I would like to know the X-Faithful opinion....I mean, it was way weird out there tonight guys and gals. It certainly had a weird vibe. There is doubt behind this X team in those home stands, and I, that's right, me, RockPride, was the one telling them, all will be well...just got to lube the right parts.

 

When I arrived, I initially felt some of the weird vibe you are referring to and I think alot of it had to do with the non-preventable confusing atmosphere preceding the game. The heat led to game starting time uncertainty from many with all JCPS HOME games being delayed & in addition, first-time traffic control situations added to this causing the opening ceremonies to start with the stands less than 3/4 full. Many fans were still on their way into the stadium or not yet in their seats. I know I had envisioned the stands jam packed when AD took the mike for the dedication etc. and this was not the case. In addition, when the national anthem was played, half of Ballard's squad was on the track and the other half was still flowing in from the baseball field-I personally feel that every player from both teams should be on their applicable sideline facing the flag when this occurs at any game. I assume there was a miscommunication on this. To add fuel to the fire, the butterflies and pressure showed in the Tigers play during the first half. After uncomfortably roasting in my seat during the first half with minimal air movement and the stands filling with hot aired bodies I elected to select a perch on the fenceline at halftime. Maybe because I have spent most of my time watching the Tigers over the years from a similar position on the fence in the endzone at historic Manual stadium, I truly started to feel the magic of the place at the beginning of the second half. Toward the end of the game when I was able to view the whole Tiger fanbase on their feet from the endzone I miraculously (due to the heat) experienced the cold chill I had anticipated in waiting for this occasion.

 

I think the Tigers have some work to do but it is very hard to gauge the potential of this team with so many key players being sidelined with injury. In talking to the coaching staff, they appear very pleased with the attitudes of this squad and are excited about what they can accomplish. The second half effort by the Tigers showed me that they have the HEART to be very successful if they continue to gel as a team. On defense, there are definitely too many injury holes that need to be filled but I was pleased with how well they did contain and put pressure on the talented Bruin QB when it mattered most. When Matt Smith, Nick Heuser and crew back get back on the field and in full-throttle I look for the Tiger D to be superior. On offense, I thought Ben played like the leader he can be during the second half and Deuce showed he can be the man to go to even though he still isn't 100%. The Tiger running game is solid and has plenty of talent to work with in addition to Deuce. I think the secret of Ben Brown's abilities at TE is now public knowledge and with an occasional surprise by throwing to the speedy Will Simmons, the Tiger O should be able to keep opposing defenses honest.

 

All in all, a historic night in Tiger football with a superb ending after a bumpy start. Great effort by the Tigers and congrats to Coach G and staff. :thumb:

"We told all the coaches at all the levels: Pity the first team that loses the first game here," Glaser said.

 

:laugh:

Come on Mike, it's going to happen eventually. I'm sure he had to have a big smile on his face when he said this (I hope). That's not the kind of pressure you want on the kids or coaches.

 

It never ceases to amaze me how every word that comes out of Coach's mouth is scrutinized and twisted to somehow becoming a negative according to a few. :rolleyes: :rolleyes: :rolleyes:

"We told all the coaches at all the levels: Pity the first team that loses the first game here," Glaser said.

 

:laugh:

Come on Mike, it's going to happen eventually. I'm sure he had to have a big smile on his face when he said this (I hope). That's not the kind of pressure you want on the kids or coaches.

 

You are no doubt correct regarding the smile on his face when he said it. The Courier quoted him as quipping "They would have taken me and thrown me off the back of the bleachers," regarding the Tigers' faithful had his team lost. This was just Coach engaging in a bit of mirthful hyperbole.

 

RockPride: Re: "weird vibe" Part of the feeling may have been that one seldom attends a HS football game where the temperature at kickoff is hovering near 100 degrees.

It never ceases to amaze me how every word that comes out of Coach's mouth is scrutinized and twisted to somehow becoming a negative according to a few. :rolleyes: :rolleyes: :rolleyes:

 

:creepy: Touchy touchy. If Mike was serious, could it not explain the way the team played for 3 quarters? Very tight.

It never ceases to amaze me how every word that comes out of Coach's mouth is scrutinized and twisted to somehow becoming a negative according to a few. :rolleyes: :rolleyes: :rolleyes:

 

Well, I hope it was with a smile of his face. The St. X freshman lost to Cincinnati Moeller this morning. Moeller is no cup cake.

:creepy: Touchy touchy. If Mike was serious, could it not explain the way the team played for 3 quarters? Very tight.

 

No touchiness here...just amazed at how the MG boulder that is carried around on the shoulders of so many "experts" doesn't cause severe back problems. :sleep: :sleep: :sleep: :sleep: :sleep: :sleep: :sleep: :sleep:

Personally knowing the man very well as I do, I am 100% confident that he finds great enjoyment and personal satisfaction in the fact that his words are so meaningful to so many "informed" individuals aka critics so I guess in reality-he wins. As for the "tightness"...how are you so sure that Coach G's expertise doesn't deserve the credit for removing the player's (understandable) butterflies and leading the Tigers to victory? Newsflash....HS kids get nervous-especially under extreme conditions like last night.

It was definitely a rocky start, but that is to be expected in the first game of the year, without the huge presence of Matt Smith and Nick Heuser. We also suffered the loss of Ben Devine-Nick's backup-in the first series. But in all, I think that the St. X seniors stepped up when they needed to, and made it happen. My hat is off to LB Nate Combs, DB Conner Hale and LB Jack Hilt on defense they all played a hell of a game. On offense, TE Ben Brown made two huge plays for big yards when the tigers needed it. WR Kevin Brinkman also made a huge 4th down conversion in the red zone that was followed by Joe Montano's run for the TD giving the Tigers the lead. QBs Ben Zoeller and Matt Brutcher(junior), were both a little jittery at first, but settled in by the end. And how about kicker Andrew Bosscher--Im excited for the rest of the season, once we get Smith and Heuser back, theres no way to go but up!

How bout the offensive line for the tigers? give them some props.

^ To be honest.....they played very average for 3 quarters, and finally wore down the kids from Ballard in the fourth.

There's no way to go but up!

Very true statement :thumb:

The first half was an average effort, although pass protection was very good I thought. Then the second half the entire effort was good and I think this could be one of the top 3 lines in the state. Just watch the holes get bigger and bigger for Deuce.

A win is a win! Evreyone knew it would be a very tough game and it was. The X kids were very nervous with all the fans and expectations of the first game in a fabulous stadium. Give Ballard credit, they have some size and talent and some decent play calling. They will have a good year. Also give Ben Zoeller credit for shaking off the rough start and making plays down the strech to win the game. Ben Brown has D-1 potential and needs to get the ball more. Kicking game looked improved and lots of areas need to improve but they found a way to win, its early and when they get healthy may turn out to be a pretty good team. Bottom line a good start with lots to build on. They need to uncage the student section for the next game thet are too far away to be heard.

I know the reporters can quote anything that they want. But maybe the freshman wouldn't have the openning loss in the new stadium if the varsity would have played Moeller or Cincinnati St. X like Trintiy.

The first half was an average effort, although pass protection was very good I thought. Then the second half the entire effort was good and I think this could be one of the top 3 lines in the state. Just watch the holes get bigger and bigger for Deuce.

I don't know much about the entire state...Duece will get his yards, but if they were to play anyway like they did last night, against us, it will be a long long day.

A win is a win! Evreyone knew it would be a very tough game and it was. The X kids were very nervous with all the fans and expectations of the first game in a fabulous stadium. Give Ballard credit, they have some size and talent and some decent play calling. They will have a good year. Also give Ben Zoeller credit for shaking off the rough start and making plays down the strech to win the game. Ben Brown has D-1 potential and needs to get the ball more. Kicking game looked improved and lots of areas need to improve but they found a way to win, its early and when they get healthy may turn out to be a pretty good team. Bottom line a good start with lots to build on. They need to uncage the student section for the next game thet are too far away to be heard.

They really are far away...I like the idea...but I think they should put some risers over there.