PigSkin Junkie

Spot on, but I'm sure some Raider is about to point out they did lose to these Raider squads in 8th and 9th. I do believe, though, some of the Raiders peaked early - hormones are a funny thing. You can be HUGE and truly dominating in youth and middle school leagues but when everyone finally gets their growth spurt, you are suddenly kinda average. Cooper did win the JV game last year in another very low scoring affair without Watson, Smith and Sand who were all playing the varsity lines. Friday night's game went exactly as I had expected (and hoped/prayed for etc!) and I think Cooper will have a significantly better season than last.

Rytlewski played 90% of the game, I think. Someone (O'Hara??)else started but was ineffective as well. Too early to tell if the issue was Ryle's QB, O line or Cooper's D. I'm hopeful that Cooper's defense is just that good.....

Allow me to amend my last post. The Raiders were competitive last night. They had some highlight reel moments. But I could tell last night how disappointed the fans and players were. It's clearly not what they had hoped/thought. Surely not a 3+ score domination as some predicted.

Do you think talent gets rusty? I understood this was going to be DYNAMIC, EXPLOSIVE - especially on the offensive side of the ball. Are these kids used to playing at a mediocre level already and can't restore their skill set to a competitive level? Oh, and Hellbird, did you go to the pre-game Coach Chat on Weds. night? I didn't make it but heard there was indeed more bulletin board material - out of the same mouth as last time. Somebody should muzzle that guy.

I called that one....all about the Jags D and a tight game...until that safety!

Ryle tried to on-side the free kick. Cooper with the ball and the WIN!!

It takes 2.....Watson!

Cooper with a safety!!! Love my D!!!

Ryle fumbles....COOPER ball!! 2:45 remaining. Nail-biter, called it!!!

Field goal team coming on....long kick....way short!

Big pick for the Jags. Inside the 20 with 4:40 to play.

TD Jags!!!! 10-3

Cooper with a sustained drive that ended in a fumble. Jags defense solid again and Cooper driving again with 9:00 ti go in the 4th.

Both for Cooper. I'm not seeing ANY D1 talent on this field though.

3-3 at half

I love Cooper's D. Hungry, stingy group. I know, I know, most of Ryle's now juniors were supposedly "already playing varsity in week one" last year, but Cooper did win that JV game 6-0. I think Cooper wins a nail-biter.

Look for more bulletin board material, Hellbird, as the coaches are reviving their pre-game "chat" at Barleycorn's Wednesday night. Remember the ooopsie from last time?!? Ryle: "So how bad is New Cath this year that YOU beat them?" Ummmm, New Cath turned out to be State champs, we were State runners up and YOU were where in November/December? Start strong, Jags!!

LOL - if you had 3 boys on the same team and got three different scenarios to every question you asked about who/when/where, you'd be a tad bit frustrated too. This is by far my favorite time of the year and I can't wait to see how this season plays out for my sons and their team, so believe me, I am super psyched about tonight. Just wish I had the correct information once in awhile!!!

Far from stellar, obviously.

I believe Freshmen are at 6, followed by JV, followed by Varsity. Could be totally wrong, teenage boys' communication skills are not exactly stellar.

What I said was my 15 year old expected them "to act better". I bear no such delusions.

Looking forward to it.

Hellbird is joking.

Heard Conner was replaced by Campbell Co. today. Also heard Cooper D was strong and allowed no scores by the Camels or Boone Co. Went toe-to-toe with the Colonels but Cooper's offense dropped 3-4 TD passes on the day - THAT we need to correct.

It was that bad.