Our team played a great game Friday night getting through the mud and those horrible weather conditions at Blair Field. We would not have been able to perform like that, in those conditions, unless we experienced what we did at Columbus East earlier this season. It prepared a few new formations, but most importantly, the value of not committing turnovers in a game with those conditions. We played a field position game and probably punted more in this game than any other. Our defense fell asleep a time or too which helped them stay in contention. Once again, we played 4 quarters and did not panic when they took the lead early in the 3rd quarter. With 6 minutes to go, it was nice to have the 3 point lead and the ball. We had good field position, and then Allen had an unbelievable run before the most entertaining timeout of the year! Hines does a pretty good re-enactment of his Head Coaches reaction as he performed it for all to see Saturday. I have to laugh at myself too, but they know how passionate I can get with the stakes so high. I expect nothing but perfection and total focus throughout this Championship week in practice. Let’s get 3 solid days of work this week boys, and remember what we are playing for Friday Night.

The schedule this week will be somewhat different. We will practice Mon- Tues-Wed from 3-5:30. On Tuesday we will not have Academic Practice this week. Wednesday, I believe we are eating Chicken from Texas Roadhouse after practice before they go Trick or Treating. On Saturday, win or lose, we will not have practice as I expect to get home late from Evansville. On that note, all you “Old Timers” reading this note, you may not want to attend this game, as both teams throw the ball a great deal and the game will not even be close to over by 9:30. I expect to see the ball in the Air at least 35 times by both teams. The weather is going to be nice and DRY, DRY, DRY, DRY and Fridley is going to throw the ball great this Friday Night too!

This Saturday mornings practice was well attended like we expected. We heard about the schedule discussed above and talked in great length about the distractions and static outside the locker room. The importance of everyone being at practice, in uniform practicing all week is a must. Here we are boy’s, we made the most important goal that we set this season, play in November. This Friday, our mission will be half accomplished by 8 PM eastern time, Kickoff for the Sectional Final @ Castle. With the Sectional Championship in the wake, we need to have a great week of practice. It is obviously going to be a tough challenge going against an undefeated team. Based upon our statistical rating we are 20 point underdogs to the #9 ranked Castle Knights. At church today, I reminded everyone that we are playing an undefeated team, but I also said, “They Ain’t Played US yet!” We know we can to this, so remember to bring your “bodybags” for those “knights”!

The countdown till Friday Night Continues! Are We READY????