congrats from cougars.

[COUGARS]

Today as I returned to work, I am still shaking my head as to how and why we Courtland lost this past friday? I know, we simply got out coached, and outplayed. I was well prepared for the bantering that was to come from the rams huge upset. I first want to appologize to the rams, and thier fans for not giving them more respect. I trully thought and still somewhat think that Courtland should have won, oh well. the rams played fantastic defense, although there were 4 plays that come to mind that may or may not have changed the outcome, the first long pass completion by the rams was a failed interception by the cougar db, the pass went right through his hands and right the ram reciever. the second was a complete no call on a pass interference agianst a cougar reciever at the 25yrd line of the rams, the ram db completely ran over the reciever with out looking for the ball, this infuriated the Courtland coaching staff resulting in a 15yard unsportsman like penalty agianst the staff. the third was a sure 70yard touchdown run by Courtland that would have happened if the ram defender did not make a true shoe string tackle, he got just enough foot to trip him up. the fourth was another long run that resulted in a fumble by Courtlands big full back, he did not get hit and fumbled, he was going to try and put a good lick on the defender, while trying to switch hands, why I dont know he, kicked the ball with his knee shooting the ball forward about 10 yards, and getting recovered by the rams defender. so ok those are my excuses. I can honesly say that in the 25 years of being a cougar fan, not missing a game ever, that was the worst, most lethargic, non emotional loss ever, that includes the mid 90's when one team was 0-10. Well they had better regroup and I am sure they will, I can only hope that the rams run with this win and get to the playoffs, I sure would like another shot at you guys, that is if we get in and that is no sure thing with our schedual. well we have to get ready for Riverbend this friday, good luck with smithfield and I hope we see you agian. congrats.

[Lafayette]

I agree on that non call for pass interfernce- it was a penalty alll the way, but in High School is is just a 15 yard penalty and and not a spot foul and Courtland had a few successful plays on offense, but they could not put a number of them together. On the 27 yard run with the fumble at the end, , I believe the DB did hit the runner to get the ball loose anf then the RB did hit it with his knee. On both sides there were what-ifs- I remember the one Lafayette long pass to the Courtland 10 yard line with the Lafayette receiver wide open only to see the pass overthrown! In looking back, I do not think Courtland expected Lafayette to be that good- the preseaon talk was good but nothng exceptional. It seemed Courtland never could get back into the game. I was expecting Courtland to really take the 2nd half KO and push it agrressively up field, but I saw nothing really different from the 1st half. The Courtland defense is very solid. The offense returned everyone from last year, but seemed to missing a spark- you could probably tell me who (of the very few) graduated that may have been that spark. This is only Game One- a loss is not critical and the win doesn't mean we're"in". 9 games to go and if we meet you again, it would not be the first time the regionals had a re-match. I only want it played down here- I hate to drive!

[COUGARS]

That spark would be the offensive line where we lost two all district and all state starters. one being 6-2 288 lbs, the other 6-0 265. The new guys who replaced them were similer in size, but first time starters as juniors on the varsity. We also lost one running back, but he played mostly on defense,getting to run the ball a few times each game. The defense lost its heart and soul to graduation, he was our star LB. so we are breaking in a new one. overall there were 16 starters back!! I was also thinking the same about comming out after halftime, adjustments, more urgency, but nothing, I dont know what the coaches were thinking.when a defense is stopping you cold you tend to change things up, but we just looked sluggish, sloppy, and unispired, you guys showed up and we didnt. I believe that we have to win out to have any chance at a home playoff game, and our schedual is pretty stiff, with JM and monticello. 8-2 will get us in with all the AAA teams we play, but 7-3 not. All I know is that we are a much better and talented team than what showed up the other night, I am just sick. good luck the rest of the way, if you play defense like that each friday will surely get in.

[Lafayette]

Thanks and best of Luck to Courtland- I know you guys have a very tough schedule- some AAA clubs and some very tough Battlefield games- overall maybe tougher this year than others. 8-2 should get you in. See you in late November???

[Packer Smithfield]

Cougar keep us posted on what happening on your side with the d4 school so I can know what Smithfield may have to play in the playoffs.

[COUGARS]

I had planned on doing that, will update you guys after each friday's games win or lose.