10/7 Lincoln 27 - De Pere 30

This year was a lot of fun, gentlemen.

In the final game of their high school careers, Hollywood, Half-Man, and The Rock helped keep the team's playoff hopes alive.  In the end, they all came up just a bit short.  The Ships switched their base defense in an attempt to right a Ship that was very, very wrong after the season's second week.  Big plays, once again, were the story, as they were shredded on two long runs right up the gut of the defense.  The team buckled down in the second half, giving up just one score after halftime.  It just wasn't enough.  Hollywood led an exciting drive in the final two minutes that attempted to go 98 yards, but the offense came up about 40 yards short, getting sacked on consecutive plays and then dumping off a screen on 4th down to end the game.

As I wrote last year, there is only one Division 1 team that ends its season without tears.  It is very difficult to be that team.  This team had several excellent players, but it did not have enough bonafide starters to succeed in the playoffs, had they qualified.  It was an awesomely fun team, filled with so many good young men.  But for a team to end it's season in Madison, hoisting that trophy, it needs at least 20 young men who place football second, right after school work, all year long.  The weight room has to be a second home.  Not just for one year, but two, three, and, preferably, four.  I try to convey to the younger kids that, if you look at the team, the best players are the ones who are always in the weight room, and there aren't any players on that team who have been in the weight room the last several years that aren't good.  Not one exception.  If you want to be a good player, 4-5 visits to the weight room each week, for 65-85 minutes a pop, and you'll be guaranteed to be good when you are a senior.

But back to this season.  It would be hard to think about the year without thinking about the memory most of these guys will have forever: that awesome Homecoming game.  It's always said, but you never forget your Homecoming game.  That's why it was so kind of these guys to let East and Pulaski win their Homecoming games.  See, this team was just too nice!

What else will we remember?  Bongo yelling "whoever put the hex weights on the racks with the round weights, you are an idiot."  How about the defense dominating the offense during team 2 minute drills each week, but the offense doing much better over the course of the season in conference?  Bongo's Birthday.  The day Oklahoma was brought back.  Muscles running over people in scout.  County fair.  Trying to get J-Life to miss a kick.  Players hiding in leaves.  The Professor killing it on the d-line.  Waaaay too much pudding talk.  Chariot races.  Destroying everyone at the scrimmage.  Nearly beating (and, really, we should have) SW, the team that went undefeated in conference.  Fisch talkin' (if you can call it that).  "I got your back" conditioning.  Lodes destroying pipes, but not really at all (thanks Drew).  Alex's tuddy.  Bryce's tuddy.  Dust, dust, and more dust at practice.  Team dinners.  Group dinners.  Jammin' to Margaritaville.  Geese.  Sackmaster Seth.  "TOES ON THE LINE!"  Hollywood's big run on a sneak.  Muscles' big runs, over and over.  That ridiculous play with Tucks and Fisch.  I could go on, but you get the point: yes, it wasn't a perfect season, but there will be a lot of good memories.

I have a few pics of the two and a half men after the jump (these are from Pulaski).  There weren't any photographers available for the De Pere game.

Before We Get To The Last Post

I will really miss this joke.

I should probably explain why I've failed to post for awhile.  Basically, I fell behind and didn't get to the 2 1/2 posts I usually do after the Pulaski game post.  Then, I found discovered that my stable of photographers was one short for the De Pere game (everyone was out of town).  So, without photos, I wasn't motivated to blog.  Well, that, and the way the season ended.

But that ends now.  I've had so much fun following this team so closely over the last two years that it would be silly if I left this thing unfinished.

10/5 Lincoln 24 - Pulaski 41

We've returned too many kicks this year.

When the Ships came out of halftime down just 17-14, they looked like they had the energy to and enthusiasm to destroy Pulaski in the second half.  Then they gave up a touchdown on the kickoff and that was that.  I'm not sure why it was kicked deep (the Ships' kickoff coverage has been even worse than its defense) but sometimes things just don't make any sense.  Sometimes a team can get down on itself and things spiral out of control.  You end up performing worse that these guys.  Long touchdowns have been the Achilles heal of the team this year (as they would be for any team).  If they continue this week, the season is over.  Simple as that.  I still believe in this team.  I just hope the players still believe in themselves.

Gentlemen, tomorrow may be your last game this year.  For the seniors, it may be your last game ever.  For those of you who love football, losing it will leave a void that you'll never quite be able to fill.  So go out tomorrow and give it everything you have.  Let all of your emotion - hate, anger, joy, love - flow through and out of you.  Savor every moment.  And promise yourself that 10 years from now, you won't have to wake up some Fall morning, look yourself in the mirror, and know that you didn't go all out in your last football game.  Do that, and it won't be.  For what it's worth, I think we're going to win.  This team hasn't had a winning or losing streak all year.  We're not going to start now!

The Homecoming Dance

Of course they did that.

If for no other reason than to finish off Homecoming Week (and to post that picture up there), here are some pics of the boys all dressed up...

Can We Get A Holding Call?

Two holds.  One play.

This whole post is an aside... The defense has been embattled this year.  I understand the frustration of the fans.  But let's get real.  The Ships have lost 3 games.  The offense lost the first one.  Everyone lost the second one.  And the defense lost the third one.  And when you look at the tape, the defense actually looks pretty good, when they tackle.  But they also haven't been getting any help from the officials.  I know, I know - "you can call a hold on every play."  Yes.  You can.  But when it is this bad, and the holding allows the offense to score touchdowns, the penalties need to be called.  For example, the above pic was on a 3rd and long on the 1st series - South converted it thanks to a deep pass.  Well, if holding is called, that isn't a conversion, and they don't go on to score.  And that wasn't the only one...

He's Always Entertaining

"Why does he always make fun of me?"

Oh, Half-Man.  Sometimes, the pictures I get turn out like Hollywood's, and effusive praise is all I can offer.  Other times... well.  You'll see.  But you're always a good sport...

A Big Scare

That's a man who loves football.

The Rock gave us all a scare after his left hand was stepped on in the 3rd quarter.  It was bleeding from a puncture and the training staff feared it was broken.  After a few minutes, he just said said "screw it - tape it up, I'm going back in."  Big heart on this kid.

King Hollywood

You'd be smiling too.

"My crown is called content, a crown that seldom kings enjoy."  When Billy Shakes wrote that for Henry XI, he couldn't have known about King Hollywood.  Class President.  Honors student.  Starting quarterback.  College girlfriend (who was the reigning HC Queen).  And now, the King of Homecoming, both the game and the dance.  Throwing for nearly 300 yards and 2 touchdowns against a stiff crosswind, he had his best game as a passer.  He also added 43 yards rushing, a rushing touchdown, 3 punts for 96 yards, and 4 tackles playing cornerback in relief of some beleaguered teammates.  Of course, he had his best protection all year and the offense hummed like a well-oiled machine.  It was a lot of fun to watch him do his thing out there.  Extra pictures of Nick this week because I screwed up his father's camera settings - sorry Todd!

9/29 Sheboygan South 40 - Lincoln 54 - Homecoming

Was that the last home game for these fine young gentlemen?

Now THAT was a fun game!  I think everyone was a little jittery at the sight of Sheboygan South matching us TD for TD in the game's first 15 minutes.  But Hollywood and Co. never let us down, constantly driving down the field and punching it in.  Muscles ran for 158 yards and 2 TDs on Just 12 carries.  Hollywood passed for almost 300 yards and added another 43 on the ground.  He also accounted for 3 total TDs.  The defense got a score and also forced 4 turnovers.  And while big plays were once again the story for the Ships' defense, they got the stops when they needed to.  The fans certainly got their money's worth.  The perfect Fall day helped everyone enjoy a great game that lasted 3 hours and 10 minutes!  As always, enjoy the pictures below the jump.

Homecoming Parade

He always looks so presidential.

Yes, we normally just do football posts here.  But there's no Homecoming Week without football, and the Homecoming game isn't what it is without the buildup of Homecoming Week.  That school spirit makes the game that much more fun.  So there.  As always, click "read more" for the pretty pictures...

Homecoming Starts With Powder Puff

2-0

It's Homecoming Week!  Ugly sweater day.  Pep Rally.  The Parade.  Chili dump.  And, of course, Powder Puff Football.  Last year, the Juniors beat the Seniors for the first time in memory, perhaps ever.  This team was eyeing a 2-0 career and they did not disappoint.  After two thrilling halves of football, the Seniors walked (sashayed?) away with a 30-18 victory over a very talented Junior class.  Enjoy the start of Homecoming Week below the jump.

Time to Lead III

Anyone seen my agent?

There's this wonderful story about Joe Montana, the greatest quarterback ever to play the game, from Super Bowl XXIII.  The 49ers were losing to the Bengals 13-16 and got the ball back on their 8 with 3 minutes to play.  "Joe Cool" got to the huddle and noticed how tight his players were.  Then he pointed to the first row of the stands and asked his teammates "Hey, isn't that John Candy?"  (for you kids, Candy was one of the biggest comedians alive).  The rest of the guys cracked up and their tightness dissipated.  Montana led an 11 play, 92 yard TD drive to win the game with 30 seconds left.  That's leadership.  Joe Cool recognized what his team needed to succeed, and gave it to them.  The Half Man talks.  The Rock motivates.  I suspect this team needs a Joe Cool, and I can't think of anyone better than Hollywood to play the part.  Go get em', buddy.

He throws a nice ball when he has time.

Way to step up in the pocket to avoid the rush.

That, however, looks like he's throwing off his back foot.

Just because you play the matador doesn't mean they'll play matador defense.

You gotta love the Half-Man's commitment to protecting his QB... he'll even tackle defensive players!

Kinda tough when even your teammates are rushing you.

Always waggin' that finger.

Actually, he really looks more like this guy.

Time to Lead II

Sometimes, all you can do is stand there and watch it happen...

The playoffs start now.  Every game is a must-win.  How will this team respond?  The Rock had 3 sacks Friday night.  But he'll also be the first to tell you that we was pushed around like a rag doll at times.  It's put up or shut up time, gentlemen.  Let's see what you've got!

Time to Lead

Is that who I think it is?

Well, he certainly was one of the players out there who gave a damn.  We'll see how the Half-Man's leadership following the loss translates onto the field during Homecoming.  I'm betting on the Ships.

9/21 Lincoln 30 - Green Bay East 40

A three sack game, wasted.

Yikes.  The offense should have scored 20 more.  The defense should have given up 20 less points.  After giving up 4 quick, easy touchdowns in the first half, and the offense responding with 4 scoring drives, I think everyone in the building thought the team had righted the ship when they into halftime down just 26-24.  But the defense gave up two more scores after halftime and the offense could only muster one more TD.  You have to hand it to East, they were prepared and ready to play.  We were outplayed and outcoached.  But it has to sting to lose to a team that hasn't beaten you in 16 years.  Luckily, the problems the team had during the game can be fixed.  But it'll take some very dedicated players and coaches to make sure everyone's on board, and that everyone is paying attention, because this team is on the verge of doing the unthinkable: missing the playoffs.

There were, of course, some highlights: we almost ran a kick back for a TD, The Rock had 3 sacks, Hollywood threw a few nice deep balls, and J-Life continued his excellent kicking streak.  And, really, IT'S HOMECOMING WEEK!  BEST WEEK OF THE YEAR!  Only if you win, though...

We Interrupt Our Normally Scheduled Posts

Keep up the good work.

To bring you this FANTASTIC interview with Muscles.  I have a standing rule that anytime one of the players says "asses" on TV, I have to link to it.  Carry on.

Knowing When to Run

Momma looks happy.

Hollywood had the play of the game but it was called back on a completely bogus penalty.  He had his first TAINT, intercepting the ball at the 38 yard line and running it back for the score.  The refs called pass interference on the Soph, even though it was absolutely clear that #1, the Jag initiated contact #2, Cameron didn't even put his hands on the receiver and #3, the "interference" had nothing to do with the play - the ball was severely underthrown and the receiver never had a shot at the ball.  Just ridiculous.  Anyway, Nick ran for score on 4th down and, overall, started to figure out when to run it and when to throw it.  I'm getting giddy at how good this team is going to be.

Uneven Play

Does it look like he's 14 or is that just me?

The Half Man finally came across a Large Man that was almost too much to handle.  Jonah had 3 holding penalties in the first half and was heard coming to the sideline shouting "he's too big - I can't block him."  One of the many great things about this kid is he isn't afraid to ask for help.  The coaches must have listened and changed the scheme, because Jonah went off after that, piling up pancakes during the rest of the game.

His Best Game Yet

He got his good looks from his mother.  And, hopefully, his hairline.

The Rock lived in the Jags' backfield all night.  TFLs all over the place.  And he had his best night at tackle, too.  This team is going to be cresting at just the right time.

9/14 Ashwaubenon 26 - Lincoln 36

Would you want a piece of that?

We learned a lot about this group of young men during this game.  They came into the game after getting smoked one week ago, mostly because they just couldn't seem to tackle a very talented running back.  Then the game started.  And then whistles came out (more than 30 flags would hit the ground during this game, and the most critical - and bogus - would be against the Ships).  And then the defense gave up a touchdown.  And then the offense, on the next play, gave up a fumble return for a touchdown.  Thanks to a blocked PAT and missed PAT, the Ships were down 12-0.  This team could have folded.  This team could have hung their heads.  They could have said, "we're getting screwed all over this field, we can't win."  They didn't.  And it was AWESOME.  The defense gave up two more touchdowns the rest of the way (it's going to happen with this scheme - some passes will just hit and they live with that) but they forced 5 turnovers!  And the offense, oh my, got its groove back.

Between a Rock...

When he's assignment-sure, he keeps Hollywood's backside clean.  Wait, that didn't sound right.

The good: he ran down one of the fastest backs in the state and caught him 40 yards downfield.  The bad: the back was 40 yards downfield.  It was just one of those nights.  Now, we can blame it all on the defense playing with 10 players during the first half (I have it on good authority that our FS was concussed on the first play of the game and, at one point, had to ask if he was on kickoff - he had always been on kickoff, all year).  But the simple fact of the matter is that we didn't tackle well.  That won't happen again, right Rock?

Going Hollywood

Quick - guess which one is the starting quarterback?  Now guess which one is the backup quarterback?

Let's do this right here, right now.  Lefty was a dumb nickname.  My bad.  If I'm changing the Swiss Army Knife to something else, it has to be better than Lefty.  So Nick is going Hollywood.  I mean, seriously.  Have you seen this kid?  So, between that and his two interviews with Good Morning America, one as Class President, the other as quarterback, he's definitely Hollywood.

Pancake Deprivation

The Half Man was oh-so-close this week.

The Half Man played a pretty good game Friday night, all things considered.  Although the syrup went untouched.  We need to use our syrup.  I think things will be different tonight.

9/7 Green Bay Preble 49 - Lincoln 14

The highlight of the night?

42 points at halftime.  295 yards rushing by one running back.  At halftime.  I'm not quite sure how to write about getting shellacked.  It just stung to see all those fine young men getting steamrolled by a team that was more prepared, intense, and fundamentally sound.  And it happened at home.  We can't come out and play like this cat sounds.  And we won't.  Because if sports teach our youth anything, it's that you must learn from your mistakes; you are not judged when you fail - we all fail - but how you respond to that failure.  If I know anything about this team, it's that they will tackle, block, and be otherwise fundamentally sound Friday night.  And if they do that, I wouldn't want to be a Jaguar lining up across from them...

The English Won A Battle!

You didn't think I was done with this, did you?

Another solid game for the Half Man.  A sack on defense and he prevented sacks on offense.  What more do you want?  How about anchoring a line that paved the way for over 400 yards of offense?  How's that?

Toying With Them

Take one look at that pic above.  Then you'll know why this joke will never get old.

Now that was the game we were expecting.  8/13 for 181 and a TD.  Lefty added two more rushing TDs for good measure.  Nothing more to say here.  Let's move along.

Playing Within The System

The Rock is so good, he plays from his knees against inferior competition.

Part of the problem with having a defense that is assignment-oriented is that you may often be asked to do things that, quite frankly, don't take advantage of your particular skill set.  The Rock, for example, would be a superstar 4-3 DE in high school.  But when the rest of the defense is better suited for another scheme, it's great to see that player continue to play within the system for the team's success.  Austin does that every week.  On offense though... well, let's just say that he has some plays to get used to.  But when he knows what he's doing... oh dear lord, look out!

8/31 Lincoln 49 - Sheboygan North 12

It was a B.E.A.UTIFUL night for football!

Indeed.  That was the way this team should have played last week!  They had it all goin' on against North - Lefty had 180 yards passing, Muscles had around a buck fitty rushing, and the starting defense would have had a shutout had they lined up correctly on North's TD run.  That was an exemplary performance.  Let's get right to it!

Still Doing It All

That's how it should look.

They say the first time is always the hardest.  I think Lefty will back me up when I say that he looked a little tentative out there at times, mostly when he was trying to decide whether to run or create more time for his receivers to get open.  Statistically, it'll be his worst game of the year - 3 INTs does not a healthy stat sheet make.  But one ball was picked because he was smacked from his blindside by an unblocked OLB as he threw, the second one was tipped, and the third one... well, he was told to throw to a receiver that couldn't possibly be open, so he did, and was rightly picked off.  But he ran for about 60 yards and a TD on 7 carries (though I believe the 7 sacks he took will diminish those numbers) and had 11 completions for around 110 yards.  Not bad.  Oh, and he punted and played CB too.  Of course.

Even The Rock Can Get Tired

Why so far away from the QB, Austin?

The Rock had a sack and another TFL.  He destroyed some guys playing tackle, but had some difficulty keeping his assignments straight while on offense.  Overall, it was a pretty good start to what figures to be a dominant senior year.

Do Two Halves Equal A Whole?

Looks like that DT is shaking the crap outta you, J.

The Short Order Cook isn't just doling out pancakes anymore.  He's playing defensive end opposite The Rock vying for TFL's, sacks, and supermans.  He had another steady day and was the only offensive lineman who did not consistently miss his assignments.

8/24 Lincoln 10 - Green Bay Southwest 20

Yup.  I count Two and a Half.

That. One. Hurts. There's no way around it - effort alone cannot win a football game.  Execution is everything. When the QB audibles to a QB sneak on 1st and goal from the 1, you have to hear that call (or you have to say it louder).  If you're a TE and you're assignment is to block the outside linebacker on a 5-step drop pass play, you have to at least touch him, or the QB might throw an interception as a result of getting hit.  When the coaches take a timeout and tell you a screen is coming, you cannot lose the FB in the backfield.  And, above all else, you have to know your lane assignments on kickoff and stick to them.  Gentlemen, the effort was there. The game was exhilarating to watch.  But that is no way to lose a football game.  The good news is that you got that one out of the way.  The good news is that when you woke up Saturday morning, you realized you probably played your worst game of the season.  And, without a garbage pick-6 with 30 seconds left in the game, you lost to the conference favorites by just 3 points.  Which means that any one of the aforementioned plays could have changed the entire game in your favor.  You are right on the precipice, gentlemen.  This week you'll take the leap.  As frustrating as that loss was, I know greatness is coming.

We have a new staff photographer for this season.  His pretty pictures are after the jump.

Here Come The Ships

The cougars tell me they aren't just accomplished football players - they're also pretty cute.

Welcome back!  It's been far, far too long.  If you're new to the blog this year, I encourage you to read the initial post to get a sense of why I started doing this.  In fact, this blog was started for just two and a half people, and their parents.  10,000 page views later, it's become something else.  The popularity of the blog, combined with my new role this year, will likely change how I approach my posts this year.  But I will try and stay true to the two things that made the blog such a success last year: a celebration of the Lincoln Ships Football Team and the necessary snark to keep everyone entertained and humble.

After the jump is the only 2012 Lincoln Ships Football Preview you'll ever need to read (with apologies to the HTR).  Let's go Ships!  #ShipsPride