Can't get this group right...

Coach I'm there with ya. Going backwards in our season, just lost 43-7 tonight, and I don't think it was that close. Can't execute, can't tackle, can't block, can't catch. Actually had a kid fall down while running tonight.

I've been trying it all, and it seems like we're going backwards. We're practicing tomorrow, and I plan on wearing a helmet and shoulder pads, which is something I swore I'd never do. I'm going to make them hit if it kills me. It can't make us any worse

Call it a "rebuilding year" and just stay positive and coach up the kids who will listen. If you're having disciplinary problems, you're doing the right thing by suspending them; trust that holding a high standard and sticking with it will pay off for you down the line, because it will.


Also, find something to play for. Even if you're 0-8, some teams can come together if they have the chance to ruin someone's perfect season or keep a rival out of the playoffs, for example.

I'd turn it over to the underclassmen. Sounds like you have some pretty terrible senior leadership. The best teams I've coached have all had strong senior leaders and the worst ones have had the opposite. The seniors set the tone for the program. They cue the younger kids on how to practice, how to conduct themselves off of the field and on what is to be expected of a football player. Find your best 9th, 10th and 11th graders and focus on them. Don't worry about the results on the field or the parents who complain because you benched their (12th grade) son. I'd make it about next year starting now. Good luck, Coach...

Have you considered taking them away from football for a bit. For them to bond as a team they need to have shared positive experience. If this is not happening at training and during games then you need to create one somewhere else.

Paint ball, airsoft, a day rafting I don't know what the best thing for your players would be but you get the idea. Create the brotherhood away from football and you will gain the benefits on the field. I know we feel as coaches it shouldn't be needed and that the time spent training should be enough but sometimes it isn't. Never forget when dealing with kids that they are kids. Sometimes kids need to play and just have fun. Football can feel like very hard work when it's not working great so bring the fun in from somewhere else, at the very least it will give your team a positive memory of the season at the best it could be a turning point.

Have you thought about forming a leadership council and teaching leadership?

It must be the year. (Can you have a "full moon" year?)

After having our best season in a decade and working with the best group of players I've had in 25 years, we're following up with this year's group...the worst.

I've accepted that I cannot allow the seniors to be the leaders. I've told our coaches that we must be the leaders...we're more mature and stable (most days). We can gripe about the seniors but we must realize that if we wait on them it will be too late.

I've privately talked to some juniors and encouraged them "not to wait until you are a senior" but you can tell they are intimidated and influenced by the senior class.

It's amazing how little this class learned from it's predecessor, but like someone said: It's their character. Only they can change it.

My pastor preaches every Sunday. Those who listen and are motivated hear him. Those who don't are never changed. Same with our team.

At least I know I'm not the Lone Ranger.

That's why I love coachhuey.com