Update on New Job

Latest update:

Friday, we played the team who is currently undefeated (region play) and in first place in our region.

With 5:33 left to go in the game, we attempted a 2 point conversion down 20-18.  We were stopped at the goal line.

Ended up losing 27-18.

A few observations on the game from my perspective: 

1. We finally looked like a football team (for the most part)

2. We still make critical mistakes that cost us games

 - We get them in 4th & 15 in the first half on our side of the field (around the 30).  Their QB drops back, rolls slightly left, and our sophomore corner (40 yards away) comes off of his receiver because the QB is running.  Touchdown.

- We have a 4th and 6 at their 30, run a backside wheel that is WIDE OPEN.  I mean, there is no defender on that half of the field (frontside flood).  We throw to the post who is triple covered.  Turnover on Downs.

- Just under 4 minutes left, we have them in a 3rd & 9 on their own 20.  They throw a pick rub route (2 "slants" and an arrow). Our CB gets blocked but defeats it and is about to make a play... when our safety comes in and knocks our CB down while trying to make a play as well.  Kid runs 78 yards for a TD and the game is over.

We had just under 400 yds. total offense to their 320... and we played well for the most part.  Still, it is incredibly frustrating. 

We also had fires to deal with through the week and some of our kids families had to evacuate or move livestock... so we had some disruptions (nothing like the southeast and the hurricanes, but still an issue for us) and players who had to miss practice to take care of things at home.  Fortunately, the fires were eventually contained and by Wednesday we were kind of back to normal (for here).

Two weeks to go (unless we can put together two full games... then we may get another week).

Week 8 update:

The last time I coached against the team we played last night was in the 2020 state championship at my previous school.  We moved down, they moved up for 2-3 years and have had a few struggles.

They came in at 3-4 (1-2 in the region), but did beat what I think is the best team in our region.

We lead 20-14 at half AND received the second half kickoff.

We lost 20-28.

In the second half-

On our first series, we fumbled a snap for a loss of 12.  3rd & 16 isn't good for any offense... but it's debilitating for us. (We had 357 total yards on offense last night; 359 rushing).  We did get off a good punt in to the wind (only 3rd time we've punted from a regular punt formation this year- snap, kick, coverage -all good).

They scored to go up by 1

Next series we got a few first downs and then dropped another exchange (backup QB in now... not a huge drop off, different type player though) and lost 11 on that play.  Ended up punting again- same result.

Now down by 8 as it starts raining.

We have a nice drive of 65 yards.  2nd & 7 run a spin series counter which had been successful most of the night.  Blocked well, executed well- it looks like we could walk in to the end zone.  Our Wing slips in the backfield after getting the ball.  Loss of 2.

4th & 4.  Timeout.  All the guys want to run the same play- quick inside sweep (shovel pass... basically a single wing version of a counter trey/counter sweep).  We line up in the WRONG FORMATION (strength wise) though we discussed exactly what we were going to do.  Our tackle pulls, but he's on the wrong side and pulls away from the play (which we do sometimes... but sure as hell not here/now).  We gain 2.  Turnover on downs.  I didn't discover this SNAFU until I watched film this morning.

Defense finally gets a stop- they have a 4th & 14 from their own 15 and punt into the wind (which is dying down a bit now, but still noticeable).  We call for a fair catch at their 41.  The ball goes right through our returner's hands and they recovered it.

  

They get two first downs and run out the clock.

We are 0-4 in our region and basically are eliminated from post-season football.  The worst thing is we could easily be 3-1 and be playing for a home playoff game.

If there is a bright spot is is this:  Last week (lost 18-27) our players, parents, etc. were excited/happy about our good game.  The opposing team had outscored ours something like 180-13 in the previous 4 meetings.  We lost close, and were happy.

Last night while walking off with our center (junior- legit D2 prospect- possibly higher.  He's the only non-sophomore starter on our O-Line). I told him he "played well".  He said "Thanks coach.  I'm just tired of losing though.  We should have won this game."  That was the first time I heard anyone but myself (and maybe one other coach) talk like that.  It's a small step- but A step in the right direction.

We only have 3 seniors who are good players and good kids... but they have accepted losing.  I don't think our younger guys are willing to accept it any more.

For those playing tonight- good luck.