

[Barkeep49]

A kid broke his leg during a baseball game this year and I can still recall his screams. I hope Jack's OK. Congrats on the strong season.

[Senator]

What a relief. It came out as a deep thigh bruise. His leg is black at the thigh, and has a distinct helmet imprint on it.

What a relief. It was the last play of the game, I should of had him out, we were winning, and I saw him go down. I have never done this before, but I sprinted out there like someone shot me out of a cannon. He was screaming, and this kid does not scream, like I have never heard. It took us about 20 minutes it seemed to get the Gator to haul him off the field. It was bad.

The coach I play in the playoffs was sitting over there smirking like he won the lottery or something. I know it was nothing personal, but it made me furious.

Now, the Colts will see us practicing without Jack (I am going to rest him) and get fired up. When I bring him out the last practice before the game, that should deflate them a little.

Thank God. He is such a great kid, and all the other kids worship him. They were crying and everything and we had just won a big win, and could not celebrate. This is very good news.

[BYU 14]

Great news, especially considering how bad a femur break can be. I have dealt with 2 of them over the years and they are scary.

Having him back should give your boys a lift too...Good luck in the playoffs!!

[JonInMiddleGA]

Whew. 'Grats on the win, even more on the good medical news.

[Poli]

Very good news. I'm glad to hear it! Good luck this week!

[Senator]

Practice last night was cold, but the kids (who were there) really did well in our drills. Come what may, I can see a HUGE improvement in the fundamentals from where we started. We have done our job.

I did get calls from:

Wil: "Coach, I won't be at practice all week, and I won't be at the game Saturday because I am going out of town."

Austin's mom: "I am going to rest Austin so he will be ready for the game on Saturday, so he won't be at practice."

Ryan's mom: "Ryan is sick. I know he misses one practice a week, but what can I do?"

Payton's mom: "A seventh grader threw him down on his head and he has a headache, so he can't practice."

Jack's mom: "Let's hold Jack out of this practice, and give him some time to heal from his injury." (I agreed)

So, it was a small practice but we had some key people there, especially Tyler who has missed all or part of the last 4 games. He had 5 touchdowns in 4 games so it is good getting him back, and he looked pretty sharp. We worked on open field tackling and I was pleased at the intensity.

We have one more practice on Wed., then our game at 1:30 on Saturday. Win - go to the Super Bowl - lose - Go Home.
What a challenge, I am looking forward to the battle. The last one lived up to all expectations.

[fantastic flying froggies]

I like Payton's excuse the best... :D

[Poli]

My fav on my team was Nolan, who showed up for practice one evening with a great excuse.

"Coach, I'm going to Six Flags tomorrow, so I have to conserve my energy."

[Senator]

I just submitted the players to the All-Pro team. Needless to say, I never win in these situations.

Jack - 8 games - 97 tackles (both solo and assist) and 11.5 sacks. Wow.
Brenton - 8 games - 900 yards and 11 touchdowns
Andrew - did not allow a tackle from his Offensive tackle spot all season
Reegan - 64 tackles

[Senator]

I just bought plaques for my 2 team moms, my 2 water coaches, my min play coach, my 2 assistant coaches, and a leadership award for one player. I am closing in on a 1500 dollar season.

[BYU 14]

The excuses never go away. My favorite from this year was the epidemic of pillow injuries we had one Saturday. (Saturday was one of our two full contact practices coincidentally) I can't remember anything like this happening on Tuesday when we did our walkthrough.

Here's how it went...

1st Player "Coach, my neck is stiff, I don't think I can go"
Me "What happened"
1st Player "I slept on my pillow wrong"
Me "OK, but I can't start you Wednesday"
1st Player "I will give it a shot"
(I did hold him out of heavy contact, during drills and quick whistled him during team O, just funny there was a sudden improvement)

2 minutes later
Player 2 "Coach I think I slept funny last night"
Me "Let me guess, your neck is stiff"
Player 2 "Yes Sir"
Me "Did you sleep on the same pillow as player1?"
Player 2 "I don't think so sir, what kind of pillow does he have"
Me (rolls eyes) (I swear this was the exact exchange)

Right after a THIRD player walks up massaging his neck.
Me "If you tell me you slept wrong and can't practice you'll hold water bottles Wednesday"
Player 3 "I guess I can practice"

Before you all think...Gee what a dick, these guys are all friends and I think they came up with this brilliant idea to jake it, since Saturday practices were always brutal. This way they could shuttle water in and out of practice and BS.

I did hold all of them from heavy contact just to be safe, but at the end of practice I snuck up behind the one who said he couldn't turn his head and startled him.....His head jerked around like it was on a swivel, LOL.

He said practicing must have loosened it up.

Like I said, the excuses never go away :)

[Senator]

Funny stuff BYU14. I can see those guys plotting the perfect crime.

Tonight was perhaps our last practice, unless we win on Saturday. I had the assistant coach in my ear about not picking his son for the All Star Pro Bowl Game. God, what a horrible part of the job. Then another parent grilled me. Then, another. Finally, I gathered them all around, said my piece, and went about my business. It is way more important to the dads than the kids.

Gametime 1:30 on Saturday.

The Colts coach is telling all the other coaches he has my number and should handle us pretty easy.

He might. But, he might not.

[Poli]

Picking an 'all star' team in our four team association would be tough enough (and Frank did a very lousy job of that), picking an all star team out of the 19 teams would be insane.

League wide, Ray would certainly make it, though he'd probably only be on the defensive side. I'd like to think Layne would, but I doubt it. Carlos and possibly Nick C would have made the team defensively as well.

Association wise...Carlos, Bryce, Ashanti, and Ray are on this select squad...though Nathaniel, JD, Nick C, and Layne were all approached. Ashanti being on it tells you in part that this is a sham.

[Senator]

Ok, here we go. Game Time!!

Going to be a good one, I hope we are on the winning end.

[JonInMiddleGA]

Go get 'em Coach.

[Poli]

Good luck!

[Senator]

Lost 21-20 with 1 second left on the clock. Our defense ran out of gas.

It was a fun season, and most of our team comes back as 10 year olds. We should be pretty good.

[Barkeep49]

Ahh man. Bummer to lose like that. Glad to know your team gave its all.

[Poli]

Does that officially end the season or is there a consolation game?

[BYU 14]

Great Season Sen and with quite a few kids coming back you should reallly reap the rewards next year.

I will comment on the All-Star thing. In the 3 states I have coached (Utah, California and Arizona) they don't have Football All-Star games thank god. To me they are simply a bad idea in any sport. One of my sons was a pretty good Baseball player growing up and made All-Stars a few times....After the first year I never wanted him to be part of it again it was so political and just seemed to bring out the worst in parents, like it was life or death.

I always asked him if he really wanted to do it, hoping he would say no but he never did and I would never tell him he couldn't, but I was never crazy about the whole process. I remember one year in Utah I found out one of the coaches was unable to make the selection meeting and he sent a Mom with his nominees. One of the Coaches told me that all she did was argue for her child, who was probably the 5th best player on his team if I remember correctly. They eventually just put him on the team, ahead of two of his teammates who were better in their opinions just to shut her up because she would not let it go.

Anyway, I digress, good job with a young team and I look forward to seeing what you do with them next season.

[Senator]

Follow up, because my 9 year old team is now the older 10 year old team, and what a difference.

There are 20 teams this season, and we have been really good, winning last weekend in the playoffs 34-13 to make it to the A bracket Super Bowl on Saturday.

My offense has scored 240 points in 9 games and rushed for 2200 and passed for 400. They just can run it in their sleep.

We play a fantastic team this weekend, against the top player in the league, so our challenge is there.

But, it has been nice to see how all the work last season really showed and was the difference in the season we have had this year.

[Senator]

Won 20-0 in the Super Bowl. 20 teams in the division, so a nice way to end my career.

[thealmighty]

It needn't be the end. Texans would hate to lose you, but have you ever been to South Bend?

[JeeberD]

Congrats, Sen... :)

[Senator]

It needn't be the end. Texans would hate to lose you, but have you ever been to South Bend?

I bet it goes to a Mr. Gruden. ESPN contract or not.