Hello Reader,
It's been a long while since I have posted in here so I have a lot to catch you up on. Firstly, I finally found another job. Yay! It was a long and tiresome road in this economy but I found a position at a staffing company. I like the company, the people that work there, and feel like it fits in path of my career.
I can't say it was easy.
There have been days I took naps in my car to save gas money. Changed clothes in my car like it was my personal sit down closet. I had to make a lot of sacrificies and go without certain things in order keep gas in the tank so I could get to work and practice. Living in Salem and working/playing football in Portland has been draining.
That being said I did have help. My teammates helped me in various ways which has really re-iterated the feeling I have they are like my other family. I honestly don't know how I was going for so long and I feel like God's timing was perfect for me.
I literally walked in for a temporary position one day, not really feeling like anything would come of it because the previous dozen times I had been close but hadn't gotten positions. It tends really hit your confidence. I was feeling extremely discouraged for being a college graduate, hard worker, good work history, bright, and driven. None of those attributes had seemed to matter when I kept placing 2nd after 3 rounds of interviews. I walked in that day not expecting anything. They liked me so much they recommended me for their internal opening and here I am. The timing was completely perfect.
This season has been a step back in the right direction for my team. We had a new coaching staff, new talent, and re-united our bond. We ended 5-3 overall this year and just short of the playoffs for the first time in 3 years which is pretty tough. We did make strides however and got better overall as well as fundamentally. I'm very proud of my teammates.
However, in the 3rd game in, I was delivered the blow of spraining my left MCL.
This was emotionally hard for me. I hadn't missed a game in 6 years of play and had been able to play through every injury I had. Until this one. My body just wouldn't work the way I wanted it to. I tried everything. Acupuncture, electrotherapy, physical therapy, epson salt baths, icing, heat, giving it rest, testing it, different braces...it gradually did get better but not at the pace I wanted.
Obviously, injuries are a part of football. It's the price of admission. But this injury I think taught me a few things. Firstly, you don't know how much you love it until its taken away. Secondly, mind over matter works but sometimes at slower paces. Thirdly, I'm very competitive and hate not playing. Fourth, all I can do is all I can do. Sometimes it just doesn't work the way you want it to.
The good news is...this has taken a fire I already have and ignited it ten fold. It will push me in the offseason. I will come back like a bat out of hell and a phoenix from the ashes.
Then again, this has been a pattern in my life. I'm constantly getting back up. It's probably why football is so ingrained in me. I already get knocked around in life and just get back up. I just refuse to stay down.
So here we go again. Back to the drawing board. Back to the gym. Back to the grind. Don't get me wrong. There will be plenty of fun times too.
Speaking of which...here are some highlights of fun from the 2012 season:
- Beating cross town rival Portland Shockwave when treated like the underdog
- Partying in Mel's condo in downtown portland for New Years
- Mel trying to run into traffic and fight random guys listening to ipods
- Cassie's Easter party with chocolate covered shots of alcohol
- Maddox wearing the "robe" and serenading people through windows
- Driving home from the Bay Area with Lauren and Ollie and listening to 2 hours straight of "baby making" music until Lauren got irritated that Ollie and I liked songs from the 90s, aka before Lauren's time, and then Lauren insisted we listen to the Backstreet boys, until Ollie and I vetoed profusely, and Lauren acted all offended.
- Denver and Salad taking care of me in the hotel room in the bay when I was sick. No joke. They brought me soup and nurse denver brought me ice for my elbow.
- Our several trips to Casa Diablo pre-season. Ashley not believing how crazy it is until she got there.
- Our linebacker meeting during which we used empty beer bottles as offensive and defensive players to go over coverages
- Watching Salad and Coach little Smythe give each other shit every practice
- Our many visits to Duffy's after practice. Well until Teters insisted to the very drunk annoying man that I was straight and needed drinks. At least I got us a free couple rounds...
-Driving home from Utah with T-Lo and Andy and attempting to walk into the bathroom in a race of who can walk the slowest with TLO (from being sore)
- Going out to the Moon in Utah and waking up not hungover at all because their alcohol is a lot less in content
- Jenna asking me to get on the stripper pole at the club and missing it and being upset she missed it
- Watching Teters and Terry start their own band on Mac's back porch
- Running over Gretchen the first practice so that she got air (welcome to football)
- Lauren losing her apartment key literally INSIDE my door and getting locked out. Staying at Asia's...then taking apart my door the next day to get the key
- Smuggling people from Utah across the border. Watching them drink Portland alcohol.
- Meeting someone from Utah
- Finally getting to play again the very last game and finding the endzone
- Listening to Big Smyth and Little Smythe bicker
- Feehan getting extra security checks at airports
- Vanaken and his habit for telling us to do things "with VIOLENCE!"
-
Auntie Asia saving the day several times
- Wilson and her "sprizing"
-
CJ coming to the game dressed as Rainbow
- CJ coming to the game dressed as Teters
- CJ coming to the game dressed as me
- Grundy never coming on time to anything. Has to be a record. It was actually impressive.
- Rainbow attempting to walk through plays with 2 cans of redbull. And she's the center and needs to handle the ball.
- Our 2 point conversion play of a no look backwards pass actually working
- Everything Mel's sister says
Here's to 2013!
Tuesday, June 26, 2012
Monday, November 7, 2011
Game of the Century?
As the LSU kicker lined up to try a chip shot in overtime I was excited. There had been 4 games I had been switching back and forth on: #1 LSU at #2 Alabama. #14 Kansas State @ #3 Oklahoma State. #9 South Carolina @ #7 Arkansas. And of course my #8 Ducks @ Washington. 4 games at once with huge national implications.
Due to the fact right now the NCAA speaks the motto "in the BCS we Trust," I was hoping that Kansas State would knock off Oklahoma State, South Carolina would knock of Arkansas, and of course that my Ducks would take care of business against hated rival Washington. The LSU vs. Alabama game was very hard to gaige in that I wasn't quite sure what outcome would be better from a Duck standpoint. The only Duck loss of the season was to LSU so certaintly the computers and pollsters would think more highly of us if that one loss was to the number 1 ranked team in the country. After much debate (even though I had switched to Alabama in my weekly college top 25 picks contest with my friend Joy), right before 5pm pacific time, I decided to pull for LSU. I thought Alabama had the better offense but LSU winning would benefit my team more.
Speaking of offense. What offense? This game between the number 1 and 2 teams in the country had a total of 5 field goals. But wait, there were numerous more attempts. Alabama was a lowly 2 for 6 kicking. SEC cheerleaders want to name this game an instant classic. Some are saying the game of the century. Really? Did you mean the 1900s? Because I'm pretty sure there was just as much offense as a hundred years ago.
Now I know these defenses are good. They are very good. Several of the defensive players on both teams will play in the NFL. I know this. But even in the SEC where defense is king and offense immulates the NFL in old school power football style, at least most of the time the SEC teams are able to put up at least 1 touchdown. At least 1.
If there weren't so many offensive miscues I would gladly chalk it up to a defensive pitches duel but you can't just ignore 2 for 6 field goals and poor decision making on offense. Just because the D deserves some credit doesn't mean the offenses are good. Even when LSU played Oregon I didn't think LSU's offense was that good. They were good at taking advantage of missed opportunities, turnovers by Oregon, and did what they had to do. When you see the final score of the LSU-Oregon game it's very misleading.
Alabama should have won this game. Anyone else curious as to why such an elite team doesn't have a valid place kicker?
Anyway, as the new BCS standings came out on Sunday night they read as following: 1. LSU 2. Oklahoma State 3. Alabama 4. Stanford 5. Boise State 6. Oklahoma 7. Oregon
I didn't expect Alabama to fall lower than 4 but it was surprising to see them still ahead of a number 4 and undefeated Stanford team. That being said. I do realize that if Stanford were to beat Oregon than Stanford would jump them.
The BCS is getting to the point now that it's a complete mess. Pretty much like every year. Until we have a playoff system it is always going to be a mess. There are too many good teams at the top to be decided by computers. The fact that 1/3 of the equation is taken from the coaches poll to me seems like a conflict of interest but that's just me.
LSU still plays at Arkansas and still has a possible SEC championship game. Oklahoma State plays at Texas Tech this week and later has Oklahoma. Alabama plays Auburn and a possible SEC championship game if Arkansas beats LSU. Stanford plays Oregon and a possible PAC 12 championship game. Boise State plays TCU this weekend but even if they win out their strength of schedule is too soft to get them to the title game and as other teams win harder games they will continue to get leap frogged. Oklahoma plays at Baylor this weekend and later Oklahoma State. Oregon plays at Stanford and a possible PAC 12 Championship game.
The point being this whole thing is up in the air and we have an entire month left.
This is why I am going to go out on a limb here and dub the Oregon @ Stanford game this weekend as the "Game of the 21st Century". LSU @ Alabama? That's the 1900s. Oregon and Stanford much more closely resembles this century. These offenses can move the ball and although they don't play SEC defense they do play defense.
For the haters of the flashy play of Oregon I give you Stanford's power offense. They run double tight sets, sometimes 3 tight ends, with a fullback, and a running back. Their power running plays dare you to stop them. Andrew Luck is the best quarterback in the country but the thing people don't realize is Stanford has a running game that Luck takes advantage of. He is so effective because defenses have to honor the run and get eaten alive when Luck goes play action and they bite.
Oregon's offense is all about speed and mismatches in space. I've noticed no one quite runs the spread like Oregon but that other teams around the country have picked up on certain ideas and used them as well. Other teams are using the playcard boards. The most common theme is a lot of teams are now doing what Oregon does where they get up to the line very fast, read the defense, stop, look over to the sideline for the audible, and then continue.
Oregon is inventive and has so many weapons. LaMichael James is shifty and brilliant at making something out of nothing and a 2 yard gain into a touchdown. Kenjon Barner is just a half step below James and at any other Pac 12 school would start he is that good. Tre Carson comes in with power when he gets a shot. DeAnthony Thomas is just an athlete. Running back, receiver, kick return. He is so fast he makes LaMichael look slow. I've seen him hit a lane in what would be most people's 3rd gear and it's his 2nd gear. He just scores touchdowns. Darron Thomas is the leader of the team and makes plays when he needs to. David Paulson is the most underrated tight end in the country.
There will be 2 keys to this game:
1. Defense
2. Turnovers
For Oregon to win, they must stop the Stanford run and pressure Luck. Andrew Luck has shown the last 2 weeks against USC and Oregon State that if you get pressure on him he is more likely to make poor decisions. Oregon can't afford to let him sit back and pick them apart. Even without Owusu the best Stanford receiver out for the season, they can't give Luck all day to throw.
For Stanford to win, they must attack Oregon's offense. Stanford's linebackers and secondary are big and strong but not very athletic and if Stanford does not hit Oregon at the point of the attack and lets LaMichael, Kenjon, and DeAnthony loose in space then Oregon will have a field day.
Finally, of course is turnovers. Neither team can afford them. These offenses are too good to give them easy field position. I can almost guarentee the team with the least turnovers will win.
In my opinion, Stanford vs. USC was a better game than LSU vs. Alabama. I think this Oregon vs. Stanford game has the potential to be even better. And what people in SEC country fail to realize is this game matters to them. If Stanford wins, due to the fact Oklahoma State is likely to lose at least once, Stanford probably has the inside track to play LSU. If Oregon wins, Stanford drops, but Oregon probably jumps back into the race. It could come down to LSU vs. Alabama/Oregon with it depending on the computers. Both Alabama and Oregon have already lost to LSU. This could get real messy.
Oregon is the race car with missles and weapons built on the side. Stanford is the power SUV with an amazing race car driver. Let the fireworks begin. It's 2011 and I want some offense.
Due to the fact right now the NCAA speaks the motto "in the BCS we Trust," I was hoping that Kansas State would knock off Oklahoma State, South Carolina would knock of Arkansas, and of course that my Ducks would take care of business against hated rival Washington. The LSU vs. Alabama game was very hard to gaige in that I wasn't quite sure what outcome would be better from a Duck standpoint. The only Duck loss of the season was to LSU so certaintly the computers and pollsters would think more highly of us if that one loss was to the number 1 ranked team in the country. After much debate (even though I had switched to Alabama in my weekly college top 25 picks contest with my friend Joy), right before 5pm pacific time, I decided to pull for LSU. I thought Alabama had the better offense but LSU winning would benefit my team more.
Speaking of offense. What offense? This game between the number 1 and 2 teams in the country had a total of 5 field goals. But wait, there were numerous more attempts. Alabama was a lowly 2 for 6 kicking. SEC cheerleaders want to name this game an instant classic. Some are saying the game of the century. Really? Did you mean the 1900s? Because I'm pretty sure there was just as much offense as a hundred years ago.
Now I know these defenses are good. They are very good. Several of the defensive players on both teams will play in the NFL. I know this. But even in the SEC where defense is king and offense immulates the NFL in old school power football style, at least most of the time the SEC teams are able to put up at least 1 touchdown. At least 1.
If there weren't so many offensive miscues I would gladly chalk it up to a defensive pitches duel but you can't just ignore 2 for 6 field goals and poor decision making on offense. Just because the D deserves some credit doesn't mean the offenses are good. Even when LSU played Oregon I didn't think LSU's offense was that good. They were good at taking advantage of missed opportunities, turnovers by Oregon, and did what they had to do. When you see the final score of the LSU-Oregon game it's very misleading.
Alabama should have won this game. Anyone else curious as to why such an elite team doesn't have a valid place kicker?
Anyway, as the new BCS standings came out on Sunday night they read as following: 1. LSU 2. Oklahoma State 3. Alabama 4. Stanford 5. Boise State 6. Oklahoma 7. Oregon
I didn't expect Alabama to fall lower than 4 but it was surprising to see them still ahead of a number 4 and undefeated Stanford team. That being said. I do realize that if Stanford were to beat Oregon than Stanford would jump them.
The BCS is getting to the point now that it's a complete mess. Pretty much like every year. Until we have a playoff system it is always going to be a mess. There are too many good teams at the top to be decided by computers. The fact that 1/3 of the equation is taken from the coaches poll to me seems like a conflict of interest but that's just me.
LSU still plays at Arkansas and still has a possible SEC championship game. Oklahoma State plays at Texas Tech this week and later has Oklahoma. Alabama plays Auburn and a possible SEC championship game if Arkansas beats LSU. Stanford plays Oregon and a possible PAC 12 championship game. Boise State plays TCU this weekend but even if they win out their strength of schedule is too soft to get them to the title game and as other teams win harder games they will continue to get leap frogged. Oklahoma plays at Baylor this weekend and later Oklahoma State. Oregon plays at Stanford and a possible PAC 12 Championship game.
The point being this whole thing is up in the air and we have an entire month left.
This is why I am going to go out on a limb here and dub the Oregon @ Stanford game this weekend as the "Game of the 21st Century". LSU @ Alabama? That's the 1900s. Oregon and Stanford much more closely resembles this century. These offenses can move the ball and although they don't play SEC defense they do play defense.
For the haters of the flashy play of Oregon I give you Stanford's power offense. They run double tight sets, sometimes 3 tight ends, with a fullback, and a running back. Their power running plays dare you to stop them. Andrew Luck is the best quarterback in the country but the thing people don't realize is Stanford has a running game that Luck takes advantage of. He is so effective because defenses have to honor the run and get eaten alive when Luck goes play action and they bite.
Oregon's offense is all about speed and mismatches in space. I've noticed no one quite runs the spread like Oregon but that other teams around the country have picked up on certain ideas and used them as well. Other teams are using the playcard boards. The most common theme is a lot of teams are now doing what Oregon does where they get up to the line very fast, read the defense, stop, look over to the sideline for the audible, and then continue.
Oregon is inventive and has so many weapons. LaMichael James is shifty and brilliant at making something out of nothing and a 2 yard gain into a touchdown. Kenjon Barner is just a half step below James and at any other Pac 12 school would start he is that good. Tre Carson comes in with power when he gets a shot. DeAnthony Thomas is just an athlete. Running back, receiver, kick return. He is so fast he makes LaMichael look slow. I've seen him hit a lane in what would be most people's 3rd gear and it's his 2nd gear. He just scores touchdowns. Darron Thomas is the leader of the team and makes plays when he needs to. David Paulson is the most underrated tight end in the country.
There will be 2 keys to this game:
1. Defense
2. Turnovers
For Oregon to win, they must stop the Stanford run and pressure Luck. Andrew Luck has shown the last 2 weeks against USC and Oregon State that if you get pressure on him he is more likely to make poor decisions. Oregon can't afford to let him sit back and pick them apart. Even without Owusu the best Stanford receiver out for the season, they can't give Luck all day to throw.
For Stanford to win, they must attack Oregon's offense. Stanford's linebackers and secondary are big and strong but not very athletic and if Stanford does not hit Oregon at the point of the attack and lets LaMichael, Kenjon, and DeAnthony loose in space then Oregon will have a field day.
Finally, of course is turnovers. Neither team can afford them. These offenses are too good to give them easy field position. I can almost guarentee the team with the least turnovers will win.
In my opinion, Stanford vs. USC was a better game than LSU vs. Alabama. I think this Oregon vs. Stanford game has the potential to be even better. And what people in SEC country fail to realize is this game matters to them. If Stanford wins, due to the fact Oklahoma State is likely to lose at least once, Stanford probably has the inside track to play LSU. If Oregon wins, Stanford drops, but Oregon probably jumps back into the race. It could come down to LSU vs. Alabama/Oregon with it depending on the computers. Both Alabama and Oregon have already lost to LSU. This could get real messy.
Oregon is the race car with missles and weapons built on the side. Stanford is the power SUV with an amazing race car driver. Let the fireworks begin. It's 2011 and I want some offense.
Tuesday, August 2, 2011
2011 All-American Game
Well I just got back from the All-American game in Dallas, TX and let me tell you it was hot! Literally and metaphorically. When I left Portland on Thursday it was about 85 degrees. I boarded a plane from Portland to Phoenix, stopped for just enough time to pick up a slice of pizza, and then jumped on the next plane from Phoenix to Dallas.
On that 2nd flight I sat in the middle seat between two men. The one on the left was nice and we ended up of course talking about football. The one on the right was probably about 55, balding, heavier, quiet. When we landed and everyone was standing up and getting their stuff together his phone went off and his ringtone was...Katy Perry...I tried so hard not to laugh...somehow I made it off the plane without busting up.
Sidenote: Baggage fees are ridicious and everyone tries to get around it. I've traveled a lot including to 14 other countries and I've always seen people with carry-ons but now EVERYONE has one. And they are all the same little ones with wheels. So we all wheel around and get stuck sometimes on other little bags with wheels. And we all try to maneuver them into small spaces in bathrooms. And then when you get on the plane now it's a fierce battle for overhead space. I was waiting for a wrestling match to break out on the last couple.
I got my luggage together and found the designated shuttle van area and just sitting on the bench waiting for the van I was sweating and it was around 8pm. I got to the hotel and checked in. Most of us All-Americans were staying at the same hotel, the La Quinta. Others stayed at the Holiday Inn or a couple others but they were all in the same area and quite close to the field. I unpacked and then went to the gas station next to the hotel to pick up some water, gatorade, and a sandwhich.
I then met up with Liz Floto who plays with the San Diego Surge. So in case you are unaware the WFA has their championship game and All-American game in one big weekend. The San Diego Surge was my conference's (American Conference) team in the title game against the Boston Militia. Liz and I played a year with each other on the Corvallis Pride in 2009 so it was cool to see her again and catch up.
My teammate Teters also got selected for the All-American game and arrived that night around 11:30pm. We were hungry and walked over to an IHOP for food. Then watched the Hangover in the hotel room for a bit before passing out.
Friday morning I guess we were both tired cuz we didn't get up until around noon. We ate some lunch at the steakhouse next to the hotel. I had a sirlion and it was DAMN good. I LOVE Steak and I guess Texas does too. Then we got our stuff together and headed to the field for our practice in the afternoon.
We arrived at the tail end of the combine event in which players participated in events like a 40 yard dash, bench press, and obstacle course. We introduced ourselves to a couple of the coaches and players and I took a picture of the field. Pennington Field is beautiful with pretty decent turf. If only it wasn't so hot! lol
Our coaches had some of us practice kicking and returning kick and we were all burning. It felt like if I didn't move my cleats would melt into the turf. My hands in my gloves felt like they were burning too. Anytime a breeze broke through or the clouds covered the sun for a moment we all got excited.
Practice went well. We went through where everyone played and broke into position groups. We had a small scrimmage so the offense could work through plays. Then we finished with some special teams.
My Dad and brother flew in that afternoon and my Uncle and Aunt who live in the Fort Worth area picked them up. They came to the last part of practic which was cool.
Then we went back to the hotel and showered and had a short classroom type session in the hotel conference room to go over any questions. I really enjoyed being exposed to different styles of coaching.
Teters also had relatives in the area and after the meeting she went to hang out with them. I met up with some of the Silver State Legacy (Vegas) to attend a local all-american football party at a place in Dallas. We got a little lost along the way but it meant we got a tour of the city of Dallas. lol
We got there around 10:30pm and it was pretty laid back. We played an awfully long game of pool. I guess we should all stick to football. Then I turned around it all of a sudden it was packed. In the back room they had a ton of food which was cool. There were a couple of performances.
I had fun kicking it with the Legacy girls. They were hilarious as hell.
I also met a Lone Star Mustang at the bar with her championship ring on and she let me see it. I WANT ONE OF THOSE! Just saying.
Saturday morning we had to wake up EARLY! I don't think I've ever had to be at the field by 8am before. And I am NOT a morning person. I also can never eat much in the mornings anyway. It's kind of like my stomach doesn't wake up until a certain point. I can only really eat fruit that early. I went to the store and wanted a banana but they didn't sell them individually so I had to buy the whole bunch. I just handed out a bunch of extras in the locker room.
In the locker room I sat next to Chrystle Kerfoot of the Blitz and Abby Smith of the Machine. We kind of had our DB Corner. We were there at 8am but weren't required to be out on the field until 9:30 so we got dressed REALLLY Slow hahaha. At least this meant we had time to eat, talk, take random pics, etc.
We went through warm ups fairly lightly. I would just like to say that I LOVED my secondary group. We are all some funny ass people. There were 9 of us for the 4 secondary spots and we all clicked instantly. Our secondary coach was coach Mo and we all liked him. When we were breaking up our group we were trying to figure out what to say to break it off and Coach Mo suggested PICK 6. Alberta from the Diamonds suggested we all say 6 BITCH! So we did. And this is now our motto. And I will now be taking it to Portland. We are going global.
Part of the cool thing about the All-American games is you are all wearing the same jersey but everyone has their team helmets on. Pre-game we lined a bunch of them up on a bench and took a picture.
Finally the game started. Our offense struggled a bit the first half but the same thing happened in the All-American game last year. Basically, it's very hard to put together an offense with one 2 hour practice. Defense is slightly easier because it's more just reading and reacting.
We gave up a big punt return which put the ball on our 20. The National Conference scored first but missed the extra point so it was 6-0 and remained so until halftime.
In these games because there are multiple players at the same position there is usually some rotation like you play 3 plays at a time until rotate. It's a little hard to get a rhythm that way but also ok with me due to the heat. Also, the goal of the All-American game is to get everyone some playing time.
I was selected as a safety and spent much of the game at strong safety and occassionally free safety. Our defense was so good upfront that the ball hardly got to me. I know that is how it is suppose to be but damnit I was getting a little bored! haha I wanted to hit someone!
The 2nd half our offense started to click a little bit more and we got on the board to take the lead 7-6.
In the 3rd quarter I was playing safety and there was a deep pass my way. Sometimes to be honest I can feel when a team is going to pass or do something different like an onside kick before the play starts. Maybe I've just played enough to guess the strategy of people.
I saw the play developing and started coming up towards the receiver. The throw was a little high but the receivers in this game are good and I wasn't about to let them get an easy catch so I came up and nailed her midair at the same time the ball got there. Incomplete. It felt pretty good. Probably one of the best hits I've ever had.
The National conference responded and drove to put up 7 more and re-take the lead at 13-7. Our offense drove down to about the 10 yard line with 1 minute and half left. on 3rd and short the runningback ran into the back of the fullback and fell short. On 4th down there was a fumble on the exchange and that was it. So close!
After the game I found my Dad, Uncle, and brother on the sidelines. Then I quickly went in the locker room to get out of my shoulder pads. I went back to the hotel and quickly showered.
My family and I then went to the Fort Worth Stockyards which is where cowbowys have been driving cattle to since the 1800s. They have a train station, stores, and place to eat all around it. It was a pretty cool area. We stopped and ate. I had steak. Again. Yes, I love it. And I was HUNGRY. It was now 3pm and I had had like 2 bananas before playing in 110 degree heat. I started to feel much better after eating.
My aunt drove us around the area point out various places to see. We then dropped my Dad and brother off at the airport and me back at the hotel. By this time I am tired and lay down for an hour in the air conditioned hotel room. I felt better and got up and headed to the championship game which was starting at 7pm.
I sat up in the stands with some of the Legacy and had a blast with them. The game itself was pretty good. San Diego came out of the gate to take the early lead and then Boston came back with a vengence to eventually win 34-19. And I swear when the sun went down it got HOTTER!
At halftime we ran into some of the Tulsa players and hung with them for a few minutes.
After the game I got some food and tried rally. Again. Then a bunch of us went to a bar close by. There was outdoor setting at this bar and we found a table. Before we realized we were in the bird shitting target zone. In Gemar's words "I did NOT pay for the ambiance or your wildlife to shit on me!"
We then moved inside and had a few beers. Tanya and Cassey from the War Angels were there too.
After a bit some of us kind of hit a wall and we decided to head back to the hotel. I went to sleep around 2am and caught a cab at 4:30am for the airport. I was sooo tired. I have no idea how I kept moving around. I took a flight from Dallas to Phoenix and passed out even though a girl across the aisle was coughing up a lung. I passed out again from Phoenix to Portland. Took the max to my teammates to get my car. Drove home. Passed again.
I went hard! lol But I loved it! It was like football summer camp. Meeting people from other teams is so much fun.
On that 2nd flight I sat in the middle seat between two men. The one on the left was nice and we ended up of course talking about football. The one on the right was probably about 55, balding, heavier, quiet. When we landed and everyone was standing up and getting their stuff together his phone went off and his ringtone was...Katy Perry...I tried so hard not to laugh...somehow I made it off the plane without busting up.
Sidenote: Baggage fees are ridicious and everyone tries to get around it. I've traveled a lot including to 14 other countries and I've always seen people with carry-ons but now EVERYONE has one. And they are all the same little ones with wheels. So we all wheel around and get stuck sometimes on other little bags with wheels. And we all try to maneuver them into small spaces in bathrooms. And then when you get on the plane now it's a fierce battle for overhead space. I was waiting for a wrestling match to break out on the last couple.
I got my luggage together and found the designated shuttle van area and just sitting on the bench waiting for the van I was sweating and it was around 8pm. I got to the hotel and checked in. Most of us All-Americans were staying at the same hotel, the La Quinta. Others stayed at the Holiday Inn or a couple others but they were all in the same area and quite close to the field. I unpacked and then went to the gas station next to the hotel to pick up some water, gatorade, and a sandwhich.
I then met up with Liz Floto who plays with the San Diego Surge. So in case you are unaware the WFA has their championship game and All-American game in one big weekend. The San Diego Surge was my conference's (American Conference) team in the title game against the Boston Militia. Liz and I played a year with each other on the Corvallis Pride in 2009 so it was cool to see her again and catch up.
My teammate Teters also got selected for the All-American game and arrived that night around 11:30pm. We were hungry and walked over to an IHOP for food. Then watched the Hangover in the hotel room for a bit before passing out.
Friday morning I guess we were both tired cuz we didn't get up until around noon. We ate some lunch at the steakhouse next to the hotel. I had a sirlion and it was DAMN good. I LOVE Steak and I guess Texas does too. Then we got our stuff together and headed to the field for our practice in the afternoon.
We arrived at the tail end of the combine event in which players participated in events like a 40 yard dash, bench press, and obstacle course. We introduced ourselves to a couple of the coaches and players and I took a picture of the field. Pennington Field is beautiful with pretty decent turf. If only it wasn't so hot! lol
Our coaches had some of us practice kicking and returning kick and we were all burning. It felt like if I didn't move my cleats would melt into the turf. My hands in my gloves felt like they were burning too. Anytime a breeze broke through or the clouds covered the sun for a moment we all got excited.
Practice went well. We went through where everyone played and broke into position groups. We had a small scrimmage so the offense could work through plays. Then we finished with some special teams.
My Dad and brother flew in that afternoon and my Uncle and Aunt who live in the Fort Worth area picked them up. They came to the last part of practic which was cool.
Then we went back to the hotel and showered and had a short classroom type session in the hotel conference room to go over any questions. I really enjoyed being exposed to different styles of coaching.
Teters also had relatives in the area and after the meeting she went to hang out with them. I met up with some of the Silver State Legacy (Vegas) to attend a local all-american football party at a place in Dallas. We got a little lost along the way but it meant we got a tour of the city of Dallas. lol
We got there around 10:30pm and it was pretty laid back. We played an awfully long game of pool. I guess we should all stick to football. Then I turned around it all of a sudden it was packed. In the back room they had a ton of food which was cool. There were a couple of performances.
I had fun kicking it with the Legacy girls. They were hilarious as hell.
I also met a Lone Star Mustang at the bar with her championship ring on and she let me see it. I WANT ONE OF THOSE! Just saying.
Saturday morning we had to wake up EARLY! I don't think I've ever had to be at the field by 8am before. And I am NOT a morning person. I also can never eat much in the mornings anyway. It's kind of like my stomach doesn't wake up until a certain point. I can only really eat fruit that early. I went to the store and wanted a banana but they didn't sell them individually so I had to buy the whole bunch. I just handed out a bunch of extras in the locker room.
In the locker room I sat next to Chrystle Kerfoot of the Blitz and Abby Smith of the Machine. We kind of had our DB Corner. We were there at 8am but weren't required to be out on the field until 9:30 so we got dressed REALLLY Slow hahaha. At least this meant we had time to eat, talk, take random pics, etc.
We went through warm ups fairly lightly. I would just like to say that I LOVED my secondary group. We are all some funny ass people. There were 9 of us for the 4 secondary spots and we all clicked instantly. Our secondary coach was coach Mo and we all liked him. When we were breaking up our group we were trying to figure out what to say to break it off and Coach Mo suggested PICK 6. Alberta from the Diamonds suggested we all say 6 BITCH! So we did. And this is now our motto. And I will now be taking it to Portland. We are going global.
Part of the cool thing about the All-American games is you are all wearing the same jersey but everyone has their team helmets on. Pre-game we lined a bunch of them up on a bench and took a picture.
Finally the game started. Our offense struggled a bit the first half but the same thing happened in the All-American game last year. Basically, it's very hard to put together an offense with one 2 hour practice. Defense is slightly easier because it's more just reading and reacting.
We gave up a big punt return which put the ball on our 20. The National Conference scored first but missed the extra point so it was 6-0 and remained so until halftime.
In these games because there are multiple players at the same position there is usually some rotation like you play 3 plays at a time until rotate. It's a little hard to get a rhythm that way but also ok with me due to the heat. Also, the goal of the All-American game is to get everyone some playing time.
I was selected as a safety and spent much of the game at strong safety and occassionally free safety. Our defense was so good upfront that the ball hardly got to me. I know that is how it is suppose to be but damnit I was getting a little bored! haha I wanted to hit someone!
The 2nd half our offense started to click a little bit more and we got on the board to take the lead 7-6.
In the 3rd quarter I was playing safety and there was a deep pass my way. Sometimes to be honest I can feel when a team is going to pass or do something different like an onside kick before the play starts. Maybe I've just played enough to guess the strategy of people.
I saw the play developing and started coming up towards the receiver. The throw was a little high but the receivers in this game are good and I wasn't about to let them get an easy catch so I came up and nailed her midair at the same time the ball got there. Incomplete. It felt pretty good. Probably one of the best hits I've ever had.
The National conference responded and drove to put up 7 more and re-take the lead at 13-7. Our offense drove down to about the 10 yard line with 1 minute and half left. on 3rd and short the runningback ran into the back of the fullback and fell short. On 4th down there was a fumble on the exchange and that was it. So close!
After the game I found my Dad, Uncle, and brother on the sidelines. Then I quickly went in the locker room to get out of my shoulder pads. I went back to the hotel and quickly showered.
My family and I then went to the Fort Worth Stockyards which is where cowbowys have been driving cattle to since the 1800s. They have a train station, stores, and place to eat all around it. It was a pretty cool area. We stopped and ate. I had steak. Again. Yes, I love it. And I was HUNGRY. It was now 3pm and I had had like 2 bananas before playing in 110 degree heat. I started to feel much better after eating.
My aunt drove us around the area point out various places to see. We then dropped my Dad and brother off at the airport and me back at the hotel. By this time I am tired and lay down for an hour in the air conditioned hotel room. I felt better and got up and headed to the championship game which was starting at 7pm.
I sat up in the stands with some of the Legacy and had a blast with them. The game itself was pretty good. San Diego came out of the gate to take the early lead and then Boston came back with a vengence to eventually win 34-19. And I swear when the sun went down it got HOTTER!
At halftime we ran into some of the Tulsa players and hung with them for a few minutes.
After the game I got some food and tried rally. Again. Then a bunch of us went to a bar close by. There was outdoor setting at this bar and we found a table. Before we realized we were in the bird shitting target zone. In Gemar's words "I did NOT pay for the ambiance or your wildlife to shit on me!"
We then moved inside and had a few beers. Tanya and Cassey from the War Angels were there too.
After a bit some of us kind of hit a wall and we decided to head back to the hotel. I went to sleep around 2am and caught a cab at 4:30am for the airport. I was sooo tired. I have no idea how I kept moving around. I took a flight from Dallas to Phoenix and passed out even though a girl across the aisle was coughing up a lung. I passed out again from Phoenix to Portland. Took the max to my teammates to get my car. Drove home. Passed again.
I went hard! lol But I loved it! It was like football summer camp. Meeting people from other teams is so much fun.
Season Review
Looking back on this season it has probably been the most difficult season I've had emotionally. The expectations were pretty high coming off our season last year in which we come out of the box in a dead sprint. We had new talented recruits, new coaching, and excitement going into this season.
Needless to say it did not go as planned. Injuries, coaching changes...basically the whole season was like being on a ship in a storm.
That being said, I am proud that we survived it and that even during it we got to the playoffs. Long term this will make our organization stronger. We have a core group with a lot of talent. Several people with season ending injuries last year will be back.
We are battle tested and we will regroup. I believe in us.
Some Personal Highlights:
Needless to say it did not go as planned. Injuries, coaching changes...basically the whole season was like being on a ship in a storm.
That being said, I am proud that we survived it and that even during it we got to the playoffs. Long term this will make our organization stronger. We have a core group with a lot of talent. Several people with season ending injuries last year will be back.
We are battle tested and we will regroup. I believe in us.
Some Personal Highlights:
- Being featured on Comcast Sportsnet's Adrenaline Hunter
- Being interviewed by Comcast with awesome after-game hair
- Rushing for over 250 yards against Spokane in a Mudbowl Game
- A 80 yard reception against Central Cal
- Walking into a hotel room of Bay Area Bandits and making several friends.
- An awesome road trip detour in the Mt. Shasta area for a KFC picnic with my teammates
- Going to 6 Flags and riding the wooden roller coaster 3 times in a row with Wheels, TDawg, and Teters
- Kicking it in the Castro during SF Pride
- Attempting to find teammates during craziness of SF Pride
- Partying with teammates at bar of hotel in Spokane
- Interception in endzone against Bay Area
- Actually getting a couple of sacks
- Throwing a 2pt conversion to Mac
- T Dawg turning the wrong way on an option play but still getting it to me for a touchdown
- The infamous KOK party in which we invented numerous Frat Rules
- Teters randomly barking and pretending to be pregnant towards people walking by in SF to the point Klondike, Cassie, and Wheels were crying laughing
- Racing in Klondike's Hamster Mobile AKA the Prius
- Eating unfinished Jellybeans at the Jellybean factory
- Klondike's Dance in Utah
- A cute little boy who was our waterboy at Central Cal. I had a turfburn that had re-opened to the point a coach had to bandage it up on my leg and after my catch I came to the sideline to get water and he looked at me with these big eyes and down at my leg, and back up and asked are you going back in? And I smiled and said yep...It's football...you tape it up and go back in...I love moments like that...
2nd Half of Season
GAME 6: @ Utah Blitz
This game was a bit of a grudge match. I think having a giant break in the season helped/hurt us. I was thankful for the couple byes in a row due to the fact I had a concussion and this meant I didn't have to miss any games. However, having 2 weeks off and then playing in high elevation was difficult.
Utah returned the opening kick off back for a touchdown and that was the final score. 8-0. We moved the ball well but like all season struggled in the red zone. The adversity with the injuries and the coaching changes and constant offensive play changes made it very difficult offensively this year.
Our defense played well and pitched a shut out other than that kick return.
Erin Diurba made an awesome catch for an interception that was ESPN worthy. Mac laid a hit that made me giggle like a kid. There were some good plays in there.
GAME 7: @ CENTRAL CAL
Well reader I frankly would like to forget this game. We had 17 people for this game which is just not enough when you are playing a physical team. The good news is we found a passing game this game.
I had 80 yard catch and almoooost scored but kind of ran out of gas. Jet probably had the best passing game I've ever seen her have. I don't think they were expecting us to pass much. I don't think WE even knew lol
However, like most of the season against better teams...when you have 17 people you get tired and they wore us down and the score quickly grew in the 2nd half.
The end of this game got a bit ugly which is the part I would like to forget. I'm so damn competitive on the field that even if you are kicking my ass I will keep going hard and keep getting up. That's just my mentality in football. It kind of HAS to be your mentality especially if you are a running back. It's a survival tactic.
Plus the beauty in football is it's like life. You get knocked down? Get back up. Want to piss someone off that is talking shit? You get back up. That's how you win that mental battle. You DON'T give in.
This makes it hard for me to understand other viewpoints of people who don't view football the same way.
I won't get into to the details but I do think all involved learned something from it.
GAME 8: vs. SPOKANE
At this point in the season we really had faced a lot of shit. I really think most other teams would have folded under all that adversity. But we did have a solid core that stuck together and we were determined to finish out this season on a high note.
Unfortunately, Spokane didn't have enough players to come down and play us. After a few days of trying to make it work they ended up having to forfeit.
This meant we ended 4-4 and division champions. To go through hell and still get to the playoffs is bittersweet but we are happy to get there.
PLAYOFFS: @ BAY AREA
After trying to scrap together as many players as we could for this game we still ended up with 17 suited. Jet had to have surgery on her broken finger that she had played with then entire season. Other people couldn't go due to work and/or financial issues.
It was what it was but we still made the trip down to the Bay.
Even though they wore us down and put up numbers on the board we did somethings well and I don't think we felt ashamed at all.
After the game the Bay Area announcer gave me a shout out on the PA which to be completely honest really meant a lot to me. After such a difficult season it was nice to hear someone noticed my hard work.
I have been lucky enough to have made good friends on several other teams the last couple of years and have made some good connections with the Bay Area team.
After the game I met up with Joy and her wife Anne and we went down to the Castro for the SF Pride weekend. I was very excited about this because I had never been to SF Pride. It was packed down there but I had a lot of fun. Later we met up with Rowena and her gf, and I met Jen and her sister Alli. I had a blast people watching and laughing at Joy screaming at the street sweepers that kept interrupting our fun.
The next day I met up with some of my teammates for the SF Pride parade. We had a lot of fun but got hella burnt. We think it's because we were standing next to a glass building which reflected down on us. However it happened we all were passing around Aloe the rest of the trip back.
This game was a bit of a grudge match. I think having a giant break in the season helped/hurt us. I was thankful for the couple byes in a row due to the fact I had a concussion and this meant I didn't have to miss any games. However, having 2 weeks off and then playing in high elevation was difficult.
Utah returned the opening kick off back for a touchdown and that was the final score. 8-0. We moved the ball well but like all season struggled in the red zone. The adversity with the injuries and the coaching changes and constant offensive play changes made it very difficult offensively this year.
Our defense played well and pitched a shut out other than that kick return.
Erin Diurba made an awesome catch for an interception that was ESPN worthy. Mac laid a hit that made me giggle like a kid. There were some good plays in there.
GAME 7: @ CENTRAL CAL
Well reader I frankly would like to forget this game. We had 17 people for this game which is just not enough when you are playing a physical team. The good news is we found a passing game this game.
I had 80 yard catch and almoooost scored but kind of ran out of gas. Jet probably had the best passing game I've ever seen her have. I don't think they were expecting us to pass much. I don't think WE even knew lol
However, like most of the season against better teams...when you have 17 people you get tired and they wore us down and the score quickly grew in the 2nd half.
The end of this game got a bit ugly which is the part I would like to forget. I'm so damn competitive on the field that even if you are kicking my ass I will keep going hard and keep getting up. That's just my mentality in football. It kind of HAS to be your mentality especially if you are a running back. It's a survival tactic.
Plus the beauty in football is it's like life. You get knocked down? Get back up. Want to piss someone off that is talking shit? You get back up. That's how you win that mental battle. You DON'T give in.
This makes it hard for me to understand other viewpoints of people who don't view football the same way.
I won't get into to the details but I do think all involved learned something from it.
GAME 8: vs. SPOKANE
At this point in the season we really had faced a lot of shit. I really think most other teams would have folded under all that adversity. But we did have a solid core that stuck together and we were determined to finish out this season on a high note.
Unfortunately, Spokane didn't have enough players to come down and play us. After a few days of trying to make it work they ended up having to forfeit.
This meant we ended 4-4 and division champions. To go through hell and still get to the playoffs is bittersweet but we are happy to get there.
PLAYOFFS: @ BAY AREA
After trying to scrap together as many players as we could for this game we still ended up with 17 suited. Jet had to have surgery on her broken finger that she had played with then entire season. Other people couldn't go due to work and/or financial issues.
It was what it was but we still made the trip down to the Bay.
Even though they wore us down and put up numbers on the board we did somethings well and I don't think we felt ashamed at all.
After the game the Bay Area announcer gave me a shout out on the PA which to be completely honest really meant a lot to me. After such a difficult season it was nice to hear someone noticed my hard work.
I have been lucky enough to have made good friends on several other teams the last couple of years and have made some good connections with the Bay Area team.
After the game I met up with Joy and her wife Anne and we went down to the Castro for the SF Pride weekend. I was very excited about this because I had never been to SF Pride. It was packed down there but I had a lot of fun. Later we met up with Rowena and her gf, and I met Jen and her sister Alli. I had a blast people watching and laughing at Joy screaming at the street sweepers that kept interrupting our fun.
The next day I met up with some of my teammates for the SF Pride parade. We had a lot of fun but got hella burnt. We think it's because we were standing next to a glass building which reflected down on us. However it happened we all were passing around Aloe the rest of the trip back.
Friday, May 20, 2011
Season Update 5-20-11
Ok, so according to various sources the world is going to end tomorrow. I guess this means I should update my blog. I'll be ready with my helmet tomorrow. God has a sense of humor. :)
This has been a difficult and trying season up-to-date but I have long learned football is a metaphor for life and that shit happens. It's if you get back up that matters.
PRE-SEASON GAME
We began with a pre-season game against the Seattle Majestics. We came into this game with a lot of hopes to take our team to the next level this season. We had a new coaching staff, a lot of talented rookies, and a new offense. The outcome of this game made it evident to us that all those changes meant we would have to work out some kinks. We only lost 14-0 and it was a good experience to get the rookies some work before the actual season began but still no one likes to lose. On top of it our starting quarterback took an awkward hit and blew her ACL.
GAME 1: @ Bay Area
We re-grouped going into the official first game of the WFA season against the Bay Area Bandits. Our back up quarterback has all the tools necessary to run that spread offense we had developed. We had weapons. She is athletic, quick, strong, and poised. This was set up to be her break out game.
Then hell broke lose. The 2nd offensive play of the game she took a hit and her forearm broke into two and she got taken away in an ambulance. Our 3rd string quarterback already had a broken middle finger, our 4th string quarterback broke her thumb. Tracy took a hit and suffered a strained back and concussion and left on a stretcher. It was like a nightmare game. When you are down to quarterback 6 who has never taken a snap in her life it's difficult to move the ball. That being said we hung in there the best we could against a good team.
On a side note, when paramedics were attending to Tracy and we were huddled up close to our sideline trying to keep our heads on...a cop drove his car onto the field at full tilt...I thought he was going to do a power slide but he stopped at the 40 yard line, got out of the car, and sprinted to the ambulance...Apparently, they thought it was a shooting...
I don't think I have ever seen that in a football game ever.
Game 2: vs. Utah Blitz (Comcast week)
We had been notified that Comcast Sports Net Northwest had a new reality show called Adrenaline Hunter in which the winner of a previous show would go around doing kick-ass things in the Northwest. Her name is Bethy and some of the previous episodes were her hunting boar and cougars. They were interested in having Bethy participate on our team for a week and in a game and filming it for an episode.
I have to say I was pretty geeked about this. I am a complete sports nut. I'm always listening to sports radio, watching games, reading articles on espn.com. I knew this would be some great exposure for us but I wasn't quite sure what to expect when she came to practice.
When we got to practice that week there were cameras everywhere and it was POURING. They had big cameras, little cameras, big mics, small mics. Initially, it was a little difficult running through offensive plays and trying not to run over the camera guy but by the 2nd practice I felt used to them being around. That entire week it rained like Noah was going to build an Arc. It was cold but probably some extra drama for the production.
Due to our ridiculous amount of injuries at the quarterback position we gave her a shot at quarterback. For not having played football at all she did well. She had an arm, compusure, and natural athletic ability. When it came to the game itself she made a couple of rookie type mistakes but that is just due to lack of experience. She seemed to take well to football as well. I could tell she liked it.
During the game we moved the ball well but had trouble scoring which will happen with all the changes we made. Our defense had a great game and we shut them out. The final score was only 6-0 but we played better than that score.
Game 3: @ Spokane
The drive up to Spokane was some fun bonding time with Ashley and Erin. We listened to music, told stories, and figured out what we are all going to be for Halloween. I won't give it away here because it will truly be worth the wait.
We stopped at a rest stop about 30 minutes from Spokane and we were coming out of the bathroom when apparently CJ and Wilson had stopped at the same rest stop and Wilson decided to scare us half to death. The expression on Ashley's face was priceless.
We arrived at our hotel in Spokane which is a nice hotel but with a very confusing layout. The weather was perfect at that point. Sun and a nice breeze. Until the last time we came out of the locker room and it was pouring. The field was grass. We were in for a Mud Bowl.
This was Spokane's first home game ever in their team's history so it was pretty big for them. Our offense found itself in the 2nd half and we won 12-0. I left covered in mud but happy.
We later went down to the hotel bar where we apparently interupted the Housewives of Spokane County and their party but we ended up having a great time.
Game 4: vs. Bay Area
By the time this game had started we had suffered several season-ending injuries. That is not a good thing going into a game against a good team who has numbers. We lost again to them but learned a couple of things to change.
We got invited by them to kick it after the game and I had decided after people were either tired or going to the Blitz bar that I'd stop by and hang with them for a short bit before heading out. I ended up staying for an hour and I'm now forever known to them as "Portland".
Just so we are clear. I'm a fierce competitor. I will knock your ass down and then pick your ass up. I sometimes get a bit fiesty. One has to have that mentality when playing football to survive. But after the game we are all playing the same sport that we love. I have developed several good relationships with people from different teams and I think it actually makes it more fun. It's what I loved most about the All-American game. You walk into a room with people from all across the country and you have never met them and you already have a bond. It's awesome.
Game 5: vs. Spokane
Spokane definitely is improving. We had to make some adjustments to our defense but I think the 2nd half of this game was our best half all year. Our offense continuity was better and defensively we came together. In a season that has been full of constant change and uncertainty it was a great feeling. We walked of winners of a 22-12 score.
Now we have a 2 week bye which is exactly what we need. We need to heal. We sit at 3-2 and in the division lead. We play at Utah June 4th which will likely be for the division. We have to rest up to take it home during the last stretch of the season. We aren't done yet.
Looking back over the first half of the season I have learned some things. I have learned more than ever before that football is as much about mentality as it is about athletic talent. You can have athletic talent but if you don't have the mental strength to endure pain, mistakes, defeat, injuries, and things going wrong, then you are in the wrong sport. It's what makes football beautiful. It's the sport of getting knocked down and getting back up. It's what I love about it.
I have also learned that like life there are some things you just can't control. You can't control freak injuries and everything that happens on that field. All you can control is yourself and your reactions. You have to fight any fear and become a solution. You never give up. Never. Down the road never giving up will mean the difference between good and great.
This has been a difficult and trying season up-to-date but I have long learned football is a metaphor for life and that shit happens. It's if you get back up that matters.
PRE-SEASON GAME
We began with a pre-season game against the Seattle Majestics. We came into this game with a lot of hopes to take our team to the next level this season. We had a new coaching staff, a lot of talented rookies, and a new offense. The outcome of this game made it evident to us that all those changes meant we would have to work out some kinks. We only lost 14-0 and it was a good experience to get the rookies some work before the actual season began but still no one likes to lose. On top of it our starting quarterback took an awkward hit and blew her ACL.
GAME 1: @ Bay Area
We re-grouped going into the official first game of the WFA season against the Bay Area Bandits. Our back up quarterback has all the tools necessary to run that spread offense we had developed. We had weapons. She is athletic, quick, strong, and poised. This was set up to be her break out game.
Then hell broke lose. The 2nd offensive play of the game she took a hit and her forearm broke into two and she got taken away in an ambulance. Our 3rd string quarterback already had a broken middle finger, our 4th string quarterback broke her thumb. Tracy took a hit and suffered a strained back and concussion and left on a stretcher. It was like a nightmare game. When you are down to quarterback 6 who has never taken a snap in her life it's difficult to move the ball. That being said we hung in there the best we could against a good team.
On a side note, when paramedics were attending to Tracy and we were huddled up close to our sideline trying to keep our heads on...a cop drove his car onto the field at full tilt...I thought he was going to do a power slide but he stopped at the 40 yard line, got out of the car, and sprinted to the ambulance...Apparently, they thought it was a shooting...
I don't think I have ever seen that in a football game ever.
Game 2: vs. Utah Blitz (Comcast week)
We had been notified that Comcast Sports Net Northwest had a new reality show called Adrenaline Hunter in which the winner of a previous show would go around doing kick-ass things in the Northwest. Her name is Bethy and some of the previous episodes were her hunting boar and cougars. They were interested in having Bethy participate on our team for a week and in a game and filming it for an episode.
I have to say I was pretty geeked about this. I am a complete sports nut. I'm always listening to sports radio, watching games, reading articles on espn.com. I knew this would be some great exposure for us but I wasn't quite sure what to expect when she came to practice.
When we got to practice that week there were cameras everywhere and it was POURING. They had big cameras, little cameras, big mics, small mics. Initially, it was a little difficult running through offensive plays and trying not to run over the camera guy but by the 2nd practice I felt used to them being around. That entire week it rained like Noah was going to build an Arc. It was cold but probably some extra drama for the production.
Due to our ridiculous amount of injuries at the quarterback position we gave her a shot at quarterback. For not having played football at all she did well. She had an arm, compusure, and natural athletic ability. When it came to the game itself she made a couple of rookie type mistakes but that is just due to lack of experience. She seemed to take well to football as well. I could tell she liked it.
During the game we moved the ball well but had trouble scoring which will happen with all the changes we made. Our defense had a great game and we shut them out. The final score was only 6-0 but we played better than that score.
Game 3: @ Spokane
The drive up to Spokane was some fun bonding time with Ashley and Erin. We listened to music, told stories, and figured out what we are all going to be for Halloween. I won't give it away here because it will truly be worth the wait.
We stopped at a rest stop about 30 minutes from Spokane and we were coming out of the bathroom when apparently CJ and Wilson had stopped at the same rest stop and Wilson decided to scare us half to death. The expression on Ashley's face was priceless.
We arrived at our hotel in Spokane which is a nice hotel but with a very confusing layout. The weather was perfect at that point. Sun and a nice breeze. Until the last time we came out of the locker room and it was pouring. The field was grass. We were in for a Mud Bowl.
This was Spokane's first home game ever in their team's history so it was pretty big for them. Our offense found itself in the 2nd half and we won 12-0. I left covered in mud but happy.
We later went down to the hotel bar where we apparently interupted the Housewives of Spokane County and their party but we ended up having a great time.
Game 4: vs. Bay Area
By the time this game had started we had suffered several season-ending injuries. That is not a good thing going into a game against a good team who has numbers. We lost again to them but learned a couple of things to change.
We got invited by them to kick it after the game and I had decided after people were either tired or going to the Blitz bar that I'd stop by and hang with them for a short bit before heading out. I ended up staying for an hour and I'm now forever known to them as "Portland".
Just so we are clear. I'm a fierce competitor. I will knock your ass down and then pick your ass up. I sometimes get a bit fiesty. One has to have that mentality when playing football to survive. But after the game we are all playing the same sport that we love. I have developed several good relationships with people from different teams and I think it actually makes it more fun. It's what I loved most about the All-American game. You walk into a room with people from all across the country and you have never met them and you already have a bond. It's awesome.
Game 5: vs. Spokane
Spokane definitely is improving. We had to make some adjustments to our defense but I think the 2nd half of this game was our best half all year. Our offense continuity was better and defensively we came together. In a season that has been full of constant change and uncertainty it was a great feeling. We walked of winners of a 22-12 score.
Now we have a 2 week bye which is exactly what we need. We need to heal. We sit at 3-2 and in the division lead. We play at Utah June 4th which will likely be for the division. We have to rest up to take it home during the last stretch of the season. We aren't done yet.
Looking back over the first half of the season I have learned some things. I have learned more than ever before that football is as much about mentality as it is about athletic talent. You can have athletic talent but if you don't have the mental strength to endure pain, mistakes, defeat, injuries, and things going wrong, then you are in the wrong sport. It's what makes football beautiful. It's the sport of getting knocked down and getting back up. It's what I love about it.
I have also learned that like life there are some things you just can't control. You can't control freak injuries and everything that happens on that field. All you can control is yourself and your reactions. You have to fight any fear and become a solution. You never give up. Never. Down the road never giving up will mean the difference between good and great.
Wednesday, March 23, 2011
Dear NFL
So after reading about the NFL rule changes I got a bit fired up and decided to blog about it.
I play football. It's a violent sport. I understand the need to protect your players. They are your investments. But there seems to be a bit hypocracy going on with the NFL. They say they want to protect the players and half the things they are doing say that while the other half don't.
If they really want to protect their players then why don't they instill better health and retirement plans? How many former players are broke due to health bills from hip and knee replacements?
And if they really wanted to protect the players then why don't they have guarenteed contracts? If any athlete deserves that it would be the football player who puts their body on the line every game and practice. Imagine signing a large contract, getting hurt, and not getting anything to fall back on?
And if they really wanted to protect their players...why don't they put a rookie salary cap in place? You shouldn't have unproven rookies getting paid ton's more than proven Pro-Bowlers. I'm sorry but you shouldn't. Put in a sliding scale type cap like the NBA. Guarentee that money but cap it. When that contract ends and the players have at least played a down then the teams can decide how much to pay them. This would reduce the "FLUFF" of paying 100 mill for a player's POTENTIAL and having them turn into a LaMarcus Russell. As long as you put in that guarentee that a player will get paid then I think it's completely fair to cap.
I understand wanting to try to enforce penalties and fines for bad hits. But the line needs to be more clear. As a defender it's hard to stop when you are going 110 percent and your momentum is carrying you. They have to find a way to DEFINE the difference between a HARD hit and a BAD hit. As a player most of the time you can tell if someone nailed you legally or is playing dirty.
That being said. DONT MESS WITH THE END PRODUCT ON THE FIELD. Moving the kick off from the 30 to 35 to the casual fan may not sound like much but think of how many kickoffs land between the goal line and the 5 yard line. They were deep but still reteurnable. Now with 5 more yards on the kicker's side you will certaintly put more in the endzone for touchbacks.
On the other side they used to allow greater takeoff for the kickoff team, 10-15 yards I think and the new limit is 5 yards. Having played football I can tell you unless you are a world class sprinter and even then, getting to your full speed at 5 yards is quite difficult.
What does this mean? It means that the kick off team will have less time to get down and cover. So 1 of 2 things will happen. Either the kick off team will just go for the touchback because the penality of putting it at the 20 is not really that much of a penalty...or you will see kick off teams trying to POOCH kickoffs and pin the return team deep like you sometimes see in punt situations. Pooching the kick higher for more air time will give the kick off team more time to get down and cover and if you mess up and kick too hard...oh well it's a touchback at the 20.
Do a lot of injuries happen on special teams? Yes. Is this really going to change that? No. Does it instead greatly handicap the kick return game? Yes. Will this probably lead to a reduced amount of points per game? Yes. Because you will have offenses working with longer fields.
What would I do to reduce injuries on kick offs? Put in stiffer penalties for blocks in the back and late hits on kick offs. Don't mess with the formations and where you start but make the penalities 20 yards and I think after an adjustment period you would see a difference. The game would change on it's own rather than you changing the game.
Now this CBA stuff is just ridiculus. I agreed with Obama. You guys make 9 Billion a year and can't figure it out? While the rest of the country is in a recession and I've personally been struggling all year?
I play football for the love of the game. We all have day jobs and play the same violent game you do. I'm not saying I would like to get hit by an NFL linebacker. But the violence IS relative. Me getting hit by some of these women is relative to an NFL running back getting hit by an NFL linebacker. IT STILL HURTS.
I've played with broken fingers, a fractured wrist, separated shoulder, not to mention little things that happen all season. I have basic health insurance and after losing my job it went to REAL basic health insurance.
If we were men I could wake up, train, play football, make millions. Because I'm a woman I can't. At least not yet. We are going towards that goal and I believe we will see something in the next couple years but it still won't be 100 mill.
So for me...It's hard to be that empahtic towards greedy owners and players. There IS a way to make the agreement fair to both sides but they DONT want to do it. It will greatly hurt the NFL if they don't get their shit together. Look at what happened to baseball after the '94 strike.
I play football. It's a violent sport. I understand the need to protect your players. They are your investments. But there seems to be a bit hypocracy going on with the NFL. They say they want to protect the players and half the things they are doing say that while the other half don't.
If they really want to protect their players then why don't they instill better health and retirement plans? How many former players are broke due to health bills from hip and knee replacements?
And if they really wanted to protect the players then why don't they have guarenteed contracts? If any athlete deserves that it would be the football player who puts their body on the line every game and practice. Imagine signing a large contract, getting hurt, and not getting anything to fall back on?
And if they really wanted to protect their players...why don't they put a rookie salary cap in place? You shouldn't have unproven rookies getting paid ton's more than proven Pro-Bowlers. I'm sorry but you shouldn't. Put in a sliding scale type cap like the NBA. Guarentee that money but cap it. When that contract ends and the players have at least played a down then the teams can decide how much to pay them. This would reduce the "FLUFF" of paying 100 mill for a player's POTENTIAL and having them turn into a LaMarcus Russell. As long as you put in that guarentee that a player will get paid then I think it's completely fair to cap.
I understand wanting to try to enforce penalties and fines for bad hits. But the line needs to be more clear. As a defender it's hard to stop when you are going 110 percent and your momentum is carrying you. They have to find a way to DEFINE the difference between a HARD hit and a BAD hit. As a player most of the time you can tell if someone nailed you legally or is playing dirty.
That being said. DONT MESS WITH THE END PRODUCT ON THE FIELD. Moving the kick off from the 30 to 35 to the casual fan may not sound like much but think of how many kickoffs land between the goal line and the 5 yard line. They were deep but still reteurnable. Now with 5 more yards on the kicker's side you will certaintly put more in the endzone for touchbacks.
On the other side they used to allow greater takeoff for the kickoff team, 10-15 yards I think and the new limit is 5 yards. Having played football I can tell you unless you are a world class sprinter and even then, getting to your full speed at 5 yards is quite difficult.
What does this mean? It means that the kick off team will have less time to get down and cover. So 1 of 2 things will happen. Either the kick off team will just go for the touchback because the penality of putting it at the 20 is not really that much of a penalty...or you will see kick off teams trying to POOCH kickoffs and pin the return team deep like you sometimes see in punt situations. Pooching the kick higher for more air time will give the kick off team more time to get down and cover and if you mess up and kick too hard...oh well it's a touchback at the 20.
Do a lot of injuries happen on special teams? Yes. Is this really going to change that? No. Does it instead greatly handicap the kick return game? Yes. Will this probably lead to a reduced amount of points per game? Yes. Because you will have offenses working with longer fields.
What would I do to reduce injuries on kick offs? Put in stiffer penalties for blocks in the back and late hits on kick offs. Don't mess with the formations and where you start but make the penalities 20 yards and I think after an adjustment period you would see a difference. The game would change on it's own rather than you changing the game.
Now this CBA stuff is just ridiculus. I agreed with Obama. You guys make 9 Billion a year and can't figure it out? While the rest of the country is in a recession and I've personally been struggling all year?
I play football for the love of the game. We all have day jobs and play the same violent game you do. I'm not saying I would like to get hit by an NFL linebacker. But the violence IS relative. Me getting hit by some of these women is relative to an NFL running back getting hit by an NFL linebacker. IT STILL HURTS.
I've played with broken fingers, a fractured wrist, separated shoulder, not to mention little things that happen all season. I have basic health insurance and after losing my job it went to REAL basic health insurance.
If we were men I could wake up, train, play football, make millions. Because I'm a woman I can't. At least not yet. We are going towards that goal and I believe we will see something in the next couple years but it still won't be 100 mill.
So for me...It's hard to be that empahtic towards greedy owners and players. There IS a way to make the agreement fair to both sides but they DONT want to do it. It will greatly hurt the NFL if they don't get their shit together. Look at what happened to baseball after the '94 strike.
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