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Friday, October 31, 2014

The Friday Highlight: Emanuel Gant


This is the final week of the regular season and since we started with a small school we will end with a small school.  Tempe High School is home to the Buffalo's and to one of the states best quarterbacks.  Emanuel Gant is just 27 yards away from breaking the state record for passing yards.  The 6'5 220 pound senior is having a very memorable season while leading his teams to a 9-0 record.  They are currently ranked #3 in the power rankings and host the Alhambra Lions tonight.

Gant controls the game when he is under center.  He is very passionate and competitive, yet off the field he is much more reserved.  He is quiet and keeps to himself.  He has improved his grades drastically and hopes to play college football and make it to the NFL.  Gant knows football may not always be an option and yes he does have a back up plan.  He would like to be an athletic trainer or a physician. 

Gant was inspired by his father to play football and has been doing so for seven years.  He currently doesn't have any scholarship offers but when he brakes the state passing record later tonight I'm sure a handful of schools will come knocking.  He hopes to finish out his high school career on a high note.  When asked to tell me about his schools tradition he said that every Friday they wear blue and white as a way to honor all who graduated from Tempe High School.

Wednesday, October 29, 2014

College Football's Final Four Is In

Yesterday the College Football Playoff selection committee announced their initial top 25 rankings.  The SEC West dominated the ranking.  Mississippi, Mississippi St., and Auburn are three of the top four teams.  Florida St. is the other team that would make the four team playoff if it were held today.  This is just the first week of the rankings, which will likely change a whole lot considering how the college football season has gone so far. 

The fact that three teams from the same conference has a lot of people upset.  Mississippi St. and Florida St. are both undefeated and deserve to be there.  The big question is which one loss teams should be there also?  I can literally spend days arguing on who else should be in the top four.  But I'm not going to do that.  I'm going to leave you with two points.  Point one, Oregon sits at #5.  Why?  They lost to Arizona, which is #12, and many would say that's not a quality loss.  Point 2, why is Notre Dame #10?  They have a quality loss to Florida St. and most people will say they were robbed and should be unbeaten.  Shouldn't that at least have you in the top 5?

The Top 25:
25. Louisville (6-2)
24. Duke (6-1)
23. East Carolina (6-1)
22. UCLA (6-2)
21. Clemson (6-2)
20. West Virginia (6-2)
19. LSU (7-2)
18. Oklahoma (5-2)
17. Utah (6-1)
16. Ohio St. (6-1)
15. Nebraska (7-1)
14. Arizona St. (6-1)
13. Baylor (6-1)
12. Arizona (6-1)
11. Georgia (6-1)
10. Notre Dame (6-1)
9. Kansas State (6-1)
8. Michigan State (7-1)
7. TCU (6-1)
6. Alabama (7-1)
5 Oregon (6-1)
4.Ole. Miss (6-1)
3. Auburn (6-1)
2. Florida State (7-0)
1. Mississippi State (7-0)

Monday, October 27, 2014

The Greatest Rivalry In Football!

Tonight on Monday Night Football we wrap up an exciting week 8 with the Washington Redskins traveling to Texas to take on the Dallas Cowboys.  Even though the series has lost some of it's meaning the last few years this is by far the best rivalry in football.  Every time the two NFC East teams get together you can though out all the stats because it's always a dogfight tip the end.

The Redskins won the first meeting between the two teams 26-14 on October 9, 1960.  The Cowboys lead the series64-44 with two games ending in ties.  The Redskins are 2-0 in the playoffs against the Cowboys.  These are all amazing stats but the best part of the rivalry is the competitiveness.  No matter the teams records the teams always play a little harder against each other.  In fact one season the Redskins went 15-1, their only loss coming to the Cowboys.  This is how a rivalry should be played.

Tonight's game will be a tale of two quarterbacks.  For the Cowboys if Tony Romo can manage the game like he has been and not have throw the ball too often they will win tonight's game.  For the Redskins they will be starting their third string quarterback.  In order for the Redskins to come away with the victory they will need to run the ball with Alford Morris.  If they control the clock and keep the Cowboy offense off the field they will be the victors tonight.

A Weekend To Remember!

We had another great weekend in football.  For all of us in Arizona it was an outstanding weekend.  We saw all of our major teams win and even a few over our smaller school came out of this weekend victorious.

We start with our smaller colleges.  First year school Arizona Christian traveled to Missouri and came up with the win over Missouri Baptist 38-13.  The win was the schools second this year.  Up in the high country of Flagstaff NAU took down the #2 team in the country.  They beat Eastern Washington 28-27.

Arizona State beat Washington 24-10 as it welcomed back starting quarterback Taylor Kelley.  The Sun Devils did what they needed to and didn't slip up in a game that they knew would be no problem to pick up the victory.  Their instate rivals the Arizona Wildcats had no problem with Washington State winning 59-37.  Both the Sun Devil's and the Wildcat's are still alive in the PAC 12 South race.  When they meet next month it may be for a shot at the PAC 12 title game.

Our last hometown team also got the job done.  They beat the Philadelphia Eagles 24-20 and improved to 6-1.  They had to come from behind to pick up the win.  They too also have high expectations to make a deep playoff run.

All of our Arizona teams winning is proof that football in Arizona is on the rise.  Our high school kids are more competitive than ever and because all of the winning more and more kids want to come from out of state to play in the great state of Arizona.

Sunday, October 26, 2014

The Cardinals Prove They Are For Real

The Arizona Cardinals defeated the Philadelphia Eagles earlier today 24-20 and they did it in dramatic fashion.  Arizona trailed 17-14 going into the fourth quarter.  The Cardinals then tied the game on a 28 yard Chandler Cantanzaro field goal.  The Eagles then answered with a 20 yard field and went ahead 20-17.  Then Carson Palmer and the offense took the field and it didn't take long for them to score.  Palmer hooked up with rookie John Brown for 75 yards and the go ahead score.

There were many bright spots for the Cardinals.  Palmer again looked healthy and led the offense to victory.  He threw 329 yards and two scores on just 20 of 42 passing.  Palmer's best stat of the day was his zero interceptions.  Ellington added 71 yards on 23 carries.  Even though he fumbled he did also score a touchdown.  The defense had a lot to do with the victory as well.  They were led by veteran cornerback Antonio Cromartie who stepped up big when all-pro Patrick Peterson went out with an injury.  Cromartie had 2 interceptions that helped the Cardinals come away with the victory. 

The player of the game had to be wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald.  He showed the entire NFL that he still has a lot of gas left in the tank.  When the Cardinals needed him most he made a huge play.  He caught an 80 yard pass for the score and put the Cardinals up 14-7 early in the fourth quarter.  Fitz caught 7 passes for 160 yards including his touchdown.  With the win the Cardinals are now 6-1.  They are ready to make a run at the franchises first Super Bowl title.

Saturday, October 25, 2014

Looking Back At Friday Night: October 25, 2014

With just two games remaining in the regular season we saw plenty of action last night.  We also saw the playoff picture get a little bit clearer, but we still have a lot to iron out in the seasons last week.  Here's what went down with the Friday Highlight Teams.

Combs went down to Tucson and came away with a 14-12 victory over Amphitheater.  The win improves them to 6-3.  Next week they travel to Scottsdale to take on Coronado.  Combs looks to end the regular season on a high note.

Phoenix Christian Prep had another long night as it lost to Shadow Mountain 51-7.  The Cougars fall to 3-6 and likely will miss the playoffs.  They play at Washington next week as they try to rebound from this tough loss.

Liberty improved to 8-1 after a blowout victory over Ironwood.   The  Ty won 48-16 and had little trouble with the Eagles.  They close the season at home against Willow Canyon next Friday as they prepare for the playoffs.

St. Mary's had another great game and came away with the victory.  They beat Trevor Browne 48-10.  They now face an unbeaten Sunnyslope team in a game that may decide their playoff fate.  To add to the pressure the Knight's have to go into Viking Country to try and find a win.  The Knight's are now 7-2.

Coronado was blown out by Florence 61-20 and is now 4-5.  They finish the season next Friday against Combs at home.

In a game that would decide the section title Westview beat Millennium pretty handily 37-6.  Westview is now 7-2 and travels to Maryvale to finish the regular season.  They are hoping to make a long run deep into the playoffs.

Chandler was all over Basha early and often as it cruised to victory 55-10.  Chandler is now 8-1 and host Highland next Friday.  Chandler is a favorite to win the state title and they have certainly been playing like it.

Millennium lost to Westview 37-6 as I said earlier.  The loss drops them to 4-5 and 3-1 in section play.  Now it's time to forget about that game because now next weeks game is even bigger.  They face Cesar Chavez, a team that has come on strong as of late.  Both teams are 3-1 in the section and this game will likely decide who goes to the playoffs and who goes home to clean out their lockers.  The game will be played at Millennium.

Friday, October 24, 2014

The Friday Highlight: Dyson Dandurand


This week we travel to Goodyear and meet the Millennium Tigers.  The Tigers are 4-4 but more importantly 3-0 in section play.  They have a very big game tonight against Avondale Westview.  The game is not only big just because the two schools are rivals but because this game will more than like decide the section champ.

The Tigers are on a three game win streak after starting 1-4.  A big part of the turnaround is the offensive line, which is anchored by 6'1 305 pound Dyson Dandurand.  He is a big and powerful young man who plays with passion and is an intense fierce competitor.  He holds the schools bench press record at 405 pounds and is looking to break the schools power clean record as well.  The record is 320 pounds.  He started playing football because his dad wanted him to, but as soon as he hit his first defensive lineman he knew this game was for him.  This is definitely the case because he leads the team with 45 pancake blocks.  He had 15 in the first half against Maryvale.  He is tough kid that has been on varsity since his freshman year.  A feat that only a handful of athletes accomplish and rarely are they lineman. 

Dandurand currently has a 2.75 GPA and has a goal of obtaining a college scholarship and playing football on Saturdays.  He is being pursued by Arizona Christian but has not yet committed to any school.  After watching him play you will understand why he will be playing football at the next level.

Dandurand has many goals he would like to achieve by seasons end.  He maybe able to accomplish two of them when he takes the field with his teammates tonight.  He wants to beat Westview and win the section.  He is hoping that his teammates take "Highway 50" to victory.  He wears number 50 and used to the running backs running behind him into the end zone.  If he has it his way that's what will happen tonight.
 

Thursday, October 23, 2014

Why The Cardinals Are 5-1

We are entering week 8 in the NFL and the Arizona Cardinals sit atop the NFC West at 5-1.  They face another 5-1 team this Sunday when the Philadelphia Eagles come to town.  The great record has fans buzzing about the playoffs and possible being the first team to ever host the Super Bowl.  But lets not get a head of ourselves, why are the Cardinals doing so well considering all the injuries they have suffered so far? 

Some fans say the great start is due to the quarterback play or the play of Andre Ellington.  Some people are also pointing our how great the offense line is playing.  Others say it is the defense and the fact that almost everybody is different from a year ago and yet the team is still one of the best defenses in the league.  I agree with all of these points, but the real reason the Cardinals are 5-1 is Bruce Arians and his staff.

Arians in just his second season with the Cardinals is already making a name for himself.  He and defensive coordinator Todd Boles are succeeding because they both put in systems that the team has bought in to.  Both coaches are great at getting the best out of their players.  This is why the Cardinals have been able to continue their winning ways even though they have suffered through so many injuries.  The "next man up" motto has really been put to use this season. 

The Cardinals now face a tough schedule the next 5 weeks and if they want to continue their dominance they are really going to have to buckle down and execute the game plans that will be put by Arians and Boles.  The Cardinals have put themselves in a great position and will be a team to watch as we get closer to the playoffs.

Sunday, October 19, 2014

Palmer, Cardinals Keep Raider's Winless

The Arizona Cardinals improved to 5-1 with a 24-13 victory over the Oakland Raiders.  They were led by quarterback Carson Palmer.  He completed 22 of 31 passes for 253 yards and 2 touchdowns, including a 33 yarder to Michael Floyd in the second quarter that put the Cardinals up 14-0.  The one sore spot for Palmer was when tight end John Carson jumped for a pass that was a little high.  He tipped the ball in the air and the ageless Charles Woodson came up with the interception.  The interception was Palmer's first of the season.  In fact it was the first interception thrown by any Cardinal quarterback.

The Cardinals had an all around great effort by both the offense and the defense.  The offense is starting to click and getting fans used to seeing them carry the team to victory.  We are so used to seeing the defense make plays to keep the Cardinals in games but that trend is starting to change. 

The Cardinals host another 5-1 team next week when the Philadelphia Eagles come to town.  This should be another exciting game and hopefully Palmer will continue to play well and lead the Cardinals to another victory.

Friday, October 17, 2014

The Friday Highlight: Bryce Perkins

This week let's travel east to the city of Chandler.  There we will be entering "Wolf Country" and Chandler High School.  Chandler is a division I school that is 6-1 and coming off an impressive 56-24 victory over cross town rival and powerhouse Hamilton. 

The Wolves are led by arguably the best quarterback in the state, Bryce Perkins.  Perkins a 6'3 210 pound senior has had a spectacular season thus far.  He has thrown for 1,300 yards and an astonishing 22 touchdowns in his first six games.  He added to that last week in a blowout victory over Gilbert. 

Perkins was inspired by his father, a former NFL player, to play football.  He plays with such a great passion and will to win and it shows with all of the colleges that tried to recruit him.  He has great stats and boast a 3.6 GPA.  He has committed to play for Arizona State next year.  His goals are to start at the college level and make it into the NFL. 

Perkins says football teaches you to be a better person in life and he is living proof of that.  He will finish his high school career soon with hopes of winning a state title.  Even if he doesn't he has had many accomplishments to be proud of including being a part of the first class at Chandler to beat their rival Hamilton High School after losing 17 in a row.


Tuesday, October 14, 2014

An Afternoon At The Stadium

In case you didn't know I am a huge football fan.  Like every die hard fan I have a favorite team.  My favorite team is the Washington Redskins.  I have been a fan for as long as I can remember.  Most people ask me "why do you like the Redskins?"  "Why not the hometown team?" and even "you call yourself The Az Sports Guru but don't like the Arizona team".  Well here's your answer.  I'm born and raised here in Phoenix, Arizona and when I was growing up we didn't have a team.  The Cardinals didn't arrive until 1989 and by that time I was already a Redskin fanatic.  When I was little they only showed the Cowboy games and I didn't like the Cowboys but twice a year I watched them play the Redskins and I like the logo and so I became a fan. 

To answer your other questions while the Cardinals aren't my favorite team I truly respect them.  It's not because I cover them are because they are finally good (even though that's the reason for many people that won't admit that), it's because o my relationship with a few former players.  Years ago I volunteered with the Cardinals and coached youth football through NFL Flag.  I loved it and it helped me get into high school coaching.  I used to help out with the clinics they would put on for the children.  Every Cardinal and coach I ever came across were great down to earth people.  People such as Jeep Chryst, Damien Anderson, Chris Gedney, Martay Jenkins and Frank Sanders.  There are many more and because of them I will always respect the Cardinals.

So on to my story.  My brother in law took me to the game yesterday for my upcoming birthday.  Besides the score I had the time of my life.  The atmosphere was awesome.  There was a lot of tailgaters out on the lawn outside of University of Phoenix Stadium.There was a lot of Redskins fans and it was great to see all the different apparel.

There was one thing that did bother me.  The cardinals are new to winning, some would say they aren't even a winning team yet but remember they are coming of a 10 win season.  With the winning comes fans knowing how to win.  On my way back to my car I was hit in the hand with a small rock.  when I looked back no one was there.It must have come from a car passing by because about a minute later this guy starts yelling profanity and telling me how bad the Redskins and I are.

Now don't get me wrong I'm all for thrash talk in sports.  I'm for it when it's appropriate.  Talk about my team but don't make it personal.  I don't even know the guy and more importantly he doesn't know me.  I mean how ignorant can some people be?  The guy was even telling another Cardinal fan to hit me.  The fan ignored o coarse and so did I.  I went to see a football game not get in a street fight.

The whole incident bothered me but I don't blame the Cardinals.  Grown people know the decisions they need to make.  But I will tell you this had my wife or my daughter had been with me that probably would have been my last trip to University Of Phoenix Stadium.   


Monday, October 13, 2014

Cardinals Top Redskins

The Cardinals played host to the Washington Redskins on Sunday in an exciting match up between the two NFC teams.  The Cardinals won 30-20.  Carson Palmer made his first start since week one.  The start was a bit of a surprise to most, but Palmer didn't disappoint.  He was 28-44 for 250 yards and two scores.  The most important thing we saw from Palmer was his toughness and ability to manage the game and help Arizona come away with the victory.

Future Hall of Famer Larry Fitzgerald finally had his breakout game.  He caught 6 passes for 98 yards and a Touchdown.  More importantly was the fight Fitzgerald showed on his touchdown catch.  He would not be denied the end zone.  Ellington added 67 yards on 19 carries.

The win improves the Cardinals to 4-1 and they face the Oakland Raiders next week.  The Raiders are winless this season and face the Cardinals at a bad time.  The Cardinals are starting to get healthier and with just one loss the rest of the NFL needs to keep a close eye on them.  They are a very dangerous team that believes they can beat anybody.

Saturday, October 11, 2014

Looking Back At Friday Night: October 10, 2014

Combs suffered its second loss of the season at the hands of Florence High School 28-10.  They are now 5-2 and face Seton Catholic next Friday.  This should be a good game as both teams look forward to making the playoffs.

Phoenix Christian Prep tried to knock Alhambra from the unbeaten ranks.  They can up short losing 36-20.  Their record falls to 3-4 and 1-3 in section play.  Next week they have another chance to give a team it's first loss of the season.  They face 7-0 Tempe in an away section game.

Liberty may have been one of the surprises of the night.  In a game that was supposed to be very competitive they made it look easy.  They scored early on Deer Valley and never looked back.  The final score was Liberty 30, Deer Valley 7.  Liberty now travels to Ironwood to face the Eagles next Friday.

St.  Mary's shutout Camelback 35-0 and improves to 5-2.  More importantly they improve to 5-0 in section play and are another week closer to breaking out the gold pants.  They host Carl Hayden at Phoenix College on Friday in a game that figures to be a blowout in favor of the Knight's.  Carl Hayden is winless on the season at 0-7.

Coronado picked up another victory to improve to 3-4 on the season.  They beat Chino Valley 65-0 and had no trouble picking up the victory.  They travel to Cortez to face the Colt's next.  Cortez has only won one game all year long.

Westview continued it's dominance in a 41-33 victory over Valley Vista.They are now 5-2 and face the lowly North Mustangs on Friday.  North is 1-6 and their only victory came against Maryvale a week ago.

I normally don't cover games without a player from The Friday Highlight but I couldn't pass this one up.  Higley defeated Apache Junction 95-75.  Yes you read it write.  I double and triple checked.  The score really was 95-75.  Apparently the two teams decided not play any defense.  Both teams combined for 1929 yards of total offense.  They also set the record for most points scored by two teams in one game.  They scored 170 points.  From a coaching standpoint I'd be mad win or lose.  I mean how do you score 75 points in football and lose?  From a fans standpoint I love it.  I bet it was an exciting game to watch.  Ans for a high school kid it was probably the most fun those players ever had.

Friday, October 10, 2014

The Friday Highlight: Alex Saenz

 This week we focus on Avondale, home of the Westview Knight's.  Westview is 4-2 and coming off an impressive victory over The Basha Bears two weeks ago.  They are poised to make a run in the division I playoffs under coach Joe Parker.

The Knight's are led on defense by team captain and meddle linebacker #5 Alex Saenz.  Saenz a 5'10 183 lb. senior plays with a high motor and leads by example.  Saenz is second on the team with 60 tackles.  He has 35 solo tackles.  He has been on varsity since his sophomore season and finished with 80 tackles as a junior.

Saenz plans on attending ASU and studying Architecture and enginerring.  He also hopes to play football at the college level.  He has a weighted GPA of 4.19, unweighted 3.91 GPA and is certainly smart enough to accomplish his goals.  As for the rest of the year he hopes to finish the football season strong and continue to keep his grades up.

Saenz says he had a tough childhood growing up but in his free time he is religious and a good photographer.  Like most of today's youth he was inspired to play football by simply watching the NFL.  The Dallas Cowboys are his favorite team.

Playing football has been more than just something to do after school for Saenz.  He says it's a gateway from the outside world and helps keep him on the right track.  He is a perfect example for younger children of how football can help shape you in to a positive and respectful young man.

Tuesday, October 7, 2014

Tidbit Tuesday: Wildcat's Style


The Arizona Wildcats are coming off one of the biggest victories in school history.  They beat the Oregon Ducks 31-24.  The victory catapulted the Wildcats all the way to number 10 in the college football rankings.  It was the biggest jump ever of any college team.  There was something else interesting in Thursday nights game.

The Arizona place kicker has an interesting story to be told.  Casey Skowron is a red shirt junior, but didn't even come to U of A to play football.  He started out as the manager of the girls soccer team before started kicking field goals for the Wildcats.  Skowron graduated from Phoenix's Brophy Prep High School.  He was a soccer player and only played football at the end of his senior year in high school.  He only joined the team after he was pursued because the football team didn't have a kicker.  He decided to give it a try and now he is the field goal kicker for the 10th best team in the nation. 

Sunday, October 5, 2014

ASU With "Strong" Performance In Southern California

After a tough blowout loss to UCLA a week ago, the Arizona St. Sun Devils traveled to Southern California to try and forget about their terrible performance on the national stage.  They faced the USC Trojans a team looking to improve to 3-0 in the Pac 12.

The Trojans seemed to be in control the entire game.  But ASU just wouldn't give up.  Back up Quarterback Mike Bercovici, in just his second start, was spectacular.  He threw for 510 yards and 5 touchdowns.  3 of those touchdowns went to Jalen Strong, including the game winner as time expired.  The offense kept the Devils in the game and allowed for the dramatic finish.

Strong caught 10 passes for 202 yards and solidified himself  as one of the Pac 12's best receivers.  Strong was one of the reason ASU even had a chance.  He is a threat every tome he touches the ball.  Strong showed his athleticism on the games final play.  ASU QB Bercovici dropped back and chucked the ball 46 yards in hopes of a miracle.  The problem was the ball fell short of the end zone.  Strong made the great adjustment and caught the ball and walked into the end zone.  Bercovici and ASU had their miracle and a much needed Pac 12 victory.

Saturday, October 4, 2014

Looking Back At Friday Night: 10/3/2014

This weeks games were played primarily on Thursday due to religious reasons.  We had a lot of great football this week and even a few surprises on the scoreboard.

The Combs Coyotes beat the Cortez Colts 59-10.  The Coyotes started early and didn't look back on their way to a 5-1 record.  They host Florence next week as they look for another victory.

Phoenix Christian Prep didn't  have it as easily.  In a huge surprise they were blown out by the Rockets of Moon Valley 49-18.  The loss drops the Cougars to 3-3m but most importantly 1-2 in league play.  They really need a victory next Friday when they host the unbeaten Alhambra Lions.  Alhambra is 6-0 but their opponents are a combined 5-32.  So let me go on record now as calling upset!  Phoenix Christian will knock Alhambra from it's unbeaten mark on Friday.

Raymond S. Kellis was no match for the Liberty Lions.  Liberty dominated the entire game and won 75-6.  They host Deer Valley next week in a game that promises to be entertaining.  Deer Valley is 5-1 and suffered their first lost to Centennial 35-7 on Thursday.

In another Surprise St. Mary's improved to 4-2 with a 38-26 victory of La Joya High School.  The win also puts the Knights at 4-0 in league play.  They play at Camelback on Friday, a game they should win.  In fact the rest of the season are all winnable games for the Knights.  The last game of the regular season is against Sunnyslope that should be their only struggle.

Our newest team to join The Friday Night Highlight club didn't fare so well against the Coolidge Bears.  They lost 55-24.  They look to get back in to the win column when they host win less Chino Valley on Friday. 

Friday, October 3, 2014

The Friday Highlight: Latrell Johnson


This week we travel to Scottsdale and visit the Coronado Don’s.  In case you’re wondering a Don is a Spanish warrior.  Coronado doesn’t have the best record and may miss the playoffs.  But what they do have is a bunch of young men that have dedication and determination to put their school on the Arizona High School football map.  One of those students is 17 year old senior Latrell Johnson.

Johnson plays wide receiver and defensive back for the Don’s.  He has nine tackles so far this season and says there is many more to come.  He never shows fear or weakness while on the field at it shows while watching him play.  He plays most of the game. 

Johnson’s GPA is above 2.0 and he plans to attend Northern Arizona University and study sports management.  He has a goal of graduating with a 3.0 GPA.  He has played football for four years.  His brother is his inspiration for playing the game.  He started playing after he would watch him play. 

Johnson says he is a relaxed person but prepares himself mentally for the next game.  He also says playing high school football requires a lot of blood sweat and tears to put yourself in the right position to succeed. 

What is impressive about Johnson is he is a true team player.  When asked to submit a photo he gave me one of all the seniors just having fun with each other.  Players like Johnson are the type of people that build a backbone for a team to be successful.


Wednesday, October 1, 2014

Tidbit Tuesday.....Okay Wednesday

 Did you know that 75 years ago the first football game was televised!  It was September 30, 1939 and guess what; it was not an NFL game.  It was a college game between the Waynesburg Yellow Jackets and the Fordham Rams.  There were 9,000 fans in attendance and another 1,00 thousand watched on TV.  This was very impressive because at the time there were only about 7,000 TV’s in existence.  One camera was used and Bill Stern was the lone announcer.  The game was broadcast on NBC and was such a hit that it led to the first NFL game being televised nearly a month later.

With all the excitement in the air the game started off with a bang.  Waynesburg’s Booby Brooks took a handoff 63 yards for the game’s first score on only the third play from scrimmage.  The game however did not remain as exciting as the opening drive.  Fordham tied the score later in the quarter and added two more touchdowns in the second quarter to take a 21-7 lead into half time.  They score 13 more points in the second half and won 34-7.