Adding a New Position?

Does this even need a caption?

The rumor around town all week was that Nick was working at cornerback with the defense during most of his practice time.  I couldn't have been more excited, not only because it would add another "tool" to the Swiss Army Knife's repertoire, but also because if the Ships have a weakness on defense, it is defending the pass.  When I heard the news, I had visions of an Aqib Talib-type Cover-2 corner: big, physical, and only having to deal with a 15x30 box in zone Cover-2.  It was a revelation - Nick's perfect for that kind of thing and a Cover-2 would give passing teams fits.  So I went to Wissports to check De Pere's season stats and saw that the Redbirds were throwing the ball 13 times a game!  Looked like we might see that Cover-2 package.

Nope.  Despite the Redbirds making what must have been a season-high 45 pass attempts, the base defense didn't change at all during the game - Cover 3 with allowances for trips and/or 5 WR packages from De Pere.  Oh well.  Maybe they're putting it in for the playoffs!

In any event, Nick saw some action at wide receiver and did what everyone else on the team did: he dropped one of Tanner's passes!  Nick, I'm sure your parents have already asked you this, but: if all your friends jumped off a cliff, would you jump off too?  Exactly.  You didn't have to drop that pass just to fit in with everyone else.  Be a leader and catch that pass next time!

10/15 De Pere 14 - Lincoln 34 - Senior Night

I'm not sure why a bunch of white, teenage girls love Mexican men but, whatever.

Undefeated regular season!  That is impressive.  Great job to everyone on that team.  We've really enjoyed the ride and can't wait for the playoffs.  But before you worry about the playoffs, take the weekend and enjoy 9-0.  Don't worry about 0-0 yet (that'll come Monday).  Take it from me - live in the moment of this.  What you've accomplished with all those countless hours in the gym, practice field, and classroom - it's just awesome!

As for the game, well, we've been spoiled.  This was a 34-14 and I got the sense that some people were disappointed.  That's just silly.  Coming into the game, the Ships were averaging 38 points per game in conference play while giving up 10 per game.  So, yes, 34-14 is slightly below average.  But they were playing an opponent who averaged 16 points per game in conference play, but was giving up just 12.5 per game.  We held them below their average in points scored and we wrecked their defensive average.  Oh, I think it also should be noted that there were only two teams in the conference that gave up less than 14 points per game (Manitowoc and Green Bay SW).  Also, there was only one team (Manitowoc) that averaged more than 34 points per game in conference (Ashwaubenon was second, scoring 28 per game).  It was a good game but a long game.  I guess you'll have that when the other team has 45 pass attempts (please, coaches - pretty please - put in a man cover 2... you have the athletes, just use them).

As always, the story is best told in pretty pictures.  So sit back and put down the remote.  I heard the camera clicking a lot this game...

Happy Birthday Nick

Two first downs on the final drive?  Pffft!  How about two moms!

YEEEEEEEEEEAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHH BUDDY!   Waaaaaa-hoooooo!  Everyone in my section was excited for the shotgun, 4 wide set that the Ships ran on that final drive.  I think I heard more "It's about time they abandon that stupid Wing-T" and "Someone told them it's 2011!"'s than I would have guessed.  I was just excited to see Nick on the field (I can't believe that one of the 10 best athletes on the team rarely plays - that's just criminal).  And then he came up with two huge 1st downs!  And a really heady drop!  Too.  Good.  What a nice early 17th birthday present.