The Final Chapter - Alder 2017

 In the last week of the season we traveled to Graham for the final regular season game of this senior year. This was a memorable game but only because it was the most miserable game I have ever sat through. (36-38 degrees, constant driving rain, and wind) Most of the starters would only see the field for the first 1/2 of this cold, slippery, contest. Alder took care of business in the one sided mess. Stacy and I joked about leaving early but never did hoping maybe he would see the field again. After the game, Nolan said "I can't believe you guys stayed for all of that." Someday you'll understand, bud.

 So we advanced onto the Playoffs and ended up heading to Clinton Massie for our first round contest......

 Friday November 3rd, It was perfect football weather. We arrived in our seats early as we always do. The Alder defense played well enough to win, holding the Massie Falcons who were averaging 47 points per game, to a season low of 17. In the first 1/2 we had several opportunities to capitalize on Massie mistakes, but our offense could not find its stride. Trailing 7-0 at half time, was a fairly good place to be in as we got the ball to start the 2nd 1/2. Alder came out and got points tying the game at 7's. The defense stayed strong and held Massie to 3 on their next possession. Trailing 10-7 the Alder offense stalled again, and could not find the way to the end zone.

We fell in this physical contest 17-7 to a very good, and very physical Massie team.

 For Nolan there were a couple pretty memorable things from this game and the week leading up to it. This week he was named CBC (Central Buckeye Conference) defensive player of the year, won the CBC "sack" title, and was named first team all CBC. Thus accomplishing and exceeding a goal he had set at the onset of the season as 1st team all CBC. Additionally, since then, he's been named All district Defensive player of the year. He says the all CBC award means more because it comes from the coaches you play against. Next is that he played at a high level in this contest. I don't have any tackle numbers, and he did not have any sacks against this run first team, but he impacted the game every snap in a positive way just as he did all year. One play specifically stands out.. Late in the 4th quarter, I saw Preston roll out wide to the right side of the field, and then turn and throw the ball backwards across the field. All the sudden it dawned on me, this was the tackle throw back play Nolan had been talking about for the last 2 years. He caught the ball and advanced forwarded. He didn't take it to the house for the score, but he did pick up about 5-6 yards on the play. He was quite an offensive player when he was a young, but the days of catching passes and scoring touchdowns had long since passed. But on this night in his final game, he got called on to catch one more pass. Stacy LOST her mind!!! Finally with about 1:30 on the clock, I saw him come to the side line limping badly. Totally out of character for him, I knew there was reason for concern. We've since learned that he has a least partially torn his MCL bringing his fantastic senior season to an end just 1:30 sooner than it had too.

 We were all pretty emotional after the game, sad for the seasons end and really concerned about his knee. I ran all the way around the fence surrounding the Massie football field to catch up with him before going into the locker room. I gave him one final hug in football pads, and watched him hobble on in. While we were waiting for him to come back out, we got one of the best complements we've ever gotten from any coach. Coach Kyle stopped Stacy and I and told us that Nolan was the most fierce competitor he had ever coached and that he knew no matter what Nolan did in life he would be hugely successful because of it. He noted that it was a reflection of the parenting that we had given him. What an amazing thing to hear someone say about your child, very humbling.

So with all of this done and written, this is the final chapter of Nolan's senior season football blog. Your road to recovery is ahead of you, but it will only be a speed bump in your road of goals and aspirations. Take everything you have learned being part of this team the last 4 years, and all the other teams before that and apply them to everything you do. Should you follow through and enlist, the US Navy will be lucky to have you, and your mom, me, our family, and the rest of the citizens of this great country will all be safer for having you and your new teams protecting us in the years to come. Never lose that relentless drive that coach Kyle sees in you, but above all son, no matter what it is, or where you are, don't ever give up.

We love you and we are as proud as ant two parents can be.

Dad

That's #52 with the ball!

Week 9 - Senior Night

Fall 2009- I looked out across the field from the sideline and noticed Justin Hunt was under center, and our QB Bryan Blacka was spread out wide right. (What in the world is going on) Jim and I were losing our minds in disbelief as the last few seconds ticked off the clock with us trailing West Jeff White by less than a score. Just then with only seconds left, Antonio Valero snapped the ball and Justin dropped back to pass.  He launched the prettiest pass that i had seen in all the years of junior football. Deep over the middle, It felt as if the ball was in the air for an eternity when Bryan reached up and snatched it down, he beat the one lone defender and trotted into the in zone for the win over West Jeff.  
On this night as I walked into Volunteer field, memories from years past like this one rushed over me.  I looked around and saw all these young men that we have parented, coached, disciplined when needed, cheered for, and now we are on the verge of sending into the world of adulthood.  My chest swells with pride for all of them, for what we have all worked together to instill in them, but tonight my heart could barely take it.
I arrived at my seat earlier than normal, 5:37 for the 7:00 kick off.  I took note of the tempature it was a warm & dry 75 degrees with a slight wind out of the south.  I sat silently there in a moment of solitude taking in the sounds and smells, but had to quickly return to the present.  Stacy called for me to come down to the field to line up for senior announcements.  Don't forget your sunglasses, I reminded myself, as I reached back to grab them (these would be must tonight). We lined up with the other senior parents, and I think we were all feeling the same thing. Excited for the game to start, but hanging onto every moment, and just trying to slow down the eminent, fast approaching, end of this season.
Announcements started and one by one the fall athletes of this senior class marched accross the field.  I listened to the hopes and dreams that the kids had written about themselves, and their plans for their futures.  It was exciting to hear the big aspirations these kids have. There are future doctors, businessmen and women, a welder, a nurse, and the list went on and on.  They really are the future of this country, and while I cant say that I feel great about their generation as a whole, I can say I feel exceptionally good about this this group of of kids.  Nolan joined us, just before the football players started their part of the announcements. It was exciting to get to stand next to him, and talk to him on the field. He is not a kid that will typically sit back and let you do things for him, but he let me carry his helmet accross the field, which I thought was kind of neat.
"Nolan Larison, accompied by his mom and Dad Matt and Stacy Larison" - That was the last thing I heard...  We headed accross the field, stopping only to smile for some pictures. I'm not sure why I didn't hear the rest of his senior announcement (i tuned it out perhaps) but I didn't need to hear it anyway. I had already heard and read it.  I've been hearing it since he was in the 6th grade, and he's been preparing us for it since then as well. He's inlisting in the Navy, and pursing his dream of becoming special forces.  We all know very few men are truly capable of making it, but I'd bet everything I have on him, he'll make it.  Just like so many of these kids will accomplish their dreams as well.  They just have to be brave enough to believe they can do it, and never quit.  When we got to the other side we shook hands with the coaches, and we got to see a glimpse of the connection that Nolan has with several of the coaches.  Regardless of whether I like everycall or decision thats made, I am truly thankful for the time, attention, and dedication they have all poured into him and all the others as well.  They have made him a better person, and a great team mate.  Finally, all the dads got stand with all of our senior sons on the hash mark for the coin toss. I could feel the excitement, from the boys as game time got closer. After the coin toss, I gave him this parting advice. "No plays off Kid, Take no prisoners. Love Ya".  On the way off the field, got a hug from Sully, and Drew and I couldn't look back.  Just had to push the glasses up a little tighter to my face and march on back to my seat.
The boys in black got it done 35-21 tonight, and secured a birth in the playoffs. The offensive line, paved the way for Jamie who fought hard for yards as he always does.  Nolan took the lead in the CBC for sacks, capturing the QB on 2 separate occasions. One of my favorite plays of the season occurred in this game. Early in the 4th quarter, with the score knotted up at 21's Shawnee had the ball and and took off on an outside run opposite of Nolans side.  A gang of Alder tacklers, had met the running back and his support staff of linemen.  Bryan Blacka  got a hand on the ball and was attempting to work it loose before the refs whistled it dead.  When all the sudden #52 comes blazing a trail accross the field, (from the opposite side) and blows the pile apart like a stick of dynamite. Bodies went all different directions, and so did the ball.  Blacka quickly scooped it up and took it to the house for the score.  Simply an awesome hustle play by Nolan, and smart play by Bryan.
Stacy and I couldn't be more proud of this senior class, and the leadership they have displayed this season.  Nolan, I wrote you letter at the beginning of this season where I gave you some advice for this year about leadership, and leaving it all on the field to make sure you had no regrets when it ends. Its obvious that you took it, and took it to heart.  I am so proud to be your dad, and I'll only be even more proud as you pursue your dreams in your next phase of life.
Well the boys extended their season just a little further with their performance with this win, and all of us parents are excited for each one that we get.  Nice job boys, keep it going....
Next up Week 10 - Graham Local
Photo credit Bill Morgan
First sack of the night!

2nd Sack of th night!

Post sack celebration!

O-Line! (Look pretty pround of themselves!)

Seniors with Coach Glass (his first 4 year class of players)

Waiting to walk accross the field

Taking the walk...

Proud Momma with her boy

Proud dad - Sporting my new favorite sweatshirt

Waterfowl 2017 - Hunting season is here

If you follow my blog you might remember last years post about youth
waterfowl season. "Dads, Donuts, and Ducks". Well this year I didn't
have to make up for any big parenting fail, but we still went out and
had a great hunt.

We rose well before the roosters on Saturday morning, and quickly made
our way to our favorite central Ohio swamp. (I'd tell you where but, I'd
have to kill ya). As it turned out, Pop was in town from Nolans
game the night before, so he tagged along to watch so Owen had a nice
support staff for his early morning duck hunt. We found our way in the
dark, and quickly settled into a dead fall (some beavers handy work) in
the flooded timber better than a full hour before daylight. Not long
after, another flashlight made its way into the swamp with us. I flashed
my light in their direction, thinking they would make a turn one way or
the other and avoid us, but instead they came directly our way. Upon
introductions, we agreed that since there were only 2 actual hunters in
the group (Owen and his new friend Hunter) it would best if we just all
sat together. (It's a pretty small swamp)

The action started fast for Owen and his new buddy at first shooting
light. It wasn't long and wood ducks were cruising bye, Mallards were
flying over checking out our decoys, and a group of Teal were performing
aerial maneuvers that would remind you of the Blue Angles. About that
time a couple teal dive bombed our decoys. As they approached the water,
they banked a hard right and curved left to right in front of us. Owen
quickly swung the gun, touched off the round, and followed through with
his shot. I saw the Miniature F-14 splash down into the swamp lifeless.
Nice shot buddy! (He has officially shot one more teal than I have now)
haha

A little while later he knocked down a immature drake mallard flying
high overhead. Like any good bird dog, I headed out for the retrieve. As
I made my toward the middle of the lake, the water got deeper and
deeper. I was walking along carefully as the water climbed to about 3
inches below the top of my waders. I was about 20 feet from the duck,
when I stepped in a hole that sent me all the way under water. My waders
filled completely with water, and I was swimming with all I had to get
back to an area i could reach. Well after several more attempts all
resulting in swimming back to safety, I finally just swam on out to the
duck. Fought my way back to shore and stripped down to empty the water
out of my waders. When I go back to Owen, he was a little shook up from
watching me fight the deep water in my waders, and I was just a little
more that tired....

Our weekend ended up with a delicious Sunday afternoon snack of Mallard
Duck, and Green wing teal. And yet another memory that Owen, Pop, and I
will never forget....

Early morning buds

Owen and his Teal

Owens and his new buddy

Owen and Pop

A good day

A couple weeks later, the official waterfowl season came in for the rest of us "older folks" that don't get to enjoy the early season youth hunting.  I met my good friend Mat Schmalz at another "undisclosed" central Ohio swamp for an early morning duck hunt. We had a great time, and got to do a little shooting. On the day I scored a nice Drake Woodie, and a nice 8 point buck skeleton in tact, while he scored a Drake woodie, and a Northern Shovler (A fairly uncommon find).  After I shot my duck, I went into the water for the retrieve.  This particular swamp has a very "mucky" bottom, so i was taking my time being careful. After I got the Duck I was heading back to shore, and my boot got stuck in the muck and my foot came out of my wader boot. I fought it for a few seconds, before I landed firmly on my back side (in the muck).  Unable to get up without rolling over into it, I just sat stil slowly sinking further, and further.  Shortly before the water level reached the top of my waders, Matt showed up to give me helping hand getting back up.  I willingly offered to let him take a picture, but like any good friend he declined. I'm afraid I'm starting to see a pattern with me hunting in water!

Sure hope the weather stays warm enough to keep the water from freezing, so hopefully we can all get out again... Hope you have enjoyed  hearing about our early season duck hunting in Ohio.

Matt

My day's harvest

Matt with his Drake Woodie and Northern Shovler!

Week 8 Vs.Tecumseh

The Pioneers battled through yet another gut check last Friday against the Tecumseh Arrows. It was a see-saw battle of trading score for score each quarter with the Pioneers edging them out with 2 scores in the 4th to their one. The final score ended up 35-28 to keep the pioneers playoff hopes alive. 

Tecumseh lost the toss and the pioneers deferred their possession until the 2nd 1/2. The Pioneer defense started out looking pretty strong, and Nolan was on fire to start.  He had 3 early tackles, and was looking like he was going to have a fantastic game.  Then on the next play, he had wrapped up the running back for another tackle when he came under friendly fire and an Alder helmet coming in on the assist landed right on his left elbow.  Over the years of watching him play, I've never seen him take himself out of a game, but almost immeadiately he got up and headed for the sideline with his left arm hanging loosely. I saw him head straight for the trainer and Dr Adams met them there. After quite a bit of a examination, the trainers started taping him up with KT and medical tape.  A few snaps later he was back in on the offensive side of the ball.  The next possession after that kid was back on field every snap. 

At this point we were pretty concerned, as we sit back watching him play with only full use of 1 arm.  When 1/2 time came I went down and spoke to Dr Adams, and coach Glick.  Dr Adams assured me that his bone structure was totally fine and that he had possibly slightly torn his bicep and strained his tendon.  I ask coach Glick if he was "okay".  Coach Glick smiled at me and said "No, but it's Nolan, so yeah he's fine."  The kid came out in the 2nd half and was nearly an unstoppable force.  The Arrows attempted to run away from him most of the game but he still finished with double digit tackles and a sack. 

As a father, it really has been easy to be prideful about how tough he is and how effective he has been this year.  Its been a lot of fun... But as a parent, it's been really difficult to see him get hurt this season, sacrifice his body for his teammates and continue to play through it.  Just today I ask him how his arm was feeling and he said, I'm fine, I'll be good by Friday. His typical response.... After the game, I met him at the locker room and said this. "I love you man, you are seriously the toughest kid I know."

Well anther week has gone by and these guys have proven again and again, they can win when the chips are down or the game is on the line. This really could be a great playoff run with the way these guys play under pressure. A few short weeks will tell.

Next up Springfield Shawnee - Lets get it on! (Not sure we're ready for this but its senior night)

Getting a pep talk pre kick off

Getting worked on in the first quarter

Final Check - get back in there kid! (Do it with one arm!)

Week 7 Vs. Bellefontaine

Our Alder offense missed opportunities failing to produce points in the red zone again this past Friday.  For the 3rd week in a row our offense struggled inside the 20.  Thus bringing the total to 8 trips inside the zone without scoring over the last 3 games.  The defense played well enough to win, keeping a high powered Bellefontaine offense that was averaging nearly 41 points per game to only 19 on the day.  In this game, Bellefontaine struck first blood scoring 7 in the first quarter, then 3 more in the 2nd quarter totaling up to a 10-0 half-time score, despite Alder effectively moving the ball down field on their first two positions (both of which ended in turnovers). Both teams scored in the 3rd, bringing the total to 19-6.  The 4th quarter was pretty unremarkable on the offensive side of the ball for both teams, accounting for no points scored.

Despite a fighting through a mid week practice injury (knee) Nolan had a pretty good game.  We were just a bit more than concerned on Thursday morning, when he came out of his room and almost couldn't walk (He had lots of swelling).  Despite our request to get it looked at, Mr. tough guy assured us that he would be just fine by Friday and was playing regardless of whatever an X-ray might show.  Friday morning rolled around and he still was going up and down stairs one at a time, only using his healthy leg to climb.  Somehow Friday night, even through being a step slower off the ball, and leaving the game twice to be worked on by the trainer (for just a couple snaps) he played nearly the entire game, on both sides of the ball and was somehow still effective. He had double digit tackles, several of which were for a loss of yardage, knocked down a pass (almost came down with an INT) and did his job well on the O-line. Despite the loss, we still stand a probable chance of making the playoffs as long as we win out.

I said last week that this team does not panic under pressure, and I saw that illustrated again in this contest. They have some work ahead of them, but I feel pretty good about our chances of getting it done, and making the playoffs.

I've decided that Nolan may be the toughest kid I know, and the most hard headed as well.... Yesterday, he came through the house and said his knee is 90% now, and should be 100% by this coming Friday. I have to admit, with his future plans after high school I'm glad Stacy and I wont be there to see the struggles he will face.  It was painstaking enough to sit in the stands knowing that he was not well, and yet see him go right back in and fight time after time. That kid doesn't know quite, a trait that should serve him in the future.

Next up for the good guys... The Tecumseh Arrows only 2 - 5 on the season, so lets see if we can actually put someone away this week...

Week 6 Vs. Kenton Ridge

The Alder boys held onto another tough one this past weekend, in yet another barn burner that came down to the wire. Living dangerously seems to be a way of life for this group of boys, but lucky for them they seem to have a knack for it. The good guys jumped out to an early 14-0 lead in the first quarter. But after failing to capitalize on two possessions in the red zone, Kenton Ridge threw their way into the end zone with 4.6 seconds left in the 2nd quarter. The half time score was 14-7 with KR slated to receive the ball to start the 2nd half.  The Alder Defense forced a quick 3 and out and the offense came right back and scored, pushing the margin to 21-7.  The switch flipped for KR, and they put a fast 14 points on the board to tie the game up. The Alder Offensive line took over and paved the way for a long sustained drive that ended up with Jamie Dye in the end zone (pushing him over 300 yards on the day) KR got the ball back with 6:45 on the game clock, and after a couple first downs, Alder came up with a game winning stop on 4th down.  A couple first downs later, Preston was taking a knee in the Victory formation. The offensive line gets the shout out this week, no backs run for 300 yards without those front 5 getting their jobs done right.

Nolan had solid game this week, with 7 tackles (at least 2 for losses), and a forced fumble. He was pretty ticked off at himself for sliding off of their QB on 3 different occasions, that should have resulted in sacks. I joked and told him I was putting pine tar on his hands next week so they couldn't get away.

Saturday morning after films, I took Nolan to a recruiting visit at OWU.  It was neat to experience it from a parents perspective.  I was impressed with all 11 coaches and the interest they showed in him.  They seem to have done their homework on him specifically, and overall had a very high opinion of Jonathan Alder kids (thanks to a couple of Alder grads that are playing ball there as we speak) We were in their new locker room, new weight room, through all their facilities, and all over campus.  We even got invited back into the locker room for halftime as well. It was a great experience and I was feeling pretty good about the day.  On the way home I ask him if the visit gave him any clarity as to what he wants after high school. He said this.... "Yes, I know 100% that it's not for me, and I am going to stick to my plan to join the Navy to pursue my dream of being special forces" (like he's said for the last 5 years).  It's an increadible feeling to be swollen with pride and empty with fear all at the same time, but that's the only way I can describe what hearing his words has made me feel.  We have no choice but to support him, it's the only right thing to do.

Chris Kyle's dad said it best.  "There's 3 types of people in this world. Sheep, Wolves, and Sheep dogs"... My kid wants to be a sheep dog

For a lot of kids high school athletics are one of the most character shaping activities that they will ever participate in.  This group of boys are really learning a lot of great lessons this season. The last few weeks I've been impressed with their ability to remain calm under presssure (easy to say but hard to do). I've always told Nolan it's easy to be a leader when your up 42-0, who's going to lead when your down, and step up and make a play.  Same goes in life, Its pretty easy when your winning.....

Next up - Bellefontaine (If you think that QB was slippery last week, wait until Friday)

(Photo Credit to Bill Morgan - thanks Bill)

The Good guys

Coach Clapham celebrates with the boys

Just not quite in time

From the sidelin at OWU

OWU Locker Room

OWU Prayer before the game

Week 5 Indian Lake

Hi guys, sorry its taken me so long to write this.  If I'm being honest with myself and you, I think I put off writing it because believe it or not its now the 1/2 point of our regular season. The senior boys only have 5 regular season high school games left to play, and hopefully a few more after that of course.....  I knew when we started this season it go by fast, but it seems like yesterday, they were freshman, and last week they were playing junior league.  All you parents of juniors and underclassman, please don't take one game for granted, I'm serious not one......  It was an exciting week for us.  Nolan was invited on a couple recruiting visits. One to Walsh University in Canton.  A nice D2 school who is lucky enough to use the Hall of Fame stadium as their home field. We're going up for a night game in a couple weeks, so it will be fun to experience that with him.

This past Friday we traveled to Indian Lake high School near Bellefontaine. The game was a strange see-saw battle, where both teams seemed unstoppable at times, and just flat out incapable at others. (Strange right?) The first quarter Indian Lake turned the ball over 3 times, yet somehow after Alder failed to capitalize, it ended knotted up at 6's.  After they failed on a 2 pt conversion, and we missed an after point. Three trips into the red zone, but it only resulted in 6 first quarter points.  In the 2nd quarter the defense was strong, and the offense found pay dirt again pushing Alder ahead 13-6 at the break. The teams reversed rolls following 1/2 time, and Indian Lake pulled within 1 point heading into the 4th quarter.  I'm pretty sure both the defenses wanted to get a head start home, because neither one showed up in the final quarter and the teams ended regulation tied up 28-28.  The overtime period started out with Alder putting 7 on the boad, but quickly answered by the lakers with a TD.  In a final attempt to win the Lakers tried their 5th 2 point conversion of the game unsuccessfully, resulting in another overtime win for Alder 35-34 Interesting enough is that both teams scored 5 Touchdowns in this contest, the difference in outcome was 3 failed 2 point conversion attempts by the lakers.

Nolan was very disappointed with his performance in this game. That may have also contributed to my procrastination of writing this week. My message to him was this.... Failure is part of life, so get over it fast. Work harder next week, study your opponent, and execute your job every snap.  Also, part of life is having other people around you to pick you up when you need it, and reciprocating that when roles reverse. Truly its one of most important life lessons that can come from playing this game. Everyone made and missed plays in this game, but the sum of our successes were just a little greater than the failures. (Just a little - 1 overtime point) 

I'll say this... This team doesn't panic, they pick each other up, and they don't quite.  They may lack in size, but they don't lack in heart.  If you were in the Alder stands, you know they get it honestly.  I'm really hoping for a victory with a little more margin of error next week.  Otherwise, the EMT's may be needed in our stands. LOL

Next Up - CBC conference opponent Kenton Ridge (also 4-1) This should be another good one.

Photo Credit to Bill Morgan

Throwback Pic - Lot of familiar faces - D2 Allstar football

The D-line

In Pursuit

The O-line

Week 4 Alder Vs Ben Logan

Hi Folks,


Well I ended last weeks blog with this; "Most of high school footballs greatest lessons are not just football lessons, they are life lessons." The same held true this past Friday night, and Nolan, I hope you never forget it.... 

What was that Lesson? Never underestimate your opponent....

In talking with Nolan, I'm pretty certain that everyone (players, coaches, and fans alike) underestimated a scrappy (pretty good passing) Ben Logan team that nearly knocked us off last Friday night, in a friendly "welcome to the CBC" match-up.

Ben Logan came ready to play, well prepared, and jumped out to an early 16-0 first quarter lead. Alder answered the call winning the 2nd quarter 14 - 8 for a half time score of 24-14.  After shaking off the shell shock from the first half, The defense showed up stronger in the 2nd only allowing 12 more points. The offensive line took control of the game and paved the way for Jamie Dye and Drew Meyers who combined for nearly 300 yards to dominate the clock in the 2nd half. The boys dug deep, and fought back from the early deficit to save the game.  I saw a lot of guys "refuse to lose" in this game, when it could have been easy to hang their heads.

Nolan had a pretty solid game tonight, coming away with 2 sacks, numerous tackles, and a bone crushing hit on a punt return that made a crack that echoed across both sets of stands. Followed by the proud yell of his mother screaming "That's My Kid!" (You probably head that to!) It was pretty awesome... After the game In speaking with a Ben Logan friend of the family who is on their staff, I learned that #77's sole assignment this week was Nolan. Everywhere he went 77 was supposed to go as well. Well Nolan and his new found shadow, battled the entire night. You can see the size difference in the pictures below, but I think this is a good example of the old adage "It ain't the size of the dog in the fight, its the size of the fight in the dog".

I got a little overwhelmed with appreciation this week noticing the support that our kids have from their family.  Being transplants from out of state could prove difficult for family to make it to their events.  Nevertheless, every Thursday evening our drive way starts filling up with vehicles of family from Indiana.  Most weekends 4 generations there hoping to catch a Thursday night Volleyball game of Hunters, Nolan's game Friday night, Baylee marching at halftime, maybe even a Saturday morning fall baseball game of Owens. Our family really does an amazing job of putting family first.

This weeks pictures were taken by a good friend of mine, and Nolan's. Matt, thanks again for being there this Friday and the pictures are awesome! Hope you can make another one before it's over.

Next Up Week 5 - The good guys head to Indian Lake

Face of Intensity

 "Size of the fight in the dog"

Taking on the Double team

These boys got it done

 Friday nights - a family affair

"JAHS"

Nolan & Coach Brink

First sack of the night

"Sully" (he's family too)

The Hit of the night!

Week 3 @ Clear Fork

All over Ohio mixed amongst our major cities there are little towns who barely seem alive, Until Friday night that is...  Then every Friday in the fall, something magical happens.  The towns spring to life with excitement of Football Friday Night.  I had never heard of Clear Fork High School, or Bellville, Ohio but I won't soon forget them, and neither will our Jonathan Alder Pioneers.  That place is indeed a football town with A team full of serious athletes.

As I walked into the football field, there was a buzz of excitement in the air. I saw the signs and banners of Green and White, and noticed the field faced east and west.  The Stands on home side of the field, were worth taking note of.  The bleachers themselves were only maybe 20 yards long, centered at mid field. A grassy incline that matched the slope of the stands made up the rest of the seating extending from the end of the bleachers to nearly each end zone.  As their fans poured in, we noticed that many of them were equipped with lawn chairs that had the back legs cut off just right for sitting on their unique slopped grass bleachers. A fairly heavy rain set in during warm ups, but just after the teams left the field for their final preparations, the skies dried up, and a rainbow formed on the field. 

Clear Fork jumped out to an early 14-0 lead in the first quarter.  We got back to within one score in the 2nd quarter, but they scored again just before 1/2 time for a 21-7 lead at the break.  Alders game plan was to keep their senior quarterback contained, but was Junior receiver Trevon Trammell who would do the most damage scoring 3 TD's.  Our Defense showed up big time in the 3rd quarter, holding them scoreless. Unfortunately, we stil couldn't find our stride on offensive side of the ball. In the 4th quarter each team found pay dirt one more time for a final score of 28-14 

The young teams that I coach, I always hope that we win enough to keep it fun, but lose enough to learn and get better. While we hope to be past that developmental theory by the time we get to high school football. This was definitely a learning night.  We were quite outmatched on the offensive and defensive lines in both size and athleticism.  I saw a lot of guys digging deep, and leaving it all on the field, and I certainly didn't see anyone quite fighting to the end.  But on this night size, speed, and strength would win out. We fell in this fairly "one-sided" battle 28-14 to a very good team.  We made some mistakes, and neglected to come away with points in the red zone a couple times, and were not able to run the ball against their defense with any success.

Following the game after shaking hands; their head coach Dave Carroll pulled Nolan aside, and said this "Your a hell of a football player, and I'd have loved to have had you on my team".  In my experience, coming from an opposing coach, I think this is one of the best compliments that you can get as a player.  

The boys were just a little somber at Saturday morning breakfast, but thats good because they should have been.  Losing sucks and is part of life, but you don't ever have to like it or accept that you are destined to it. Learn from your mistakes, work to improve your shortcomings, and get better. Most of high school footballs greatests lessons are not just football lessons, they are life lessons this holds true this week.

League play starts next week, so lick your wounds, learn from your failures, and go win this league.

Cade Keaton congratulated after a beautiful form tackle.

Varsity Breakfast the next morning after films