From the Desk of...

Matt Burnett

Coach Burnett Talks About Week 8, 2000

October 22, 2000

TJ Game

     We accomplished some things offensively. We were able to move the ball in some different ways. We were able to get a touchdown early using the option and the throwing game. It helps doing different things offensively because the defense has to figure out how to defense different areas of attack. Early on it looked like our football teams was fixing to come of age. We were up 14-0.

     What happened was TJ did a good job of running the counter tray, and when they got that going they were able to execute the bootleg, and the first time in a long time our defense didn't execute and allowed them to get back into the game. And as TJ got back into the game, some kids started pressing and trying to take over other areas of responsibility. When that happened, it created a domino effect, and affected the whole defense.

     At halftime we made some adjustments to help us. The big play that hurt us was when they ran the counter tray for 80 yards. We just didn't get off the blocks. To TJ's credit they did a tremendous job of executing their offense.

     We had some good things on the offensive side of the ball. We would have a good thing going, then maybe drop a pass or a player would run a wrong angle. We as a coaching staff will look to correct that.

     Things were close; we just couldn't make the play. We're going go learn from our mistakes and jump back in there and forget the TJ game. It's like a heavyweight title fight. We've lost the first two rounds, but there are three more to go. It's a war. We've lost two battles, but what counts is winning the war. We still have a chance to win the war. We're going to work together, get back to work, and prepare for Lincoln.

On Lincoln

     Lincoln had a tough loss to WO-S similar to the game we played. They were in the game, had controlled it for a while, then had it get out of control on them.

     They are a very talented football team. They are also very motivational. Coach Williams has been doing a good job, and has put his players in the right position. The first thing you see is their ability to make the big play offensively. They have speed at all positions and big linemen.

     They say what goes around come around. The teams in this district are vastly improved, and this year there are a bunch of teams the can go deep in the playoffs--about five of them. We want to be a part of that. That's a challenge for this ballclub and we're ready to accept it.

     Right now Lincoln is our focus, and we're going to play them here at home. We're going to bury the TJ game Monday, and get back off the mat, and get back in this race.

Injuries

    No injuries were reported.

Defensive Leaders

     Defensive leaders against TJ were: