The Union Raiders were not picked by the High School coaches. I don't even believe there was a 'pick' or a selection process, a group of parents got together and put a 'select' team together. The team was not affiliated with the BCPWFL in any way. They did compete in the NKY Middle School football league as a 'first year team' and were not a full fledged member (meaning they just played the teams, etc.). I believe they are going to be a full fledge member this year. The team is made up of kids that attend Gray Middle School and a couple from other middle schools who will feed into Ryle High School. The team was organized as an AAU team and played teams from Lexington, Dayton OH, Middletown, etc..

 

The only selection part of the process is that you must live in the area which will be causing you to attend high school at Ryle.

Believe me, having posted on this board for for many years, I am cognizant that there is a difference re open enrollment. Until today, I was unaware that it was permissible in Boone County for a high school coach to coach a non-enrolled student athlete.

 

The Catholic grade schools have had a league for 60 years (CSAA). The public middle schools have just instituted school based football teams. Until then, and still today, the optimist league is where the public school children played.

 

BogDP or someone closely involved with the Union Raiders will need to clarify this for us. Despite how it may have appeared earlier in the thread, I doubt that Ryle varsity coaches were actually coaching the Union Raiders. I think they helped establish the team but I doubt they coached it. BigDP, Coop or some other Ryle parent out there want to clarify this for us?

The Union Raiders were not picked by the High School coaches. I don't even believe there was a 'pick' or a selection process, a group of parents got together and put a 'select' team together. The team was not affiliated with the BCPWFL in any way. They did compete in the NKY Middle School football league as a 'first year team' and were not a full fledged member (meaning they just played the teams, etc.). I believe they are going to be a full fledge member this year. The team is made up of kids that attend Gray Middle School and a couple from other middle schools who will feed into Ryle High School. The team was organized as an AAU team and played teams from Lexington, Dayton OH, Middletown, etc..

 

The line of thinking for this team is completely different from the philosophy used in the Ft. Thomas Jr. League. I thought I read somewhere recently on BGP that a league had started in the Ryle area using the obviously successful formula from the FTJL? Or am I thinking of Campbell County? :confused:

 

It's great that Ryle now has one dedicated jr team playing, but that's a max of 22 kids starting each week who are destined to fill out the roster of a 6A school. The FTJL has 4 8th grade teams playing each week. That's a max of 88 kids starting each week, all to fill out the roster of a 3A school.

Believe me, having posted on this board for for many years, I am cognizant that there is a difference re open enrollment. Until today, I was unaware that it was permissible in Boone County for a high school coach to coach a non-enrolled student athlete.

 

The Catholic grade schools have had a league for 60 years (CSAA). The public middle schools have just instituted school based football teams. Until then, and still today, the optimist league is where the public school children played.

At no time did I imply that Coach Warner coached this team as he DID NOT. The team was formed due to Boone Co being one of the last Counties in the state not to have Middlle school football, and the BCPWFL has a draft. Therefore, our kids never got to play together until they were Freshmen. Jefferson Co now has middle school football and KY has one of the best MS football organizations in the nation. They expect to have 200 members this coming season and even have a state playoff.

 

The Union Raiders played in the NKMSFL and are now part of the KYMSFA. They have a coaching staff that follows the Ryle system to get there kids ready for that. No different than any other County or MS program getting their kids ready for HS.

The line of thinking for this team is completely different from the philosophy used in the Ft. Thomas Jr. League. I thought I read somewhere recently on BGP that a league had started in the Ryle area using the obviously successful formula from the FTJL? Or am I thinking of Campbell County? :confused:

 

It's great that Ryle now has one dedicated jr team playing, but that's a max of 22 kids starting each week who are destined to fill out the roster of a 6A school. The FTJL has 4 8th grade teams playing each week. That's a max of 88 kids starting each week, all to fill out the roster of a 3A school.

 

Bingo!!!! That is why Highlands is the best in NKY almost every single year, regardless of size.

 

It is amazing to me; this stuff is not rocket science; get as many kids playing as possible and having fun and develop them all; then you will have more good varsity players when the time comes!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Bingo!!!! That is why Highlands is the best in NKY almost every single year, regardless of size.

 

It is amazing to me; this stuff is not rocket science; get as many kids playing as possible and having fun and develop them all; then you will have more good varsity players when the time comes!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Wildcat, the problem still remains the fact most of these leagues still tend to feature "winning" as the most important aspect of the game, rather than simply learning the games basics and becoming a "team" oriented player. It's a byproduct of the attitude that many of the coaches in the NKYFL have had for many years, and they are just now figuring out that it comes back to haunt them later on in the high school ranks.

I've heard that the Ft. Thomas league does value participation over winning. But, I have no idea if they mandate 2 full quarters for everyone, one full quarter, etc. Every local youth program other than select competitive "AAU-type" traveling leagues need to adopt that same participation mentality. There is a huge ego temptation on the part of youth coaches to win and just give lip service to participation. If kids are guaranteed to play one full quarter, that seems great to me. It does force a player to work harder if he is not satisfied that others get to play 3 quarters and it allows him to develop by playing one "meaningful" quarter per game. No system is perfect but I think the Union Raiders will work diligently to make sure every player always plays at least one full quarter in every game. If not, shame on the coaches.

I've heard that the Ft. Thomas league does value participation over winning. But, I have no idea if they mandate 2 full quarters for everyone, one full quarter, etc. Every local youth program other than select competitive "AAU-type" traveling leagues need to adopt that same participation mentality. There is a huge ego temptation on the part of youth coaches to win and just give lip service to participation. If kids are guaranteed to play one full quarter, that seems great to me. It does force a player to work harder if he is not satisfied that others get to play 3 quarters and it allows him to develop by playing one "meaningful" quarter per game. No system is perfect but I think the Union Raiders will work diligently to make sure every player always plays at least one full quarter in every game. If not, shame on the coaches.

 

Yes, the FTJFL does have mandatory playing time for the players. Someone else will have to give the exact rules but I believe every player is assured of at least 1 1/2 quarters of playing time in every game.

 

It will be interesting to see how the middle school ball plays out but from everything I am reading, it sure doesn't sound like a league based on instruction and getting playing time for players. It sounds like it is about winning. I am not passing judgment. Just pointing out what I see.

Yes, the FTJFL does have mandatory playing time for the players. Someone else will have to give the exact rules but I believe every player is assured of at least 1 1/2 quarters of playing time in every game.

 

It will be interesting to see how the middle school ball plays out but from everything I am reading, it sure doesn't sound like a league based on instruction and getting playing time for players. It sounds like it is about winning. I am not passing judgment. Just pointing out what I see.

 

Thanks for the update. I would hope the Union Raiders are focused on instruction, equal opportunity for all kids to participate and shared playing time. Next year should tell us what the league is really about IMHO.

Yes, the FTJFL does have mandatory playing time for the players. Someone else will have to give the exact rules but I believe every player is assured of at least 1 1/2 quarters of playing time in every game.

 

It will be interesting to see how the middle school ball plays out but from everything I am reading, it sure doesn't sound like a league based on instruction and getting playing time for players. It sounds like it is about winning. I am not passing judgment. Just pointing out what I see.

 

When my son played a few years back it pretty much worked out to 2 full quarters most games. And before anyone gets the wrong idea it isn't a Kumbaya experience. Go to a game and you'll see parents from opposing teams getting on the officials, coaches and each other. Winning is always nice.

When my son played a few years back it pretty much worked out to 2 full quarters most games. And before anyone gets the wrong idea it isn't a Kumbaya experience. Go to a game and you'll see parents from opposing teams getting on the officials, coaches and each other. Winning is always nice.

 

Does each team run the same offense as the high school? Are there only certain defenses allowed?

Wildcat, the problem still remains the fact most of these leagues still tend to feature "winning" as the most important aspect of the game, rather than simply learning the games basics and becoming a "team" oriented player. It's a byproduct of the attitude that many of the coaches in the NKYFL have had for many years, and they are just now figuring out that it comes back to haunt them later on in the high school ranks.

 

I know; it is lunacy; I also just learned that the Ft. Thomas league plays 10 games and has no playoffs; just another good decision so that ALL the boys get maximum development and no one is left out; when will the rest of NKY get a clue?????(and the state for that matter)

BogDP or someone closely involved with the Union Raiders will need to clarify this for us. Despite how it may have appeared earlier in the thread, I doubt that Ryle varsity coaches were actually coaching the Union Raiders. I think they helped establish the team but I doubt they coached it. BigDP, Coop or some other Ryle parent out there want to clarify this for us?

 

I posted this earlier, hopefully this will help clarify some things -

 

Why the Union Raiders exist:

*When Ryle freshman come into our program we don't have kids developed at key positions. Instead of having two QB's every grade (like Highlands does), we have none over 2-3 consecutive grades. Our freshman have not played together ever, and none of them know Ryle's system or expectations. Union Raider coaches can put kids into positions they will be seen to play in high school. And then help that kid develop in that position. This vision for a kid's future will keep them playing football too.

*There are kids walking around Ryle high school that used to play youth football and no longer play because they quit when they were young. Some play soccer, some don't do any sports. I don't blame anyone for quitting if they were on a team with no minimum playing time requirements. No minimum playing time requirements creates a situation where a team with 35 kids only plays 15 the whole game. A good feeder program has minimum playing time requirements, not a joke of ten minute running clock after the real game is over. There are many great athletic high school kids that weren't that athletic as a 10 year old.

*Coaches must be professional in their behavior and attitudes, this helps create an environment where young players AND their parents feel positive about the program. A good feeder program will have coaches that are evaluated regularly and then appropriately dismissed or given more responsibility. Kids want to continue to play for good coaches. Coaches must care more about developing football players and character than winning. Winning is a goal, but not at the expense of development.

*Young players should be given a vision for themselves and their future program (when Anderson HS won the state championship their seniors were quoted as saying, "we seniors have been dreaming and working together for this goal for 10 years.") - this happens when Ryle coaches and varsity players visit and teach young Ryle players. This vision happens when young players play and practice at Ryle, in the RaiderNation. This vision happens when our young players are called the “Raiders” and wear the Raider Shield sticker on their helmets. This vision keeps kids from leaving or quitting and going to other things. Ryle's senior class this year was awesome, but right off the top of my head I can think of 3 seniors (that would have started and been impact players) that quit or left to go to other schools. When kids have a vision like this they become recruiters and recruit other kids into program too.

*Parents of young players can become involved in the whole varsity program if there is a good feeder program. This creates synergy and excitement for the Ryle football. This in turn keeps parents encouraging their kids to play. It also makes them recruiters for the program. More kids, more good players.

*As a program develops a reputation parents will make efforts to get their kids into the feeder program and eventually the varsity program. There are stories we have heard of parents moving or buying a second home in Ryle district so their kids could play football there. Any student whose parent works for Boone County schools also can choose any high school. Our reputation will help those kids choose Ryle.

*Having players come into our varsity program with years of familiarity with terminology and coaching points will be valuable to the varsity team. Players coming into the high school program with the off season workout traditions and attitude will also be beneficial.

*Keeping team sizes manageable (no matter what the playing time requirements are) is vital for development. If the team size is over 30 kids, kids will start feeling lost in the numbers. Teams with 40-50 kids on it will for sure hurt kids involvement. Team size must be restricted to manageable numbers to keep kids interested and enjoying the program.

*We met with over the last few years and tried to convince the local boone county youth program that these changes needed to happen. But they were unwilling or unable (its unclear which) to change. We gave clear warnings that we would need to start our own program if changes, even just small steps didn’t happen. Based on the research we did into other great high school football program we knew these things were a major part we were lacking. And this is based on what we have seen and been told from our interviews with other successful programs. My son's experience in the BCPWFL was excellent, we liked his coach and he did a great job. I have no idea who is to blame for why the BCPWFL is structured the way it is, and everyone we have ever met or worked with related to BCPWFL have been good, well intentioned people. I am sure that every great player to come thru Boone County could point to a great BCPWFL coach who helped them develop. I applaud all these coaches and volunteers who have given time to help young football players thru the program. They want to see kids develop as young men as much as anyone else.

 

Our first year we had open signups, but only for one team, cutting it off at 33 players. We did not want to start off with too much. We tried to spread the word as best as possible, we had several signups from people who just heard about it and went online. The only selection was the core group of 10-12 parents that were initially responsible for moving forward. I think you will see that our new feeder program will do all the things mentioned above. There is no guarantee that this will make Ryle a perennial state championship football team, but we feel that this is a major step in the right direction. http://www.unionraidersyf.com

I posted this earlier, hopefully this will help clarify some things -

 

Why the Union Raiders exist:

*When Ryle freshman come into our program we don't have kids developed at key positions. Instead of having two QB's every grade (like Highlands does), we have none over 2-3 consecutive grades. Our freshman have not played together ever, and none of them know Ryle's system or expectations. Union Raider coaches can put kids into positions they will be seen to play in high school. And then help that kid develop in that position. This vision for a kid's future will keep them playing football too.

*There are kids walking around Ryle high school that used to play youth football and no longer play because they quit when they were young. Some play soccer, some don't do any sports. I don't blame anyone for quitting if they were on a team with no minimum playing time requirements. No minimum playing time requirements creates a situation where a team with 35 kids only plays 15 the whole game. A good feeder program has minimum playing time requirements, not a joke of ten minute running clock after the real game is over. There are many great athletic high school kids that weren't that athletic as a 10 year old.

*Coaches must be professional in their behavior and attitudes, this helps create an environment where young players AND their parents feel positive about the program. A good feeder program will have coaches that are evaluated regularly and then appropriately dismissed or given more responsibility. Kids want to continue to play for good coaches. Coaches must care more about developing football players and character than winning. Winning is a goal, but not at the expense of development.

*Young players should be given a vision for themselves and their future program (when Anderson HS won the state championship their seniors were quoted as saying, "we seniors have been dreaming and working together for this goal for 10 years.") - this happens when Ryle coaches and varsity players visit and teach young Ryle players. This vision happens when young players play and practice at Ryle, in the RaiderNation. This vision happens when our young players are called the “Raiders” and wear the Raider Shield sticker on their helmets. This vision keeps kids from leaving or quitting and going to other things. Ryle's senior class this year was awesome, but right off the top of my head I can think of 3 seniors (that would have started and been impact players) that quit or left to go to other schools. When kids have a vision like this they become recruiters and recruit other kids into program too.

*Parents of young players can become involved in the whole varsity program if there is a good feeder program. This creates synergy and excitement for the Ryle football. This in turn keeps parents encouraging their kids to play. It also makes them recruiters for the program. More kids, more good players.

*As a program develops a reputation parents will make efforts to get their kids into the feeder program and eventually the varsity program. There are stories we have heard of parents moving or buying a second home in Ryle district so their kids could play football there. Any student whose parent works for Boone County schools also can choose any high school. Our reputation will help those kids choose Ryle.

*Having players come into our varsity program with years of familiarity with terminology and coaching points will be valuable to the varsity team. Players coming into the high school program with the off season workout traditions and attitude will also be beneficial.

*Keeping team sizes manageable (no matter what the playing time requirements are) is vital for development. If the team size is over 30 kids, kids will start feeling lost in the numbers. Teams with 40-50 kids on it will for sure hurt kids involvement. Team size must be restricted to manageable numbers to keep kids interested and enjoying the program.

*We met with over the last few years and tried to convince the local boone county youth program that these changes needed to happen. But they were unwilling or unable (its unclear which) to change. We gave clear warnings that we would need to start our own program if changes, even just small steps didn’t happen. Based on the research we did into other great high school football program we knew these things were a major part we were lacking. And this is based on what we have seen and been told from our interviews with other successful programs. My son's experience in the BCPWFL was excellent, we liked his coach and he did a great job. I have no idea who is to blame for why the BCPWFL is structured the way it is, and everyone we have ever met or worked with related to BCPWFL have been good, well intentioned people. I am sure that every great player to come thru Boone County could point to a great BCPWFL coach who helped them develop. I applaud all these coaches and volunteers who have given time to help young football players thru the program. They want to see kids develop as young men as much as anyone else.

 

Our first year we had open signups, but only for one team, cutting it off at 33 players. We did not want to start off with too much. We tried to spread the word as best as possible, we had several signups from people who just heard about it and went online. The only selection was the core group of 10-12 parents that were initially responsible for moving forward. I think you will see that our new feeder program will do all the things mentioned above. There is no guarantee that this will make Ryle a perennial state championship football team, but we feel that this is a major step in the right direction. http://www.unionraidersyf.com

 

It sounds perfect; the only thing I would be careful is trying to predict what positions players are best at at such a young age; you just can't tell how young kids are going to develop in the size or speed category and who will work the hardest in the weight room; it can't hurt to try to put them in the right position, but sometimes it just might not work out.

 

The one thing I would definitley try is putting the best athlete at QB; running QB's that can throw are the biggest nightmare defensive coordinators could ever face.

I posted this earlier, hopefully this will help clarify some things -

 

Why the Union Raiders exist:

*When Ryle freshman come into our program we don't have kids developed at key positions. Instead of having two QB's every grade (like Highlands does), we have none over 2-3 consecutive grades. Our freshman have not played together ever, and none of them know Ryle's system or expectations. Union Raider coaches can put kids into positions they will be seen to play in high school. And then help that kid develop in that position. This vision for a kid's future will keep them playing football too.

*Thereare kids walking around Ryle high school that used to play youth football and no longer play because they quit when they were young. Some play soccer, some don't do any sports. I don't blame anyone for quitting if they were on a team with no minimum playing time requirements. No minimum playing time requirements creates a situation where a team with 35 kids only plays 15 the whole game. A good feeder program has minimum playing time requirements, not a joke of ten minute running clock after the real game is over. There are many great athletic high school kids that weren't that athletic as a 10 year old.

*Coaches must be professional in their behavior and attitudes, this helps create an environment where young players AND their parents feel positive about the program. A good feeder program will have coaches that are evaluated regularly and then appropriately dismissed or given more responsibility. Kids want to continue to play for good coaches. Coaches must care more about developing football players and character than winning. Winning is a goal, but not at the expense of development.

*Young players should be given a vision for themselves and their future program (when Anderson HS won the state championship their seniors were quoted as saying, "we seniors have been dreaming and working together for this goal for 10 years.") - this happens when Ryle coaches and varsity players visit and teach young Ryle players. This vision happens when young players play and practice at Ryle, in the RaiderNation. This vision happens when our young players are called the “Raiders” and wear the Raider Shield sticker on their helmets. This vision keeps kids from leaving or quitting and going to other things. Ryle's senior class this year was awesome, but right off the top of my head I can think of 3 seniors (that would have started and been impact players) that quit or left to go to other schools. When kids have a vision like this they become recruiters and recruit other kids into program too.

*Parents of young players can become involved in the whole varsity program if there is a good feeder program. This creates synergy and excitement for the Ryle football. This in turn keeps parents encouraging their kids to play. It also makes them recruiters for the program. More kids, more good players.

*As a program develops a reputation parents will make efforts to get their kids into the feeder program and eventually the varsity program. There are stories we have heard of parents moving or buying a second home in Ryle district so their kids could play football there. Any student whose parent works for Boone County schools also can choose any high school. Our reputation will help those kids choose Ryle.

*Having players come into our varsity program with years of familiarity with terminology and coaching points will be valuable to the varsity team. Players coming into the high school program with the off season workout traditions and attitude will also be beneficial.

*Keeping team sizes manageable (no matter what the playing time requirements are) is vital for development. If the team size is over 30 kids, kids will start feeling lost in the numbers. Teams with 40-50 kids on it will for sure hurt kids involvement. Team size must be restricted to manageable numbers to keep kids interested and enjoying the program.

*We met with over the last few years and tried to convince the local boone county youth program that these changes needed to happen. But they were unwilling or unable (its unclear which) to change. We gave clear warnings that we would need to start our own program if changes, even just small steps didn’t happen. Based on the research we did into other great high school football program we knew these things were a major part we were lacking. And this is based on what we have seen and been told from our interviews with other successful programs. My son's experience in the BCPWFL was excellent, we liked his coach and he did a great job. I have no idea who is to blame for why the BCPWFL is structured the way it is, and everyone we have ever met or worked with related to BCPWFL have been good, well intentioned people. I am sure that every great player to come thru Boone County could point to a great BCPWFL coach who helped them develop. I applaud all these coaches and volunteers who have given time to help young football players thru the program. They want to see kids develop as young men as much as anyone else.

 

Our first year we had open signups, but only for one team, cutting it off at 33 players. We did not want to start off with too much. We tried to spread the word as best as possible, we had several signups from people who just heard about it and went online. The only selection was the core group of 10-12 parents that were initially responsible for moving forward. I think you will see that our new feeder program will do all the things mentioned above. There is no guarantee that this will make Ryle a perennial state championship football team, but we feel that this is a major step in the right direction. http://www.unionraidersyf.com

 

I understand the concept of the Union Raiders. I think it's a great thing. It will only make Ryle stronger in NKY. My thoughts are Ryle is now the top dawg in 6A before the Union Raiders. Ryle has been to state and the final 4 before the Union Raiders. If there were a public and catholic finals, Ryle would have already won a state title. Ryle has already taken that next step, they have passed Boone and are starting to get on an early Highlands like level this was all before the Raiders. But when you are going up against Trinity or X it's just gonna be hard to get them. Trinity was a sophomore driven team this year but nobody in KY still couldn't beat them.

 

With Cooper opening it only spreads out the talent in NKY more. We def have all the talent in NKY it's just divided too many ways. Ryle will continue to be a very strong football team. If Boone County had open enrollment like other counties in NKY I think this would be the missing piece for Ryle. I know Aaron Floyd wants to play at Ryle but he will be going to Boone, losing Moss also hurts Ryle, but Ryle is going to be solid for years to come. If the system were different in NKY I could def see Ryle being a powerhouse, they have it all there.