The past two home games have been a.......RELIEF! Whew! We finally put things together up front on the offensive line and now that we're doing our jobs, everyone else can do theirs.
It's a beautiful thing. The Rage was a team that we struggled against a few weeks prior but readily handled the second time around. We've only seen the Raptors this one time but the offense improved even further this week. Both the Rage and the Raptors are very classy teams and have mine and my teammate's respect. Good luck to them with the rest of their seasons.
We got rolling just in time.........because instead of playing another home game against the Taylor Ranch Trojans....who apparently have either folded or went the way of Sante Fe Sting and will not be making the trip, for whatever reason. Credit the Trojans for showing at least the integrity to let us know far enough in advance so that we could schedule another opponent.
The Next Opponent:
We had already agreed to go play the Crush at their place in June........it's on our schedule.........so when we learned that the Crush had also lost a game due to an opponent forfeiture then we thought everything had fallen into place perfectly. Home and Home. that's how football works anyways. nevermind that we've already been to the Crush's house 3 times and they to ours only Twice.......we still agreed to go play them in June because we enjoy playing them. They are an exceptional team and an excellent measuring stick as to where we are as a team. let's us know how we stack up.
So........we will be playing the Crush this weekend...........but not here. I will not get into the logistics and opinions and history of what it's like to schedule games against these guys. The fact is this, we are going to go down to Cleveland Field/Stadium or whatever it's called that they play their games THIS year. We will play them at 3 pm on Sunday. At their place. Of course, they've graciously offered to maybe come to our place for our June matchup..........we shall see. But for now, we have a game this weekend. A very good game to concentrate on. A very important game. A game we must prepare for and prepare well. A game that I hope lots of people can make the trip to see! A game that, if we play up to our potential, will put us on the national map again..........a VERY BIG GAME!
See you there!
Monday, April 19, 2010
Tuesday, March 30, 2010
It's a Reminder
Personally, I am very proud of this team and how they reacted at the Las Vegas game. I could maybe see how a person in the press box could read the things on the field a little differently that someone actually on the field or the sideline.
First off, let me preface what I'm going to say with my reiteration (I told several people this exact thing before, during and after the game) that there is a core of players on that Outlaw team that has my utmost respect. They have all the class and heart of any players I've ever seen. They've showed up to Farmington with about 15 people total and played to the last whistle. They didn't quit or throw in the towel as others have done. They played. The score was something like 68 to 0 but you would've never know by the way those men played! Hats off to them and I spoke to them at the game as well. They were not participating in the trash Shawn talks about on his blog. Not a word. #22 is as good a DL as there is in this league and I think every one of us got beat at least once or twice by him. I did not hear one word out of him when he did well and he complimented us when we blocked him well. Most teams are comprised mostly of players of that ilk. The Roughnecks certainly are.
Some very ugly incidents occured and they were originated by people who had absolutely zero interest in playing a football game. Period.
The only thing I saw Roughnecks players and coaches doing was to either protect themselves from things that had no business on the field of play or to protect their teammates from such. Sure, there was a response or two to the chump(s) on their sideline that relentlessly heckles off-color insults and profane venom at us and our families. But I would call "put on some pads and join us!" a pretty damned mild reply!
Fact is, non-team affiliated person aren't allowed in the "player's box" at any level. These clowns were on the field itself in some instances. Running their lips constantly. Now, conversely, I saw officials jump all over a fellow player at a different game for yelling a very mild "run your mouth now" to an uncommonly vocal player on the opposing team who had just gotten lit up. Rightly so. It keeps things from escalating. Not one word was said to any of them to cease their trash-talking. Their owner, who was also ejected came up and personally apologized to us for his words and his actions and we accepted it. It was heat of battle and I don't recall that any of his tirade was directed towards us anyways. Had he been forced to leave the sidelines, as is THE RULE when an ejection occurs, he probably would have been spared some embarrassment as well. I've been there and I understand why that rule is in place. And the fact that the first player that got ejected was allowed to remain anywhere near the football field is complete idiocy and imcompetence! Period!
I will not go into what happened but it was as far from football as I've ever seen and if he's allowed to play another down in this league then there is a huge problem.
But, the true character of this team shone thru at that time. I am proud of the entire team on their very profession reaction to that incident. Had we chosen to react differently then an all-out brawl would have occured. Trust me. Some of the players on the opposing team were looking for just that. We came to play a game and that's what we did. Players defended themselves and their teammates and that is all they did. The game film will completely back me up on that. One of our toughest and most "excitable" lineman got hit so hard (in the head!) that it knocked him to the ground.......he reacted professionally and did not seek immediate revenge and retaliate. Not because he was scared or is a wussy, I promise you that much.
We had every opportunity to let that game get out of hand. We did not and kept our cool. We chose not to react. A reactive word here and there inviting them to "put up or shut up"? Please! what would you expect? I do not see that as a "stoop".
Once more, I am very proud of the way this team....MY team reacted to all of that nonesense. We were thanked and commended on it by many. Including the classy core members of their team that I've mentioned.
This is NOT a team of thugs and criminals and our actions proved that. with a resounding exclamation point!
I've not heard other teams occuse us of that either?
Enough of that. Back to the team stuff.
We identified some very good improvement opportunities for our offensive line to capalize on. We are coming together well as a unit and improving daily. The chemistry and bonds are forming and the system is taking root. things are looking very bright for this team. One of our brothers did sustain an injury and it's not know yet the severity of his MCL issue. We are holding our collective breath waiting for his MRI results and praying for the best.
Our defense once again showed us how awesome they can be and this game also belongs to them. That's two in a row and the way they are doing it is a pleasure to be a part of.
This team has begun developing a deep comraderie that occurs only rarely in the sports world. There have been many mistakes made during past games, as is always going to happen. The big difference with this team is that you never hear about it. Nobody pointing them out. Coaches coach and that's their job. Correcting mistakes is their job. I'm talking about players. I haven't heard a single snide or derogatory comment about any of their teammates from the sideline about mistakes made on the field. Soto was on his back so many times that it was a complete embarrassment to those of us whose job it is to protect him. But he showed ultimate class, poise and leadership when he could have done otherwise and been justified in doing so. Same with Royce and Cody. Not a word except "great block" when one was given and "you'll get it. Keep working." when we missed on e and had to look into their eyes as we picked them up off of the ground........in the backfield, usually.
They had some great athletes up front and we got a little confused. .....but "we'll get it. We'll keep working."
Thanks to those that made the trip to support us. I apologize on behalf of all the true football players on that field (on both sides) that you had to witness and endure things that you should never be exposed to as a football fan. It was out of our control but we apologize nonetheless.
First off, let me preface what I'm going to say with my reiteration (I told several people this exact thing before, during and after the game) that there is a core of players on that Outlaw team that has my utmost respect. They have all the class and heart of any players I've ever seen. They've showed up to Farmington with about 15 people total and played to the last whistle. They didn't quit or throw in the towel as others have done. They played. The score was something like 68 to 0 but you would've never know by the way those men played! Hats off to them and I spoke to them at the game as well. They were not participating in the trash Shawn talks about on his blog. Not a word. #22 is as good a DL as there is in this league and I think every one of us got beat at least once or twice by him. I did not hear one word out of him when he did well and he complimented us when we blocked him well. Most teams are comprised mostly of players of that ilk. The Roughnecks certainly are.
Some very ugly incidents occured and they were originated by people who had absolutely zero interest in playing a football game. Period.
The only thing I saw Roughnecks players and coaches doing was to either protect themselves from things that had no business on the field of play or to protect their teammates from such. Sure, there was a response or two to the chump(s) on their sideline that relentlessly heckles off-color insults and profane venom at us and our families. But I would call "put on some pads and join us!" a pretty damned mild reply!
Fact is, non-team affiliated person aren't allowed in the "player's box" at any level. These clowns were on the field itself in some instances. Running their lips constantly. Now, conversely, I saw officials jump all over a fellow player at a different game for yelling a very mild "run your mouth now" to an uncommonly vocal player on the opposing team who had just gotten lit up. Rightly so. It keeps things from escalating. Not one word was said to any of them to cease their trash-talking. Their owner, who was also ejected came up and personally apologized to us for his words and his actions and we accepted it. It was heat of battle and I don't recall that any of his tirade was directed towards us anyways. Had he been forced to leave the sidelines, as is THE RULE when an ejection occurs, he probably would have been spared some embarrassment as well. I've been there and I understand why that rule is in place. And the fact that the first player that got ejected was allowed to remain anywhere near the football field is complete idiocy and imcompetence! Period!
I will not go into what happened but it was as far from football as I've ever seen and if he's allowed to play another down in this league then there is a huge problem.
But, the true character of this team shone thru at that time. I am proud of the entire team on their very profession reaction to that incident. Had we chosen to react differently then an all-out brawl would have occured. Trust me. Some of the players on the opposing team were looking for just that. We came to play a game and that's what we did. Players defended themselves and their teammates and that is all they did. The game film will completely back me up on that. One of our toughest and most "excitable" lineman got hit so hard (in the head!) that it knocked him to the ground.......he reacted professionally and did not seek immediate revenge and retaliate. Not because he was scared or is a wussy, I promise you that much.
We had every opportunity to let that game get out of hand. We did not and kept our cool. We chose not to react. A reactive word here and there inviting them to "put up or shut up"? Please! what would you expect? I do not see that as a "stoop".
Once more, I am very proud of the way this team....MY team reacted to all of that nonesense. We were thanked and commended on it by many. Including the classy core members of their team that I've mentioned.
This is NOT a team of thugs and criminals and our actions proved that. with a resounding exclamation point!
I've not heard other teams occuse us of that either?
Enough of that. Back to the team stuff.
We identified some very good improvement opportunities for our offensive line to capalize on. We are coming together well as a unit and improving daily. The chemistry and bonds are forming and the system is taking root. things are looking very bright for this team. One of our brothers did sustain an injury and it's not know yet the severity of his MCL issue. We are holding our collective breath waiting for his MRI results and praying for the best.
Our defense once again showed us how awesome they can be and this game also belongs to them. That's two in a row and the way they are doing it is a pleasure to be a part of.
This team has begun developing a deep comraderie that occurs only rarely in the sports world. There have been many mistakes made during past games, as is always going to happen. The big difference with this team is that you never hear about it. Nobody pointing them out. Coaches coach and that's their job. Correcting mistakes is their job. I'm talking about players. I haven't heard a single snide or derogatory comment about any of their teammates from the sideline about mistakes made on the field. Soto was on his back so many times that it was a complete embarrassment to those of us whose job it is to protect him. But he showed ultimate class, poise and leadership when he could have done otherwise and been justified in doing so. Same with Royce and Cody. Not a word except "great block" when one was given and "you'll get it. Keep working." when we missed on e and had to look into their eyes as we picked them up off of the ground........in the backfield, usually.
They had some great athletes up front and we got a little confused. .....but "we'll get it. We'll keep working."
Thanks to those that made the trip to support us. I apologize on behalf of all the true football players on that field (on both sides) that you had to witness and endure things that you should never be exposed to as a football fan. It was out of our control but we apologize nonetheless.
Tuesday, March 23, 2010
MY MOTTO FOR THIS SEASON
Came across this quote awhile back and I think it epitomizes how I feel. I hope you enjoy it:
"It is not the critic who counts: not the man who points out how the strong man stumbles or where the doer of deeds could have done better. The Credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood, who strives valiantly, who errs and comes up short again and again, because there is no effort without error or shortcoming, but who knows the great enthusiasms, the great devotions, who spends himself for a worthy cause; who, at the best, knows, in the end, the triumph of high achievement, and who, at the worst, if he fails, at least he fails while daring greatly, so that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who knew neither victory nor defeat." - Theodore Roosevelt
It applies to just about every situation. I think of it often......it's hanging on my wall.
"It is not the critic who counts: not the man who points out how the strong man stumbles or where the doer of deeds could have done better. The Credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood, who strives valiantly, who errs and comes up short again and again, because there is no effort without error or shortcoming, but who knows the great enthusiasms, the great devotions, who spends himself for a worthy cause; who, at the best, knows, in the end, the triumph of high achievement, and who, at the worst, if he fails, at least he fails while daring greatly, so that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who knew neither victory nor defeat." - Theodore Roosevelt
It applies to just about every situation. I think of it often......it's hanging on my wall.
Finally!
After a full season to mull it over and also to let my surgically repaired torn Biceps tendon heal, I'm finally back in Black! I just couldn't stay retired. My teammates are still lamenting it but they'll get used to me............I hope!
They even retired my Jersey (#75) to try and keep me away! Pretty strong message I'd say, eh?
Seriously tho, it took alot for me and my family to make the decision for me to play again.....and boy, am I glad!.........I think?!
My first game (vs Rage on 3/13) is now behind me and the embarrassment of all the missed assignments has passed, yet the soreness lingers on. I fear that it will always be with me.....wish I could trade it for the "force" or something cooler!
Honestly though, it felt very good to get back out there. This is a great team and we've picked up lots of talented players to add to a roster that wasn't too bad to begin with.
Attitudes are great and I'm really enjoying being part of this team.
Coach Lynch stepped down after last season and takes with him as much respect as a coach ever could. He is truly a class act. Thank you Damon!
Chris Kovacs has taken the helm and he's the perfect person to refine what Damon's done. Pops, Rich and Mike are all back and we are all (usually) very glad. I say usually because sometimes we don't like them very much.....but usually we do! Same with coach Martinez who makes us do dumb things lots of times.........LOTS OF TIMES! haha.
Seriously tho, they have stepped things up a notch and we either match it or die trying! Nobody's died yet, so.............
Soto is doing a tremendous job at making the transition to QB. He's got all the talent, grit and leadership to take us all the way. He's got no idea yet just how good he really is............
Our already excellent RB rotation that allowed us to hammer the opposition into mush with 1,000 yd + MVP Royce then throw Cody at them with his blazing speed now has become even more potent with the addition of Seth Cain who's field vision, hard-headedness and determination gives us a stable of RB's that should be unstoppable..........SHOULD be unstoppable.
It all rides on the shoulders of us brutes up front. If the O-Line can mesh as a unit and play to our full potential then everything will fall into place for this offense. We are well on our way to doing that. We've lost a couple key tackles that I miss dearly. They were true teammates in every sense of the word, but life happens and I wish them well.
that being said, we've made some huge additions that gives us more depth at O-Line than we've ever had. Mr. Rogers (sorry Jesse!) has returned from a two-season hiatus and we are proud to have him. Some solid stallwarts are back as well. Big Willy at center to help out Rascon who's taking to it like a duck to water means that nobody will come thru the middle. Taz and Ike are back to tag-team the RG with Jesse forcing them both to work themselves harder than ever as I know he's got his eye on that spot! Harlando Sam and Jerrel seem to be happy to make B3 and Reggie nervous about their minutes at LT. On the other side, Micah is looking sharp filling the shoes of the legendary Cory Edgar, who was as solid a Tackle as I've seen in this league. Patty Jake and Jesse are also making it know that they're wanting some play so it's a three-way race there as well......then there's the RG spot. Rowdy has proven to be solid and improving as fast as a person can improve. Great attitude and desire to get better every day....But look out my man! I'm gunnin' for my spot back! but don't worry as it a given that if you're sharing a spot with a 97-year old senior citizen who's 40 times get measured using geological time and has all the talent of a three-toed tree sloth........... you'll play PLENTY!
Dustin is back and we're anxiously awaiting Brett's return from injury at WR and we've got some other nice new additions to give Showtime all the options he needs......provided his boys up front keep him upright. Which we will do :)
The defense?
The defense is better than it's ever been. The Defense won the game for us at the Rage. We're not used to relying on our brothers on D to carry us but carry us they did! In a big way!
We're focused on repaying that debt this weekend in Las Vegas (not the fun LV! the other one) so you can relax and have a good time while we make their offense play from behind, which I know you all love because it means you can REALLY unleash the beast within!
special teams? our ST's have always been solid but I'm here to tell you that there's a new leg in town.....Nate Hamson can kick it a mile........wait til you see the ball flee this dude's foot!
I'm tellin ya, folks! This year's team is gonna make people more nervous than a taliban at a toby Keith concert.............see you there!
They even retired my Jersey (#75) to try and keep me away! Pretty strong message I'd say, eh?
Seriously tho, it took alot for me and my family to make the decision for me to play again.....and boy, am I glad!.........I think?!
My first game (vs Rage on 3/13) is now behind me and the embarrassment of all the missed assignments has passed, yet the soreness lingers on. I fear that it will always be with me.....wish I could trade it for the "force" or something cooler!
Honestly though, it felt very good to get back out there. This is a great team and we've picked up lots of talented players to add to a roster that wasn't too bad to begin with.
Attitudes are great and I'm really enjoying being part of this team.
Coach Lynch stepped down after last season and takes with him as much respect as a coach ever could. He is truly a class act. Thank you Damon!
Chris Kovacs has taken the helm and he's the perfect person to refine what Damon's done. Pops, Rich and Mike are all back and we are all (usually) very glad. I say usually because sometimes we don't like them very much.....but usually we do! Same with coach Martinez who makes us do dumb things lots of times.........LOTS OF TIMES! haha.
Seriously tho, they have stepped things up a notch and we either match it or die trying! Nobody's died yet, so.............
Soto is doing a tremendous job at making the transition to QB. He's got all the talent, grit and leadership to take us all the way. He's got no idea yet just how good he really is............
Our already excellent RB rotation that allowed us to hammer the opposition into mush with 1,000 yd + MVP Royce then throw Cody at them with his blazing speed now has become even more potent with the addition of Seth Cain who's field vision, hard-headedness and determination gives us a stable of RB's that should be unstoppable..........SHOULD be unstoppable.
It all rides on the shoulders of us brutes up front. If the O-Line can mesh as a unit and play to our full potential then everything will fall into place for this offense. We are well on our way to doing that. We've lost a couple key tackles that I miss dearly. They were true teammates in every sense of the word, but life happens and I wish them well.
that being said, we've made some huge additions that gives us more depth at O-Line than we've ever had. Mr. Rogers (sorry Jesse!) has returned from a two-season hiatus and we are proud to have him. Some solid stallwarts are back as well. Big Willy at center to help out Rascon who's taking to it like a duck to water means that nobody will come thru the middle. Taz and Ike are back to tag-team the RG with Jesse forcing them both to work themselves harder than ever as I know he's got his eye on that spot! Harlando Sam and Jerrel seem to be happy to make B3 and Reggie nervous about their minutes at LT. On the other side, Micah is looking sharp filling the shoes of the legendary Cory Edgar, who was as solid a Tackle as I've seen in this league. Patty Jake and Jesse are also making it know that they're wanting some play so it's a three-way race there as well......then there's the RG spot. Rowdy has proven to be solid and improving as fast as a person can improve. Great attitude and desire to get better every day....But look out my man! I'm gunnin' for my spot back! but don't worry as it a given that if you're sharing a spot with a 97-year old senior citizen who's 40 times get measured using geological time and has all the talent of a three-toed tree sloth........... you'll play PLENTY!
Dustin is back and we're anxiously awaiting Brett's return from injury at WR and we've got some other nice new additions to give Showtime all the options he needs......provided his boys up front keep him upright. Which we will do :)
The defense?
The defense is better than it's ever been. The Defense won the game for us at the Rage. We're not used to relying on our brothers on D to carry us but carry us they did! In a big way!
We're focused on repaying that debt this weekend in Las Vegas (not the fun LV! the other one) so you can relax and have a good time while we make their offense play from behind, which I know you all love because it means you can REALLY unleash the beast within!
special teams? our ST's have always been solid but I'm here to tell you that there's a new leg in town.....Nate Hamson can kick it a mile........wait til you see the ball flee this dude's foot!
I'm tellin ya, folks! This year's team is gonna make people more nervous than a taliban at a toby Keith concert.............see you there!
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