REGION CHAMPIONSHIP

I remember in late March telling the folks that came to greet us when I took this job the following quote by George Washington. When asked by the government leadership if he could win the war he stated, “I don’t know if we will win the war, but I know we will deserve to win the war.”  That is true of this season and this game.

What a great test for these young men. They have been incredible to work with. They are so thankful for the opportunity to be competitive and to win. The assistant coaches have been outstanding in their leadership and coaching ability for the boys. The community and parents are supportive of my plans and have given me the trust needed to coach their sons.

Gadsden is a great football team. They are truly deserving of this chance to play in an important game. They are a power football team with a great defense and play very physical. They will have the comforts of home. It is big time in Gadsden. That makes it perfect for the COUGARS!

We have faced a lot of the top region teams on the road this year. The players have handled this well and performed great. They are extremely excited. I look for a great crowd and an exciting game.

Everyone wants to be a winner but few truly pay the price. Let me share a story with you.

I have a player that may not get to play for the remainder of the season. We have spent some time talking about the choices, hurt, and the possibility of surgery. To say he is disappointed is an understatement. Today he brings me a letter he wrote to his teammates. In the letter, there is a reference to the workouts in the summer, passing camp all day long, and the general sacrifice that our kids make to be winners. He mentions the tough seasons and the many years of giving up the summer for practice, all for this chance to play for a Championship.

“…I think of how RELENTLESS we have been; like when the odds were stacked against us at Hewitt and we just kept fighting..”

Relentless. That is exactly what I expect on Friday. Will the COUGAR NATION be relentless in the stands?  The players deserve it. They are incredible kids and here is the best part——

These Cougars have restored the tradition and pride that is Clay- Chalkville Football. In addition, they have done more for our coaches lives than we could ever do for them. You have the best kids in the world.

As I tell the boys: Stop, look, and take it in. This is living!

God Bless,

Jerry

Amazing Kids

When I reflect on our season, thus far, and what the possibilities are for the remainder of the year, I am blown away. However, it is probably not what you are thinking. 6-0, undefeated in the region, and playing a huge game against a great Oxford team. Not to mention being ranked in the State 6A polls. These things are indeed fun.

We talk a lot on our team about perspective. We know that if we do the work good things can happen. This team has kept that mantra this season. I am concerned that we now must learn how to handle press clippings and losing the edge that got us to this point. Tonight against Oxford will be a telling sign. I believe our kids will respond.

All of that is the fun part of being on a team and learning how to handle success. Our kids have already won the real game. Let me share a story with the Cougar Nation. After practice on Tuesday the players came to me and told me of their plan to collect money during the Huffman game for Breast Cancer research. Then they asked could they spat in pink. For the new readers, spatting is taping the outside of your shoe for a game. They think it looks good but has no real value for most. They asked if I would let them do that. I said, “of course”.

This verifies the very thing that led to success this year. When you have a group of young men that think outside the box, you can accomplish miracles. The boys came up with the idea!  This tells me that they want to be remembered for more than wins and losses. They want to make a difference in a person’s life.

We have already won even if we lose a game. Be Proud Cougar Fans! We really do have something to celebrate.

Jerry