For all of the “old timers”, players, parents and the community we get another year to brag again on the second lopsided victory win in this grand old rivalry series. What a game it was, as I believe we played well on both offense and defense. Most may have noticed that we did not play well on special teams with the exception of extra point. Too many times the ball was dropped or not caught on returns. But the most embarrassing part was the blocked punt with 10 men on the field. This was definitely a coaching mistake in which we take all the blame, especially since we had all three time outs. We could have taken a delay of game which may have cost us 6 inches. This was a definite learning and teaching moment for us and for the team. I was proud of our emotion, throughout the game and afterwards. What a great way to celebrate Senior Night at Blair Field with lasting memories for all our outgoing seniors. Thanks for your commitment to our program.
Perspective on this week’s game in Columbus! It has been 15 years since Jeffersonville last won the HHC title in 1997. Most of our boys were still in diapers, some not even talking or walking and a few freshmen were not even born. I was an assistant coach at ST. X and had never been a Head Coach to date. It was the year I got married, as the boys saw us renew our vows in Lexington this summer on our anniversary. It’s been a long time since we have had a team like this one. I am sure the 2008-09 teams with Wright-Baker were fun to watch too, however this team is capable of doing GREAT things this year. Our potential has not been reached. We continue to get better and work on our entire game each week in practice. We continue to make changes and create new challenges for our opponents each week. We are blessed as coaches to have such a great, skilled and talented team. We must continue with the team approach we have maintained throughout this season. No one is bigger than the TEAM! In just a season and a half, we are competing for a Conference Championship on Friday night. This did not happen by chance. We have laid a foundation based on LOVE! These roots have crept into your homes and have created a “bond or unity” that cannot be breached. We have truly established where the “outside” has not affected the “inside of the UPPER ROOM on Friday Nights”! There is no greater JOY as a coach, than to see the bonding of a team, and the STRENGTH it posses, when the outside forces cannot ALTER the inside focus on the prize!
Parents, this is the week we have all been waiting for since we beat Floyd Central 63-15. You have wanted me to talk about it but I would not, until now. We have figured it would all come down to this game for the HHC Championship. Sometimes I have to pinch myself to make sure I am not dreaming of this moment! Just two years ago, as I stood on the sideline, I watched them score on their 1st offensive play and continue to roll to a 49-0 lead at halftime! Then Coach Gaddis showed what a class individual he is, and asked for a running clock for the Second Half, powerful. Last year, we took a great stride in playing to a score of 20-14, with possession of the ball and a chance to go ahead with less than 5 minutes remaining in the half! Two turnovers later we were down 33-14 at halftime. We must have come a long way to be in this position! How did this happen? Is it real? Are WE for real? If we beat the #1 team in 4A does that make us a winner? I think we will have the answers to many of these questions after the game on Friday night, but as for winner? We are ALL winners! We are beginning to birth a program that will continue to be at the top of the Conference consistently, and with the foundation we have built, look forward to the future. It’s amazing the challenges a Head Coach goes through daily. I am committed to grow the roots from the “seeds” we sowed last season. I am committed to the challenges that occur, both on the field and off, to the maintaining of a championship attitude! One that is built on “Love”, and servant leadership that has been provided structure and meaning to our boys. Thanks for letting me serve you in this role. I am truly honored to be called “Coach”!
As for Friday Night boys, the countdown continues….. We must wait till Friday to get the results! Those results will be earned Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday in practice. Let’s have a great week at practice so we can take advantage of this opportunity that lies ahead. This week is going to be great. No pressure on us at all, they are the 8 time reigning conference champions. If we lose, people we say “Told YA”! When we win, people will say “2012 HHC Champions!!!!! Let’s, Go To Work, Champs.