I graduated from Patrick Henry in 1980. I was a football player and started as a junior and senior during my time at Henry. I was voted as one of the team captains my senior year. I knew a lot of people and we had a large senior class (around 1,400 students in our class alone). Even though I was a 'jock', I made an effort to be kind and outgoing to most all the students I would come in contact with. I eventually was voted "Most Outgoing" by my classmates.
Ten years later, I went to a class reunion and female classmate of mine came up to me. I didn't recognize her and to be honest, I don't remember her name to this day. But she said something to me that I remember today.
She thanked me for being nice to her. Apparently, she was shy and a 'late bloomer' in life. Not too many people came spoke to her outside of her small circle of friends. But for the captain of the football team to come up and say hi and engage in small talk meant the world to her at the time.
We all meet people on a daily basis. You never know when you touch somebody in a manner that changes their life or their perception of you. All of us can make a difference in the life of another person.
A movie titled "The Blind Slide" is based on a book written by Michael Lewis by the same name. It is based on the true story about Michael Oher, the left offensive tackle first round draft choice of the Baltimore Ravens. I will let the following videos speak for themselves.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NyoDhKWBPpA&feature=related
The movie to due to open in November. Here is a look at the trailer for "The Blind Side".
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=orTr6YwDqtM&feature=related
I will be giving our players an assignment this week. Go out and talk to somebody at school that sits in the back of class by themselves. Just go up and say 'hi'. It could make and difference in that person's day and it will make our players feel a sense of accomplishment in making a difference in somebody's day.
This is the reason I coach football. It's not the X's and O's. It's making a difference in somebody's life that counts.
Saturday, October 31, 2009
Friday, October 30, 2009
Tutoring Session this Saturday 10/31/09
We will be holding another tutoring session tomorrow (Saturday 10/31/09) in room 500 starting at 8:30 am in the morning. Subjects will include Physics, Algebra I and II, English and I will offer to help out in Spanish I. The tutoring session will end at 10:30. This is a voluntary session and any member of the Freshmen Football team is invited to attend if they need help. We will continue to hold tutoring sessions through the football season.
Warning: This is a invitation for those who are serious about getting help in their studies. If anyone is creating a disturbance or not taking this session serious, they will be asked to leave.
Warning: This is a invitation for those who are serious about getting help in their studies. If anyone is creating a disturbance or not taking this session serious, they will be asked to leave.
PHHS 7 Cathedral Catholic 10
The Patriots played in a tight defensive battle at Cathedral Catholic HS and came up short losing to the Dons 10-7.
The defense turned the Dons away three times in the red zone including an interception by Arturo Najera at the 2 yard line. By halftime, the Patriots and the Dons were tied at 0-0.
The offense came out with the wind at their back in the 3rd quarter. QB Nick Kelly got the Patriots down to the 10 yard line with a long pass to Brady Esterbrooks. Two plays later, Kelly hit Nathan Sovanny for a pass where he made a great move on a defender to score a TD.
Unfortunately, mistakes and penalties on offense and special teams kept putting the Dons in great field position. The Dons score 10 points in the 4th quarter snatching the victory away from the Patriots with a 22 yard field goal with 17 seconds left in the game.
The players never quit. They played hard and were competitive throughout the game. I told the players I love after the game. I was proud of the effort they gave.
I also want to thank the fans, parents and grandparents for your support and encouragement throughout the game. We can hear you out on the field and it means a lot to the players and the coaches that you are supportive of the team. I am very proud to coach for such a positive group as you. Thank you very much!
Next week we go the 'Hive' and take on the Hornets of Lincoln High School.
The defense turned the Dons away three times in the red zone including an interception by Arturo Najera at the 2 yard line. By halftime, the Patriots and the Dons were tied at 0-0.
The offense came out with the wind at their back in the 3rd quarter. QB Nick Kelly got the Patriots down to the 10 yard line with a long pass to Brady Esterbrooks. Two plays later, Kelly hit Nathan Sovanny for a pass where he made a great move on a defender to score a TD.
Unfortunately, mistakes and penalties on offense and special teams kept putting the Dons in great field position. The Dons score 10 points in the 4th quarter snatching the victory away from the Patriots with a 22 yard field goal with 17 seconds left in the game.
The players never quit. They played hard and were competitive throughout the game. I told the players I love after the game. I was proud of the effort they gave.
I also want to thank the fans, parents and grandparents for your support and encouragement throughout the game. We can hear you out on the field and it means a lot to the players and the coaches that you are supportive of the team. I am very proud to coach for such a positive group as you. Thank you very much!
Next week we go the 'Hive' and take on the Hornets of Lincoln High School.
Thursday, October 29, 2009
Freshman Football Banquet
Mark your calender folks! Tuesday November 17th at 6:30 pm in the Cafetorium (sounds like an oxymoron to me) at PHHS.
The Booster Club is looking to set prices (tentatively) at $10 per player and $15 per guest. We will review the season, hand out team photos, hand out certificates and end of the season awards. I will be sending fliers home to you within the next week. I will also be collecting the banquet money once the prices are set in stone.
It is hard to believe we have been together since late June and that the season is almost over.
On a side note, ineligible Freshmen players are invited to attend the banquet. I do not want to exclude players that worked throughout the season. But due to their ineligibility, they will not receive a certificate of participation. That is the real world. Not everybody gets a trophy.
The Booster Club is looking to set prices (tentatively) at $10 per player and $15 per guest. We will review the season, hand out team photos, hand out certificates and end of the season awards. I will be sending fliers home to you within the next week. I will also be collecting the banquet money once the prices are set in stone.
It is hard to believe we have been together since late June and that the season is almost over.
On a side note, ineligible Freshmen players are invited to attend the banquet. I do not want to exclude players that worked throughout the season. But due to their ineligibility, they will not receive a certificate of participation. That is the real world. Not everybody gets a trophy.
Wednesday, October 28, 2009
Calling in Sick
I work in the Training Division of the San Diego Police Department. I assist in in the development in young officer that are coming onto the Department and eventually, becoming independent officers that patrol the streets of America's Finest City.
But I have noted a trend amongst a handful of the younger officers that are coming on the Department. When they are sick, they don't bother calling in to tell their Field Training Officer or Sergeant that they are sick and not coming to work. Instead, they just don't show up to work. Furthermore, a mother called the Academy to tell the Training Officers her son wasn't coming into the Academy because her adult son was sick.
Excuse me? What did you just say???
I have given all our players my phone number (starting back in summer camp) with instructions to call me in the event they were going to miss practice. My e-mail address also has been passed out. I know the flu is going around and that there are a lot of players out sick. But I had 11 players that didn't show to practice on Monday and 8 of them didn't even bother calling me to say they were sick.
It is still the responsibility for the player to call me and let me know they are not coming to practice. I can appreciate parents looking out for their sons. Parents are required to call the school to notify for their students absence with the attendance office. But I want the players to call me none-the-less to tell me they are going to miss practice.
I have 4 kids of my own so I know how it feels to be a parent. But what I want is for the player to learn to be responsible for themselves. Be accountable. Don't grow up to be one of the poor saps I listed above.
But I have noted a trend amongst a handful of the younger officers that are coming on the Department. When they are sick, they don't bother calling in to tell their Field Training Officer or Sergeant that they are sick and not coming to work. Instead, they just don't show up to work. Furthermore, a mother called the Academy to tell the Training Officers her son wasn't coming into the Academy because her adult son was sick.
Excuse me? What did you just say???
I have given all our players my phone number (starting back in summer camp) with instructions to call me in the event they were going to miss practice. My e-mail address also has been passed out. I know the flu is going around and that there are a lot of players out sick. But I had 11 players that didn't show to practice on Monday and 8 of them didn't even bother calling me to say they were sick.
It is still the responsibility for the player to call me and let me know they are not coming to practice. I can appreciate parents looking out for their sons. Parents are required to call the school to notify for their students absence with the attendance office. But I want the players to call me none-the-less to tell me they are going to miss practice.
I have 4 kids of my own so I know how it feels to be a parent. But what I want is for the player to learn to be responsible for themselves. Be accountable. Don't grow up to be one of the poor saps I listed above.
Sunday, October 25, 2009
Where do Ineligible Players Report?
If a player is ineligible and he has 6th Period PE with me, he is still required to check in with me at the beginning of 6th Period when I take roll. They are still part of the team. They just cannot suit up for games or practice. After the 6th Period bell rings, they are feel to go home and leave practice with the rest of the school.
I need all the jerseys, pads, helmets, pants and girdles from all the players that are ineligible. I will be collecting the gear on Monday and Tuesday this week.
I still will be setting up tutoring on Saturdays and all players are welcome to attend for the remainder of the season.
Also, all players, including the ineligible players, will be welcomed to attend the Freshmen Football Banquet at the end of the year.
I need all the jerseys, pads, helmets, pants and girdles from all the players that are ineligible. I will be collecting the gear on Monday and Tuesday this week.
I still will be setting up tutoring on Saturdays and all players are welcome to attend for the remainder of the season.
Also, all players, including the ineligible players, will be welcomed to attend the Freshmen Football Banquet at the end of the year.
Friday, October 23, 2009
Grades and Eligibility
I just got off the phone with my boss, Coach Martinez. Eight of our players did not make grades and they will be cut from the team. This warning has been in the making for several weeks now.
I will be meeting with the ineligible players today and I will be securing their gear. Please understand, if their GPA shows as being below a 2.0, they will be cut. Period. The end.
I cannot change grades. I cannot hand in late assignments. If your son has issues pertaining to their grades, then he has to take it up with the teacher or the counselors. I cannot help in the event you wish to appeal the process. I gave all my players an "A" for football and "E" in citizenship.
The core values we teach our players are: 1) Faith 2) Family 3) School 4) Football in that order. They are young men and they are the ones responsible for their grades.
I will be meeting with the ineligible players today and I will be securing their gear. Please understand, if their GPA shows as being below a 2.0, they will be cut. Period. The end.
I cannot change grades. I cannot hand in late assignments. If your son has issues pertaining to their grades, then he has to take it up with the teacher or the counselors. I cannot help in the event you wish to appeal the process. I gave all my players an "A" for football and "E" in citizenship.
The core values we teach our players are: 1) Faith 2) Family 3) School 4) Football in that order. They are young men and they are the ones responsible for their grades.
PHHS 26 Scripps Ranch 0
The Patriots ended their two game losing skid by beating the Falcons of Scripps Ranch HS 26-0. Offense was balanced with a good passing and running attack. QB play is much improved from the beginning of the year. The offensive line, consisting of Alex Giles, Lee Lawson, Ryan Thun, Maverick Robertson, Patrick Swanner, Kevin McKinney and Louis Olmedo re-established themselves with a fine performance in the running game and the downfield blocking. Their performance led to two rushing touchdowns. WR Charles Lee caught a TD pass.
On defense, Coach Valaile and Coach Armenta made several personnel changes and they paid off big. Kerry Grisby was moved to DT, Travonne Pollard was moved to LB and Loro Tombe was moved to to FS. All those moves paid big dividends with Grisby making a sack, Pollard flying to the ball leading the team in tackles and Tombe made an interception. CB Robert Luciano intercepted a pass and returned it for a 50 yard "pick 6".
Special teams had a couple of hiccups, but for the most part, played a good game. We replaced the Gunners with WR's Charles Tyler and Charles Lee and we pinned SRHS deep in their end of the field.
We wore Pink to bring attention to National Breast Cancer Awareness Month. I want to thank Janice Swanner and her mother for providing Pink socks to our players. It was a worthy cause and a good lesson for our young men in the building of their future.
On a final note, Anthony Murdock was an honorary captain for yesterday's game. The players were happy to see him and he was received with open arms.
On defense, Coach Valaile and Coach Armenta made several personnel changes and they paid off big. Kerry Grisby was moved to DT, Travonne Pollard was moved to LB and Loro Tombe was moved to to FS. All those moves paid big dividends with Grisby making a sack, Pollard flying to the ball leading the team in tackles and Tombe made an interception. CB Robert Luciano intercepted a pass and returned it for a 50 yard "pick 6".
Special teams had a couple of hiccups, but for the most part, played a good game. We replaced the Gunners with WR's Charles Tyler and Charles Lee and we pinned SRHS deep in their end of the field.
We wore Pink to bring attention to National Breast Cancer Awareness Month. I want to thank Janice Swanner and her mother for providing Pink socks to our players. It was a worthy cause and a good lesson for our young men in the building of their future.
On a final note, Anthony Murdock was an honorary captain for yesterday's game. The players were happy to see him and he was received with open arms.
Wednesday, October 21, 2009
Pink Socks for NBCAM Game vs. Scripps Ranch
One of our linemen, Patrick Swanner, lost his grandmother to breast cancer. To honor her memory, Patrick and his family have taken steps to support and educate people about National Breast Cancer Awareness.
Janice Swanner, Patrick's mother, has volunteered to buy socks for all the active players for tomorrow's game vs. Scripps Ranch. She and several players will be meeting at her mother's house at 4:30 this afternoon to have a "Pink Dye" party.
They will meet and dye socks for the players in tomorrow's game. I know it is short notice, but anyone who wants to help out, be it donations to offset the cost of the socks or help with the dye party, please feel free to give Janice a call at (619) 846-4292.
The "Pink Dye" party will be at 7230 Decanture Cove. (Off Parkridge no the north side of Navajo Rd.)
Janice Swanner, Patrick's mother, has volunteered to buy socks for all the active players for tomorrow's game vs. Scripps Ranch. She and several players will be meeting at her mother's house at 4:30 this afternoon to have a "Pink Dye" party.
They will meet and dye socks for the players in tomorrow's game. I know it is short notice, but anyone who wants to help out, be it donations to offset the cost of the socks or help with the dye party, please feel free to give Janice a call at (619) 846-4292.
The "Pink Dye" party will be at 7230 Decanture Cove. (Off Parkridge no the north side of Navajo Rd.)
Monday, October 19, 2009
Breast Cancer Awareness Month
You see it on TV in the NFL and MLB. Professional players wearing Pink gear to recognize and support National Breast Cancer Awareness Month.
We all know somebody that has been stricken with cancer. A former partner of my had a double mastectomy due to breast cancer a few years back. Another co-worker of mine just had a mastectomy two weeks ago
Several parents and players have asked if it would be possible to recognize National Breast Cancer Awareness Month by wearing Pink for our last home game against Scripps Ranch. I think it's a great idea, not because it looks cool, but that it provokes our players to think about the civic ramifications of taking on a cause.
Wearing Pink because 'they do it on TV' is not good enough. I will talk to the players and explain why we are bringing attention to the cause of recognizing breast cancer. I am proud that our young men are willing to take on a cause. But I want to engage some thought behind taking the cause by opening a dialog with them on why it is important to recognize and support National Breast Cancer Awareness Month.
So, for our last home game this Thursday against Scripps Ranch, I will allow our players to wear Pink gear for the game. Buying Pink gear is optional and is not required. I am going to buy several rolls of Pink athletic tape for those that can't afford to buy gear. I will tape their wrists with the Pink tape. I also encourage our fans to wear Pink also this Thursday.
Here is the National Breast Cancer Awareness web site: http://www.nbcam.org/help_promote_nbcam.cfm
We all know somebody that has been stricken with cancer. A former partner of my had a double mastectomy due to breast cancer a few years back. Another co-worker of mine just had a mastectomy two weeks ago
Several parents and players have asked if it would be possible to recognize National Breast Cancer Awareness Month by wearing Pink for our last home game against Scripps Ranch. I think it's a great idea, not because it looks cool, but that it provokes our players to think about the civic ramifications of taking on a cause.
Wearing Pink because 'they do it on TV' is not good enough. I will talk to the players and explain why we are bringing attention to the cause of recognizing breast cancer. I am proud that our young men are willing to take on a cause. But I want to engage some thought behind taking the cause by opening a dialog with them on why it is important to recognize and support National Breast Cancer Awareness Month.
So, for our last home game this Thursday against Scripps Ranch, I will allow our players to wear Pink gear for the game. Buying Pink gear is optional and is not required. I am going to buy several rolls of Pink athletic tape for those that can't afford to buy gear. I will tape their wrists with the Pink tape. I also encourage our fans to wear Pink also this Thursday.
Here is the National Breast Cancer Awareness web site: http://www.nbcam.org/help_promote_nbcam.cfm
Friday, October 16, 2009
PHHS 14 Mira Mesa 40
Yesterday's game was an eye opening experience for the Patriots as they got their first taste of Eastern League football against the Marauders of Mira Mesa. The Marauders dominated the game beating our Patriots 40-14.
To say we have some work to fix some of our leaks is an understatement. But there were several bright spots worth mentioning. First, our quarterback play has improved immensely. Austin Hester, Nick Kelly and Kyle Connor managed the offense and for the most part, handled the blitz pressure of Mira Mesa.
We finally had the chance to use our Wide Receivers and we had good plays from Dimitri Jones, Charles Lee, Johnny Aguirre and Charles Tyler. David Ringgold ran well from the FB position.
Defense had a tough time. But the one thing I am proud of is that none of our players quit. They played hard and competed to the very end. That is all I can ask out of our players. I tell them all the time, in life you have to compete. That is all I want from them. Compete! And they did.
I just watched the film of our game and I could hear the audio of our fans during the taping of the game. I want to thank all of you parents, families and friends that attended the game yesterday. You folks were great and positive and I cannot thank you all enough for your support! You parents rock!
To say we have some work to fix some of our leaks is an understatement. But there were several bright spots worth mentioning. First, our quarterback play has improved immensely. Austin Hester, Nick Kelly and Kyle Connor managed the offense and for the most part, handled the blitz pressure of Mira Mesa.
We finally had the chance to use our Wide Receivers and we had good plays from Dimitri Jones, Charles Lee, Johnny Aguirre and Charles Tyler. David Ringgold ran well from the FB position.
Defense had a tough time. But the one thing I am proud of is that none of our players quit. They played hard and competed to the very end. That is all I can ask out of our players. I tell them all the time, in life you have to compete. That is all I want from them. Compete! And they did.
I just watched the film of our game and I could hear the audio of our fans during the taping of the game. I want to thank all of you parents, families and friends that attended the game yesterday. You folks were great and positive and I cannot thank you all enough for your support! You parents rock!
Tuesday, October 13, 2009
Parent Behavior at Bonita Game
I'm sure by now, most of you have heard there was an incident involving several parents that were in an altercation after the game at Bonita Vista last Thursday. It is a black eye that we as a program had to deal with since last week.
My Chain of Command, starting with Vice Principal Jim Good, Athletic Director Jack Lococo and Varsity Head Coach Mike Martinez have all looked into the matter and have determined a course of action against one of the parents involved. The discipline action is between my bosses and the above mentioned parent. That parent has written me a letter of apology and has deep remorse for their actions after the game. Suffice it to say, the matter has been handled and is now closed.
The following is a reminder to all parents and players of Patrick Henry Football and the CIF Contract they all signed:
A. Comply with the six pillars and 16 Principles of the Pursuing Victory with Honor program.
B. Be courteous at all times with school officials, opponents, game officials, and spectators.
C. Exercise self-control.
D. Know all rules of the contest of CIF State and the CIFSDS and agree to follow the rules.
E. Show respect for self, players, officials, coaches, and spectators.
F. Refrain from the use of foul and/or abusive language at all times.
G. Respect the integrity and judgment of game officials.
As the Head Coach of the Freshman Football team, I assume the responsibility of the actions and behavior of all players, coaches, parents and spectators of the Freshman Football Team. Failure to follow the above listed rules will result in:
Athlete: Ineligibility for participation in CIF-San Diego Section athletics.
Coach: Restricted from coaching in CIF-San Diego Section contests.
Parent: Prohibition/Removal from attendance at CIF or CIFSDS event.
I will enforce these rules. I expect all my parents to comply. I do not want anymore incidents detracting from the focus of this team. I am trying to build men for others. I need the help of all parents to lead by example and to follow the rules listed above.
My Chain of Command, starting with Vice Principal Jim Good, Athletic Director Jack Lococo and Varsity Head Coach Mike Martinez have all looked into the matter and have determined a course of action against one of the parents involved. The discipline action is between my bosses and the above mentioned parent. That parent has written me a letter of apology and has deep remorse for their actions after the game. Suffice it to say, the matter has been handled and is now closed.
The following is a reminder to all parents and players of Patrick Henry Football and the CIF Contract they all signed:
A. Comply with the six pillars and 16 Principles of the Pursuing Victory with Honor program.
B. Be courteous at all times with school officials, opponents, game officials, and spectators.
C. Exercise self-control.
D. Know all rules of the contest of CIF State and the CIFSDS and agree to follow the rules.
E. Show respect for self, players, officials, coaches, and spectators.
F. Refrain from the use of foul and/or abusive language at all times.
G. Respect the integrity and judgment of game officials.
As the Head Coach of the Freshman Football team, I assume the responsibility of the actions and behavior of all players, coaches, parents and spectators of the Freshman Football Team. Failure to follow the above listed rules will result in:
Athlete: Ineligibility for participation in CIF-San Diego Section athletics.
Coach: Restricted from coaching in CIF-San Diego Section contests.
Parent: Prohibition/Removal from attendance at CIF or CIFSDS event.
I will enforce these rules. I expect all my parents to comply. I do not want anymore incidents detracting from the focus of this team. I am trying to build men for others. I need the help of all parents to lead by example and to follow the rules listed above.
Sunday, October 11, 2009
False Masculinity Part 2 and Anthony Murdock
We live in a society where men aren't allowed to show their emotions in public. It's against the "Man-law" to show emotion and compassion. It is frowned upon if a man sheds tears during a emotionally trying times or in times of great joy and jubilation. I do not subscribe to that line of thinking.
We all have been raised and nurtured by our parents and have been taught lessons of love. We are all "mama's boys" in one way or another. (Why do you see athletes saying "Hi mom!" when they are on TV?) Our mothers take care of us when we are sick, they cook for us, they help us with homework, they get us to our games and practices and teach us compassion.
But somewhere in the timeline of life, society has passed it onto men that it is not cool to show compassion or even worse, you are weak if you shed a tear. We play football and we have to be macho-men and tough it out. Society asks us to disconnect our heart from our mind.
I am teaching our players the opposite. Please understand, I do not advocate the whiny temper tantrum outbursts type of crying. I still expect our players to be mentally and physically tough. What I am saying is that in times where emotions touch your heart, don't turn that emotion off. It is part of your make-up as a person and a man.
I am a very emotional person. I am compassionate about what I do with my life, with my family and at my work. The Freshman Head Coach at Hilltop, Mike Sweet, is a former assistant of mine. He calls me Dick Vermeil (former NFL coach of the Eagles, Rams and Chiefs) because I get very emotional when I talk to my players. I admit it. When it comes to matters of the heart, my voice cracks, tears well up and I cry. It is part of my make-up as a person. It doesn't make me any less of a man.
I let our players know it's OK to feel these emotions. It's OK to feel matters of the heart. It's OK to show compassion. These are not signs of weakness in a man. Instead, these are signs of strength from within. We are teaching our players to love one another. Our goals for our players are long term. What kind of son will he be? What kind of loving husband and father will he be? Will he be a productive member in society? I lead by example and our players see it all first hand.
Yesterday, about 30 players and parents got together to visit Anthony Murdoch at his home to present him with the poster we made and signed. But before we left to go to the Murdock home, I gave our players a lesson about connecting the heart and mind. I spoke to them about emotions and compassion and they all listened closely to what I was preaching to them. They all looked me in the eye as I explained to them about 'False Masculinity' and tears welled up in my eyes as I became emotional about Anthony.
We loaded up the cars with players and headed to the Murdock home. We met Anthony's father, Rob Murdock outside the home. We formulated a plan to surprise Anthony. All he knew was that some of the coaches were going to stop by and see him. He had no idea players and parents were going to be there.
Coaches Pankow, Bushardt, Armenta and I went into the house to see Anthony. His face lit up and I could see he was happy to see us. We spoke about how he was doing and we spoke about the pain he was in.
About a minute into our conversation, our players got together in the Murdock front yard and began clapping to begin the "Patriot jumping jacks". I opened the front door and Anthony could see out into the front yard where his team was. The look on his face was priceless. First was shock, followed by surprise ending tears of joy.
It was a very emotional presentation and all that were present were touched. It was a small token of our appreciation for all that Anthony has to go through. Rob Murdock wanted to thank all the coaches, players and parents for coming by. He was touched by our concern for his son.
I want to thank all the parents that helped out in transportation to Anthony's house. I also want to thank Annemarie Lococo-Mineo taking photos of the visit and her brother Nick Lococo for posting them on the web for us. I have attached the web site below for you all to see the photos.
http://gallery.me.com/nicklococophoto#100064
We all have been raised and nurtured by our parents and have been taught lessons of love. We are all "mama's boys" in one way or another. (Why do you see athletes saying "Hi mom!" when they are on TV?) Our mothers take care of us when we are sick, they cook for us, they help us with homework, they get us to our games and practices and teach us compassion.
But somewhere in the timeline of life, society has passed it onto men that it is not cool to show compassion or even worse, you are weak if you shed a tear. We play football and we have to be macho-men and tough it out. Society asks us to disconnect our heart from our mind.
I am teaching our players the opposite. Please understand, I do not advocate the whiny temper tantrum outbursts type of crying. I still expect our players to be mentally and physically tough. What I am saying is that in times where emotions touch your heart, don't turn that emotion off. It is part of your make-up as a person and a man.
I am a very emotional person. I am compassionate about what I do with my life, with my family and at my work. The Freshman Head Coach at Hilltop, Mike Sweet, is a former assistant of mine. He calls me Dick Vermeil (former NFL coach of the Eagles, Rams and Chiefs) because I get very emotional when I talk to my players. I admit it. When it comes to matters of the heart, my voice cracks, tears well up and I cry. It is part of my make-up as a person. It doesn't make me any less of a man.
I let our players know it's OK to feel these emotions. It's OK to feel matters of the heart. It's OK to show compassion. These are not signs of weakness in a man. Instead, these are signs of strength from within. We are teaching our players to love one another. Our goals for our players are long term. What kind of son will he be? What kind of loving husband and father will he be? Will he be a productive member in society? I lead by example and our players see it all first hand.
Yesterday, about 30 players and parents got together to visit Anthony Murdoch at his home to present him with the poster we made and signed. But before we left to go to the Murdock home, I gave our players a lesson about connecting the heart and mind. I spoke to them about emotions and compassion and they all listened closely to what I was preaching to them. They all looked me in the eye as I explained to them about 'False Masculinity' and tears welled up in my eyes as I became emotional about Anthony.
We loaded up the cars with players and headed to the Murdock home. We met Anthony's father, Rob Murdock outside the home. We formulated a plan to surprise Anthony. All he knew was that some of the coaches were going to stop by and see him. He had no idea players and parents were going to be there.
Coaches Pankow, Bushardt, Armenta and I went into the house to see Anthony. His face lit up and I could see he was happy to see us. We spoke about how he was doing and we spoke about the pain he was in.
About a minute into our conversation, our players got together in the Murdock front yard and began clapping to begin the "Patriot jumping jacks". I opened the front door and Anthony could see out into the front yard where his team was. The look on his face was priceless. First was shock, followed by surprise ending tears of joy.
It was a very emotional presentation and all that were present were touched. It was a small token of our appreciation for all that Anthony has to go through. Rob Murdock wanted to thank all the coaches, players and parents for coming by. He was touched by our concern for his son.
I want to thank all the parents that helped out in transportation to Anthony's house. I also want to thank Annemarie Lococo-Mineo taking photos of the visit and her brother Nick Lococo for posting them on the web for us. I have attached the web site below for you all to see the photos.
http://gallery.me.com/nicklococophoto#100064
Friday, October 9, 2009
PHHS 0 Bonita Vista 16
The Barons of Bonita Vista beat our Patriots 16-0 yesterday. It was a hard hitting defensive game and a valuable learning experience for our young men. I could see it in the players eyes after the game that the loss weighed heavily on them and they cared about their performance.
Our defense was on the field for a long time and the Barons wore them down physically. Other than the offense giving the Barons a short field for them to score a TD, the defense played a "bend but don't break" style between the 20s and tightened up in the red zone.
Robert Hammond and Tucker Caddy played outstanding and had great games from the linebacker positions.
Offense was anemic to say the least. The adjustments I made during the game were not good enough and it limited Coach Pankow's play list and his ability to call plays. We had mental mistakes and the bottom line was I did not have the offense as prepared as they should be.
Just so we are clear, it is my responsibility to prepare the team and I came up short this week against Bonita Vista. We will fix the problem and we will be ready for the mighty Marauders for Mira Mesa High School.
Our defense was on the field for a long time and the Barons wore them down physically. Other than the offense giving the Barons a short field for them to score a TD, the defense played a "bend but don't break" style between the 20s and tightened up in the red zone.
Robert Hammond and Tucker Caddy played outstanding and had great games from the linebacker positions.
Offense was anemic to say the least. The adjustments I made during the game were not good enough and it limited Coach Pankow's play list and his ability to call plays. We had mental mistakes and the bottom line was I did not have the offense as prepared as they should be.
Just so we are clear, it is my responsibility to prepare the team and I came up short this week against Bonita Vista. We will fix the problem and we will be ready for the mighty Marauders for Mira Mesa High School.
Wednesday, October 7, 2009
Tutoring Session Available This Saturday
Coach Pankow has taken the lead and has organized a group of upper class men (and women) at PHHS to assist students and offer tutoring. (As Coach Armenta would say, "I guess that makes Coach Pankow the Head of Player Personnel and Development")
We will be holding a tutoring session this coming Saturday (10/7/09) in room 500 starting at 8:30 am in the morning. Subjects will include Physics, Algebra I and II, English and I will offer to help out in Spanish I. (Yes, I do speak Spanish) The tutoring session will end at 10:30.
This is a voluntary session and any member of the Freshmen Football team is invited to attend if they need help. We want to help as many players as we can before the next progress report.
Warning: This is a invitation for those who are serious about getting help in their studies. If anyone is creating a disturbance or not taking this session serious, they will be asked to leave.
We will be holding a tutoring session this coming Saturday (10/7/09) in room 500 starting at 8:30 am in the morning. Subjects will include Physics, Algebra I and II, English and I will offer to help out in Spanish I. (Yes, I do speak Spanish) The tutoring session will end at 10:30.
This is a voluntary session and any member of the Freshmen Football team is invited to attend if they need help. We want to help as many players as we can before the next progress report.
Warning: This is a invitation for those who are serious about getting help in their studies. If anyone is creating a disturbance or not taking this session serious, they will be asked to leave.
Tuesday, October 6, 2009
Follow-up on Anthony Murdock
Anthony Murdock was the running back that injured his knee against Hilltop a couple of weeks ago. The preliminary diagnosis was that he broke his leg (right tibia) and that he tore his ACL.
I have spoken to the players and I told them the severity of the injury. I told the players about the injury and some have taken the news very hard. I asked them to keep Anthony in their thoughts and prayers.
Well today was his surgery and the doctors found it was worse than they thought. Not only was the ACL torn, but the MCL was also torn. A segment from the top of the tibia broke off the bone that was the size of a large coin. The doctors had a hard time resetting the bone and a gap was left between the fragment and the tibia.
The doctor told Anthony's father, Rob Murdoch, recovery is going to take a long time. In all my years involved in sports, both as a player and as a coach, I have never seen an injury like this.
Thanks to Nick Lococo, our team photographer, I found a neat photo of Anthony scoring a touchdown against Hilltop before he got injured. I took a copy of it to Kinkos and had made into a poster with a border all around the edge. Today, I had all the players sign the poster and I returned it to Kinkos to have the poster laminated. The players all took pride in signing the poster for Anthony.
Rob called me and I asked if we as a team could stop by to visit Anthony and present the poster in the hopes it would lift his spirits. He said yes and that it was a great idea. I am planning to go the Murdock home this coming Saturday (10/10/09) and I might need help with transportation.
The Murdocks live on Crawford St. in Allied Gardens and I am thinking of meeting at PHHS at 10:30 am. We will stop by for a brief visit and then return back to PHHS. If you are able to help out with transportation, please call me on my cell or e-mail me at ldailey@pd.sandiego.gov.
I don't have a head count at this time. But as soon as I find out, I will let you all know. Thanks and please keep Anthony and his family in your prayers.
I have spoken to the players and I told them the severity of the injury. I told the players about the injury and some have taken the news very hard. I asked them to keep Anthony in their thoughts and prayers.
Well today was his surgery and the doctors found it was worse than they thought. Not only was the ACL torn, but the MCL was also torn. A segment from the top of the tibia broke off the bone that was the size of a large coin. The doctors had a hard time resetting the bone and a gap was left between the fragment and the tibia.
The doctor told Anthony's father, Rob Murdoch, recovery is going to take a long time. In all my years involved in sports, both as a player and as a coach, I have never seen an injury like this.
Thanks to Nick Lococo, our team photographer, I found a neat photo of Anthony scoring a touchdown against Hilltop before he got injured. I took a copy of it to Kinkos and had made into a poster with a border all around the edge. Today, I had all the players sign the poster and I returned it to Kinkos to have the poster laminated. The players all took pride in signing the poster for Anthony.
Rob called me and I asked if we as a team could stop by to visit Anthony and present the poster in the hopes it would lift his spirits. He said yes and that it was a great idea. I am planning to go the Murdock home this coming Saturday (10/10/09) and I might need help with transportation.
The Murdocks live on Crawford St. in Allied Gardens and I am thinking of meeting at PHHS at 10:30 am. We will stop by for a brief visit and then return back to PHHS. If you are able to help out with transportation, please call me on my cell or e-mail me at ldailey@pd.sandiego.gov.
I don't have a head count at this time. But as soon as I find out, I will let you all know. Thanks and please keep Anthony and his family in your prayers.
Coaching Parents Up (Part 2)
My Blog 'Coaching Up Parents' (10/5) apparently struck a nerve with a many parents, coaches and administrators. I have received numerous e-mails from parents expressing their disappointment in the people complaining about the Freshman Football program. As one mother said, "I can't possibly fathom what in the world parents are complaining about and quite frankly don't want to know."
AMEN! I appreciate all the support you folks have given us as a staff and appreciate your trust in me to do the right thing and help raise "Men for others". Thank you, thank you, thank you!
I'm a cop and I know how to handle confrontation. All the e-mails I have received relayed messages of support and asked me not to get down over the complaining from a few. To you folks, thank you and I am doing fine.
To you folks that want to complain about anything and everything, you might want to keep your opinion to yourself. Because the parents that support us are looking to see who you are!
On a final note, I'm new to the whole Blog thing and apparently I blocked the ability for you folks to post comments on the Blog. In a way, I'm glad it's blocked because I don't have to monitor the Blog and manage it. I know there are many of you out there that want to express your displeasure with the "minority", and put it on record. To you, I say thank you. But it's just easier for me to post information to you and not have to manage the Blog.
AMEN! I appreciate all the support you folks have given us as a staff and appreciate your trust in me to do the right thing and help raise "Men for others". Thank you, thank you, thank you!
I'm a cop and I know how to handle confrontation. All the e-mails I have received relayed messages of support and asked me not to get down over the complaining from a few. To you folks, thank you and I am doing fine.
To you folks that want to complain about anything and everything, you might want to keep your opinion to yourself. Because the parents that support us are looking to see who you are!
On a final note, I'm new to the whole Blog thing and apparently I blocked the ability for you folks to post comments on the Blog. In a way, I'm glad it's blocked because I don't have to monitor the Blog and manage it. I know there are many of you out there that want to express your displeasure with the "minority", and put it on record. To you, I say thank you. But it's just easier for me to post information to you and not have to manage the Blog.
Patriot Gear to be Sold Wednesday 10/7/09
There have been questions by parents asking when we were going to sell Patriot Football Gear for the parents. Well, your day has come.
Booster Club President Rich Owen, Coach Pankow and his wife Jill will be football stadium's home side snack bar on Wednesday 10/7/09 after practice (around 3:30 pm) to sell Patriot Football Gear to our fans and family members.
Hooded sweat shirts, sweat pants, t-shirts and shorts are for sale. Stop by and gear up!
Booster Club President Rich Owen, Coach Pankow and his wife Jill will be football stadium's home side snack bar on Wednesday 10/7/09 after practice (around 3:30 pm) to sell Patriot Football Gear to our fans and family members.
Hooded sweat shirts, sweat pants, t-shirts and shorts are for sale. Stop by and gear up!
Monday, October 5, 2009
Coaching Parents Up
I'm not happy today. I didn't sleep well last night because I was bothered by a few of our parents. This Blog is for those of you that are in the minority, the ones that feel the need to complain about anything and everthing...
On Saturday afternoon, I had a parent pass on the word that several freshman parents were not happy about this or not happy about that. Yesterday my boss, Coach Martinez, called me to say another freshman parent called him to complain about the Freshman program.
HELLO??? Aren't we 4-0? Aren't we building men for others? Aren't we teaching our players to compete in life? Isn't everybody playing? Aren't we taking kids that have never played football before in their lives and having them play at a high level? Aren't we teaching our players prioritizing core values such a Faith, Family, School and then Football?
We don't abuse our players. We don't use profanity. We don't demean our players. Instead, we value them as people and treat them as men. And that is all they want. Everybody wants to feel that they are valued and an intrugal part of a community. That is what we do.
I am very confident and I am very good at what I do. My job as the Freshman Head Coach is to coach the coaches, coach the players, build men for others and introduce parents to high school athletics. I try to make the experience a positive one for all involved. It is my hope that parents will understand and trust what the coaches are doing or the decisions we make are in the best interest of the team, the program and for the athlete.
As a parent of two former student athletes, I know how you folks feel when you have to rely on the coaches that have your children. But I had to LET GO and trust the coaches and support their decisions. I was lucky to have excellent Head Coaches in Thom Lubic, Page Culver and Larry Rinehart while my sons as they attended Monte Vista HS. I didn't always agree with them or what they did, but I trusted their decision making and how they ran their teams.
As a parent, I made myself available to my sons to voice their concerns, to give them insight from the coach's point of view and to love them up. I supported the Football and Baseball programs at Monte Vista as a parent volunteer and booster club member. That was it. My role defined as a parent.
Parents, I'm taking this opportunity to 'coach you up' on how to be the parent of a student athlete in high school. Listen to your sons. Love them up and support them. That's all I can ask of all my parents. Trust me... I know what I am talking about and we can work together and have a good time doing it.
On Saturday afternoon, I had a parent pass on the word that several freshman parents were not happy about this or not happy about that. Yesterday my boss, Coach Martinez, called me to say another freshman parent called him to complain about the Freshman program.
HELLO??? Aren't we 4-0? Aren't we building men for others? Aren't we teaching our players to compete in life? Isn't everybody playing? Aren't we taking kids that have never played football before in their lives and having them play at a high level? Aren't we teaching our players prioritizing core values such a Faith, Family, School and then Football?
We don't abuse our players. We don't use profanity. We don't demean our players. Instead, we value them as people and treat them as men. And that is all they want. Everybody wants to feel that they are valued and an intrugal part of a community. That is what we do.
I am very confident and I am very good at what I do. My job as the Freshman Head Coach is to coach the coaches, coach the players, build men for others and introduce parents to high school athletics. I try to make the experience a positive one for all involved. It is my hope that parents will understand and trust what the coaches are doing or the decisions we make are in the best interest of the team, the program and for the athlete.
As a parent of two former student athletes, I know how you folks feel when you have to rely on the coaches that have your children. But I had to LET GO and trust the coaches and support their decisions. I was lucky to have excellent Head Coaches in Thom Lubic, Page Culver and Larry Rinehart while my sons as they attended Monte Vista HS. I didn't always agree with them or what they did, but I trusted their decision making and how they ran their teams.
As a parent, I made myself available to my sons to voice their concerns, to give them insight from the coach's point of view and to love them up. I supported the Football and Baseball programs at Monte Vista as a parent volunteer and booster club member. That was it. My role defined as a parent.
Parents, I'm taking this opportunity to 'coach you up' on how to be the parent of a student athlete in high school. Listen to your sons. Love them up and support them. That's all I can ask of all my parents. Trust me... I know what I am talking about and we can work together and have a good time doing it.
Sunday, October 4, 2009
Where Will I Coach Next Year?
This question has been asked by players and parents alike. Some are hoping that I will remain with this group of men and coach the JV next year.
Well, that's not going to happen. I'm happy to be back home at Patrick Henry HS. I am an alum, a former player, a former coach and I am coaching in my 'Dream Job' as the Freshman Head coach.
I have two young daughters at home and the Freshman job isn't as time intensive as the JV or Varsity jobs. It allows me to coach and still be home for my daughters. For that reason alone, I want to coach Freshman football.
But there is more to it than that. As a police officer, I want to steer our young men in the right direction in life. As a mentor, I want to teach our players how to be a man and to build men for others. As a coach, I want to teach our players to compete at the highest level and make a contribution to the Varsity program. And as an alumni, I want to see the football program return to where it was when I went to school: We were in the CIF playoffs every year.
I take all these blank canvases and turn them into men and football players. This is my place in society and I am happy with it.
Well, that's not going to happen. I'm happy to be back home at Patrick Henry HS. I am an alum, a former player, a former coach and I am coaching in my 'Dream Job' as the Freshman Head coach.
I have two young daughters at home and the Freshman job isn't as time intensive as the JV or Varsity jobs. It allows me to coach and still be home for my daughters. For that reason alone, I want to coach Freshman football.
But there is more to it than that. As a police officer, I want to steer our young men in the right direction in life. As a mentor, I want to teach our players how to be a man and to build men for others. As a coach, I want to teach our players to compete at the highest level and make a contribution to the Varsity program. And as an alumni, I want to see the football program return to where it was when I went to school: We were in the CIF playoffs every year.
I take all these blank canvases and turn them into men and football players. This is my place in society and I am happy with it.
Progress Reports are Coming
Progress reports will be out in two weeks. As a precautionary measure, I have sent out pink progress reports to several of our player to forecast their grades (The pinks are mini progress reports). Some of the players on the team have not returned the pinks back to me. I'm not going to hound the players for those pinks. I am treating them like young men and I leave it to them to be responsible enough to return those grades to me.
If they want help with their grades, we can set up tutors for them. But if they wish to ignore the pinks and ignore a potential grade that could make them ineligible, well that is the consequence they are willing to take on.
Teachers have been meeting with and e-mailing me in regards to players that are having serious problems in class. I have met with the players in question and I have met with some of the parents to inform them of the player's performance in class.
As a reminder, we emphasize our priorities in life: Faith, Family, School and then Football. Furthermore, the CIF minimum GPA is 2.0 Scholastically and in Citizenship.
If a student-athlete becomes ineligible due to grades, I WILL CUT THEM FROM THE TEAM. That is my policy and the policy of my boss, Coach Martinez. And this subject is NOT open for debate. Life is about performance. Either you meet the requirements or you don't. These are strong lessons our young men and I hope they all remain on our team.
If they want help with their grades, we can set up tutors for them. But if they wish to ignore the pinks and ignore a potential grade that could make them ineligible, well that is the consequence they are willing to take on.
Teachers have been meeting with and e-mailing me in regards to players that are having serious problems in class. I have met with the players in question and I have met with some of the parents to inform them of the player's performance in class.
As a reminder, we emphasize our priorities in life: Faith, Family, School and then Football. Furthermore, the CIF minimum GPA is 2.0 Scholastically and in Citizenship.
If a student-athlete becomes ineligible due to grades, I WILL CUT THEM FROM THE TEAM. That is my policy and the policy of my boss, Coach Martinez. And this subject is NOT open for debate. Life is about performance. Either you meet the requirements or you don't. These are strong lessons our young men and I hope they all remain on our team.
Saturday, October 3, 2009
We Are Losing Players
I am sure some of you parents have heard my post game speeches where I give credit to the team, coaching staff and fans after a win. I always conclude with the following: "Take care of yourselves and no jumping off of buildings, no diving into shallow pools and no setting your hair on fire over the weekend."
The players get a chuckle or two because they now I'm exaggerating a bit. But in reality, I couldn't be closer to the truth!
Last weekend we lost a player for the remainder of the year due to a compound fracture of his forearm while skateboarding. I got a call from a mother this evening telling me her son broke his foot jumping off a cliff. Both players were upset because they knew their season was over and in talking to both sets of parents, they mentioned my warnings were not looking forward to explaining their injuries to me.
Accidents happen. It's not the end of the world but I am hoping to pass on some accountability to our young men. I am not expecting you parents to put your sons in a bubble, I just want them to make sound decisions based on thinking of the team.
A player called me Thursday night and asked if he could participate in the 'Open Gym' (open to play basketball) session at PHHS. The player said he wants to play basketball. I could have been a dictator and said, "Absolutely not! There is no way you should be playing basketball!"
Instead, I took a different and mature approach to the question. I said, "I leave the decision to you. I will treat you like a man and let you make a man size decision. You can play and have a good time at open gym. But if you get hurt rolling your ankle, you won't be letting me down. You will be letting down your team, your brothers. So you do what you feel is important."
I saw that player the next day and he said he did not go. I asked why he didn't go. His father said that was my way of saying no!
Well, yes. It was my way of saying no. But I really want to teach our players to be accountable not only for themselves, but to think of the team too.
The players get a chuckle or two because they now I'm exaggerating a bit. But in reality, I couldn't be closer to the truth!
Last weekend we lost a player for the remainder of the year due to a compound fracture of his forearm while skateboarding. I got a call from a mother this evening telling me her son broke his foot jumping off a cliff. Both players were upset because they knew their season was over and in talking to both sets of parents, they mentioned my warnings were not looking forward to explaining their injuries to me.
Accidents happen. It's not the end of the world but I am hoping to pass on some accountability to our young men. I am not expecting you parents to put your sons in a bubble, I just want them to make sound decisions based on thinking of the team.
A player called me Thursday night and asked if he could participate in the 'Open Gym' (open to play basketball) session at PHHS. The player said he wants to play basketball. I could have been a dictator and said, "Absolutely not! There is no way you should be playing basketball!"
Instead, I took a different and mature approach to the question. I said, "I leave the decision to you. I will treat you like a man and let you make a man size decision. You can play and have a good time at open gym. But if you get hurt rolling your ankle, you won't be letting me down. You will be letting down your team, your brothers. So you do what you feel is important."
I saw that player the next day and he said he did not go. I asked why he didn't go. His father said that was my way of saying no!
Well, yes. It was my way of saying no. But I really want to teach our players to be accountable not only for themselves, but to think of the team too.
Thursday, October 1, 2009
PHHS 29 Hoover 6
The Freshman Football team went to Hoover High School and played the most complete game of the year by beating the Cardinals 29-6. It was a complete game for one reason. It was the effort of the entire team. The offense, defense, special teams, entire roster, the fans and the coaching staff all contributed to the win against the Hoover Cardinals.
The game started with a punt return by Travonne Pollard for a touchdown putting the Patriots up 7-0. After the ensuing kickoff, the Cardinals worked the ball down the field and scored on a long drive. The defense tightened up and prevented a two point conversion. Those were the last points the Cardinals would have the rest of the afternoon.
The Patriots almost went the whole 1st Quarter without running an offensive play. After Hoover kicked off, it took the Patriot offense 3 plays to score another TD with a run by Lee King. King would score another TD later in the quarter.
With four seconds left in the half, the Patriots recovered a fumble on the Hoover 5 yard line. Robert Hammond converted a 22 yard field goal.
In the second half, the Patriot offense showed it's toughness by running the ball. RB Khalid Barnes barrelled over defenders as he did his best to imitate former Steeler RB Jerome "The Bus" Bettis. This was Khalid's best game of the year. "The wheels on the bus go round and round..."
Special teams showed up again with a punt that was downed at the 1 yard line by Robert Luciano. That coverage play led to a safety for the defense when SS Brandon Salgado tackled a Hoover ball carrier in the endzone.
In the 4th quarter, DL Andre Mosely recovered a fumble and Duantonio Allen intercepted a pass and returned it to the Hoover 1 yard line. Unfortunately, he was stripped of the ball and Hoover recovered at the 1 yard line. Fortune changed again as the Patriot defense came through with another safety.
After the safety, both teams were flagged for unsportsmanlike conduct. I circled the troops and reminded them to keep their composure and to walk away from confrontation. Our players responded well and kept their cool for the remainder of the game.
It truly was a team effort. I never tell the kids "I want to win". All I want for them to do is to compete. And they do. They never give up, they always give their best effort and the winning is all the fruits of their labor. You parents and family members should be proud of your young men. It is a testament to you and the way you raise our players.
GO PATRIOTS!!
The game started with a punt return by Travonne Pollard for a touchdown putting the Patriots up 7-0. After the ensuing kickoff, the Cardinals worked the ball down the field and scored on a long drive. The defense tightened up and prevented a two point conversion. Those were the last points the Cardinals would have the rest of the afternoon.
The Patriots almost went the whole 1st Quarter without running an offensive play. After Hoover kicked off, it took the Patriot offense 3 plays to score another TD with a run by Lee King. King would score another TD later in the quarter.
With four seconds left in the half, the Patriots recovered a fumble on the Hoover 5 yard line. Robert Hammond converted a 22 yard field goal.
In the second half, the Patriot offense showed it's toughness by running the ball. RB Khalid Barnes barrelled over defenders as he did his best to imitate former Steeler RB Jerome "The Bus" Bettis. This was Khalid's best game of the year. "The wheels on the bus go round and round..."
Special teams showed up again with a punt that was downed at the 1 yard line by Robert Luciano. That coverage play led to a safety for the defense when SS Brandon Salgado tackled a Hoover ball carrier in the endzone.
In the 4th quarter, DL Andre Mosely recovered a fumble and Duantonio Allen intercepted a pass and returned it to the Hoover 1 yard line. Unfortunately, he was stripped of the ball and Hoover recovered at the 1 yard line. Fortune changed again as the Patriot defense came through with another safety.
After the safety, both teams were flagged for unsportsmanlike conduct. I circled the troops and reminded them to keep their composure and to walk away from confrontation. Our players responded well and kept their cool for the remainder of the game.
It truly was a team effort. I never tell the kids "I want to win". All I want for them to do is to compete. And they do. They never give up, they always give their best effort and the winning is all the fruits of their labor. You parents and family members should be proud of your young men. It is a testament to you and the way you raise our players.
GO PATRIOTS!!
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