Well, it has been a while since I wrote a note.
We just finished our season as the Junior Redhawks. It was a very interesting season. After two games we were 0-2. Now this wasn't totally surprising in that we played two teams we knew would probably make the play-offs. You see in our league it is very hard to make the play-offs because there are 8 teams (for 4 spots).
Going into the week of our third game, we decided as coaches to make sure we did lots of tackling drills. Does anyone know what I mean when I say, "Oklahoma". Those of you who know football know "Oklahoma". Day after day we worked hard to make sure the lads did lots of tackling and blocking, really the two things that win football games.
After a very hard, physical week of practice we won our third game, and our fourth and fifth and sixth. So after 6 games we were 4-2. What an incredible turn around. We were so proud of the lads and all their hard work. This is not an easy task for any football team.
In the sixth game against Renfrew we needed a win to get into the play-offs. After 6 minutes in the first quarter we were down 14-0. Coach C took a time out and we had a chat with the lads something like, "we have worked way to hard to get here and lose this game". The boys rallied and we scored 28 points to their 6 in the rest of the game.
Ultimately we lost in the semis to a very strong team from up the road but we played hard and left everything on the field.
I am so very proud of the Junior Redhawks. What was the lesson I learned this year?
IF YOU WORK HARD AND PRACTICE HARD AND PLAY AS A TEAM, YOU CAN WIN!!
No isn't that the lesson of life. We don't just show up and we are successful. We have to work hard. I just want to encourage you in whatever aspect of life, whether: family, school, work, athletics, music, art, or just trying to get ahead. We need to do our very best.
Those of you that are parents lets set a good example and show our kids that hard work pays off.
It is a real honour for me to coach and I hope that the life lessons of football affects the lads for many years!
Until next time, one of my favourite sayings: PLAY HARD, PRAY HARD and EAT HARD (lol)
Leave it all on the field, football or life!!
Coach Birley
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