Tough Saturday at W&L

It was a difficult Saturday in a game that was scored more like a tennis match than a football game. There was no question the 4th quarter intercepted pass of Anthony Carter in the end zone was a critical point. Much like the missed PAT in 2010, that took a scoring possession from us against their defense that much like ours was on their heels. The off safety made a great play from W&L to come across the field and tip the ball away from Nick Wimer who was open. Two bounces later it was in their cornerback’s hand diving in the end zone. Sometimes it does not bounce your way. Only half my quote made it into the Daily News Record this morning. After the game and in our normal Sunday evening meeting I did state to the players that our season now has an “Ending” that is defined by a calendar. We cannot alter that, but we will have complete control on the “Finish” of the 2011 campaign. Our coaches and players know the difference between the two. Take Guilford out and there is not a whole lot of difference in the other six ODAC teams right now. We will have to play every week at a high level and although the 2011 season cannot be defined by a championship right now, its’ most important statement will be the finish this group chooses to give it. Beat Emory and Henry.

- Coach Clark

Finding The Magic Wand

Sometimes you are defined by how you manage opportunity and sometimes it is by how you manage disappointment. BC football will see the latter this week. Our fumble at the 1 yard line, a missed chip FG, and a bad interception had a 17 point influence on a game where every opportunity mattered. Our offensive plan was to play slow it down, control the clock football and we were able to set the pace of game. Limiting HSD to 65 plays and less than 26 minutes of possession time was a plan well executed, but in this type of plan every scoring opportunity is magnified. Leaving those cards on the table hurt. Both sides of the ball played with great energy and when that effort is paired with execution this team will be pretty good. We need consistent performance across the board and I reminded the team last night now is not the time to press or freelance; but rather to play hard and fast and trust the system.

Coach Trevathan, the old sage who helps coach our kickers, told me after the game that “Mike when you have been someplace long enough, you have seen it all.” He is right. I have been part of long losing streaks and runs of incredible good fortune in my time here.

He added, “And right now you are at that phase where you are grinding and wondering when that “Magic Wand” is coming back where the bounces and calls all go your way in the tight games.” That is just how I felt Saturday, but he added and I shared with the kids, “You do not wait for it to come back, you WORK it back!” That work will begin Tuesday morning. We’ve agreed to do the extras we did in preparing for HSD every week and make that the norm.

We are done sharing losing. Beat Guilford.

-Coach Clark