bredsmom

I read this a few years ago and it brought tears to my eyes. I can relate to the author....the only chance I ever have of hearing my son's name is on a fumble recovery! LOL Ode to the Offensive Lineman (Debbie Christiansen) School begins, football starts and fall is in the air. The papers cover local teams to tell us how they'll fare. Quarterbacks and halfbacks, a running back or two; safety, ends and kickers, throw in some linemen too. Every mother smiles to see her young son's name in print. "He's bound to be a starter!" In Dad's eye there is a glint. So the first game comes along -- my son, he's on the line. "Dive right," "cut block," "quarterback sneak,"he's in there every time. We have the plays, players too, everybody reasons. This is the year, there's no doubt, we'll have a winning season. The paper lauds the quarterback, his passes are supreme. The wide receiver, there's a guy -- the fastest that we've seen. Did you see the many yards gained by the running back? And no one ever will forget the defense on the sack. The linemen on the defense are listed one by one. Numbering every tackle in the game they won. And so on down the list of plays and scores until they're done. But -- wait a minute! His name's not there -- I cannot find my son! "Did you do your part?" I ask. "Tell me son, did you play well?" "I am an offensive linemen -- there is no more to tell." And so to offensive linemen -- this ode to you I write. Who take your place upon the line and block with all your might? Who give the quarterback the time to throw the perfect pass, and make the hole for the running back to leave 'em in the grass? You give the kicker what he needs the extra point to score. You block and fall and push and shove, and come right back for more. They do not keep the stats on you, your name's not up in lights. Without you, well - the quarterback is just a guy in tights! "I am an offensive lineman -- there's no more to my story." To offensive linemen everywhere, honor, laud and glory!

Yes, he should have left in a squad IMO. The drive to the hospital was excruciating. He had a badly dislocated shoulder. I don't think the coaches realized the extent of it because he REFUSED to lay down on the turf and cry. He walked off and was quite a trooper. Of course, I'm pretty partial. Thanks for the nice comments. He'll be back on the field next year and will help his team out in any way in the meantime. On the other points that have been mentioned. I think that the rivalry is a good thing...however, I feel that both Highlands and NCC are top notch teams with solid athletes. I have ties to both schools and have always just wanted the guys to get out there and have fun and be safe.

I know that NCC's largest player is out for the rest of the season now. He's not at all happy about that. He played his heart out last night. Too bad it got broken in the process.

Go BREDS! I'm on my way to the game! I pray for a safe outcome no matter who the winner is!

I was thinking the same thing.

Per my freshman player......they play at 6.

I just looked at our 24 small players and compared them to the HUGE picture of Highlands frosh. Yikes. I'm worried.......let's just hope the boys can have fun out there.

I wish they were too........

Cov Cath will give us a run for our money........they have a good group of boys. I especially like the Connaughton boy. However, because I am a die hard Breds fan, I have to go with the Breds. I say Breds 35-21

I don't know......we've got some Breds chompin' at the bit for a chance to play the Bluebirds. I think that it will be a close game. Not sure about NCC winning but I know that the heart and determination are going to be present on Thursday!

The offensive line is made up of at least four juniors.....Garrett Brown, Michael Leopold, Paul Eviston, and Jake Smith.

The freshman are scrimmaging at 6:00 pm for those that want to come early and check out the future Breds and Colonels.

Yes, he's a great young man and comes from great parents as well. I hope that they all have a great year.

Of course the part of me that bleeds blue and gold still thinks that they are #1 in the state! Don't underestimate the offensive line. Garret Brown and Michael Leopold have been playing next to each other on the line since they were 5 years old and they have been playing along side Mark Kelly, Justin Jones, and Matthew Johnson for the same amount of time. They all have a very solid background. They had some EXCELLENT coaches growing up and that has just served as a solid foundation for their years as Thouroughbreds! I think everyone will be pleasantly surprised at the execution of the line once they get the kinks out. GO BREDS!!!!!!

Because there are some really good juniors and sophomores as well as the returning seniors.

Garrett Brown, Jake Smith, Michael Leopold, and Paul Eviston All make up a very solid OL for NCC this year.

My son is always reported as being 6' when in actuality he is 6'2". Also, his weight is usually reported about 10 pounds less. However, in defense of the coaches on weight....these weights usually come from preseason before practices really kick in. As the players get back in shape and start lifting more, their body weights increase. JMO

Thank you SO much! :dancingpa

I wish NCC would get on the ball and post the schedule so that I can plan days off of work. I have to work evenings and I want to make sure that I can make all of the games this year! Thanks to those that posted their schedules! I have at least three dates now! LOL

I think one of the big lineman that you are referring to is Michael Leopold (also referred to as "Mike").......and of course, we can't forget Jake Keirnan.

Thanks! Does anyone know what Newport Central Catholic's is? The school website hasn't updated it yet. I don't see it on KHSAA's website either.

When do the 2008 schedules get posted?

NCC will take home another title! GO BREDS!!!!!

Any news on the New Cath/DeSales game? I was hoping for a radio station or podcast. I can't get off of work in time to drive down to Lousiville! :cry:

You are fairly accurate, Shiloh....here is an excerpt from another website that details it better than I can! "NewCath made one of the most amazing comebacks in championship game history. Late in the third quarter, you might have thought Danville had NewCath beat as the Admirals took a 34-17 lead with about 2 minutes left in the third quarter. But in the 4th quarter, the Breds' scored 3 TD's within 5 minutes and finished an amazing comeback winning 37-34. This was Bob Schneider's first win over Danville and gives NewCath back-to-back State Championships" I'd have to say that is probably the most exciting game that I have ever watched.