Volleyball is a game of momentum.
I've heard that statement several times this week. Still, Kirtland Central's two games featured more long runs and disheartening droughts than usual.
KC, too, seemed to thrive on their crowd once they strung together a few points. That's why I figured they'd make an improbable trip to the District 1-4A finals after they erased a 13-6 deficit in Game 5 and had two match points. But Piedra Vista, banking on their healthy number of five-game matches (8), survived and advanced.
Here are a few scribblings from my notebook that didn't make the game story:
Game 1
Piedra Vista used a 10-2 run to storm to a 19-11 lead.
Game 2
PV wasn't hitting hard -- they were trying to tip and roll and it wasn't working. Kirtland Central had four aces as they built a 13-3 lead.
KC's key players sprinkled in enough kills to add to PV's mistakes passing and hitting out of bounds.
Game 3
The Lady Panthers started to funnel the ball to the middle effectively. Emily Bushard and Brittany Jackson combined for 10 kills and a block each, churning a 12-10 lead to a 25-17 win.
Game 4
In a point that typified KC's run through the District 1-4A tournament, the Lady Broncos blocked/dug several big hits from PV's work horses with pancake digs, keeping a long rally alive when they looked dead several times before Taylor Yazzie spiked it to the gym floor.
The healthy KC crowd went crazy, the Broncos bursted to a 23-17 lead and won 25-21 to stay alive.
PV almost stopped their momentum, getting within 23-21. PV coach Ron Becker, I thought, took a good time out down 24-21 to quiet the crowd and stem the emotion a bit, but it didn't work out.
The Broncos lost a similar point down 5-3 in the final game.
Game 5
Piedra Vista's defense played much better after Becker inserted defensive specialist Brittany Softka to shore up the back line and the passing.
They overcame problems in the service game -- four service errors and an ace by KC's Samantha Begay -- by preventing a lot of kill shots from being successful.
"I think I'll definitely use it again tomorrow night. I think that really made a big difference," Becker said. "It's probably something I should've tried earlier.
"Alix (Russell) is trying to swing outside and hit, and she's also passing. She's trying to do two jobs at once so it takes away her focus from both."
Becker also said that he thinks Russell's lingering foot injury is affecting her. He added that she wouldn't admit as much and called her a tough player.
*****
So it's set: Piedra Vista at Shiprock, Saturday, 7 p.m.
"They're gonna have a heck of a crowd out there," Becker said. "(Shiprock coach) Tim (Liufau) has done a really great job coaching those girls, so I expect it to be tough."
Becker said he felt less pressure for Saturday's championship game because he's more secure about PV's standing in the state tournament field.
Stay true and keep pounding,
Christopher
I've heard that statement several times this week. Still, Kirtland Central's two games featured more long runs and disheartening droughts than usual.
KC, too, seemed to thrive on their crowd once they strung together a few points. That's why I figured they'd make an improbable trip to the District 1-4A finals after they erased a 13-6 deficit in Game 5 and had two match points. But Piedra Vista, banking on their healthy number of five-game matches (8), survived and advanced.
Here are a few scribblings from my notebook that didn't make the game story:
Game 1
Piedra Vista used a 10-2 run to storm to a 19-11 lead.
Game 2
PV wasn't hitting hard -- they were trying to tip and roll and it wasn't working. Kirtland Central had four aces as they built a 13-3 lead.
KC's key players sprinkled in enough kills to add to PV's mistakes passing and hitting out of bounds.
Game 3
The Lady Panthers started to funnel the ball to the middle effectively. Emily Bushard and Brittany Jackson combined for 10 kills and a block each, churning a 12-10 lead to a 25-17 win.
Game 4
In a point that typified KC's run through the District 1-4A tournament, the Lady Broncos blocked/dug several big hits from PV's work horses with pancake digs, keeping a long rally alive when they looked dead several times before Taylor Yazzie spiked it to the gym floor.
The healthy KC crowd went crazy, the Broncos bursted to a 23-17 lead and won 25-21 to stay alive.
PV almost stopped their momentum, getting within 23-21. PV coach Ron Becker, I thought, took a good time out down 24-21 to quiet the crowd and stem the emotion a bit, but it didn't work out.
The Broncos lost a similar point down 5-3 in the final game.
Game 5
Piedra Vista's defense played much better after Becker inserted defensive specialist Brittany Softka to shore up the back line and the passing.
They overcame problems in the service game -- four service errors and an ace by KC's Samantha Begay -- by preventing a lot of kill shots from being successful.
"I think I'll definitely use it again tomorrow night. I think that really made a big difference," Becker said. "It's probably something I should've tried earlier.
"Alix (Russell) is trying to swing outside and hit, and she's also passing. She's trying to do two jobs at once so it takes away her focus from both."
Becker also said that he thinks Russell's lingering foot injury is affecting her. He added that she wouldn't admit as much and called her a tough player.
*****
So it's set: Piedra Vista at Shiprock, Saturday, 7 p.m.
"They're gonna have a heck of a crowd out there," Becker said. "(Shiprock coach) Tim (Liufau) has done a really great job coaching those girls, so I expect it to be tough."
Becker said he felt less pressure for Saturday's championship game because he's more secure about PV's standing in the state tournament field.
Stay true and keep pounding,
Christopher
Astute readers may have noticed that my off days have shifted from Wed./Thurs. to Tues./Wed.
I will continue my weekly Thursday Grab Bag, but I'm moving it to Wednesday. It takes too many Mountain Dews to write the thing when I get home from work closer to 1 a.m. on Thursdays, and frankly, it's not like I have a bustling social life during my off days.
So you'll see that return to my blog next week on Wednesday.
*****
Tigers anxious: In the meantime, I got back from Aztec's gym a few hours ago and watched Kirtland's volleyball team pull out a 3-2 win.
The Lady Broncos' hitters did a good job of keeping Aztec's block off balance, tipping, feigning and whaling away, a lot of times doing the opposite of what the Lady Tigers expected.
It's cliche to focus on attitude in close games -- a lot of times we try to inject context where it doesn't exist. Sometimes odds and luck factor more than clutch play, 'heart' and 'guts,' as we like to think. But KC's players sure looked more confident and relaxed down the stretch Thursday.
Perhaps it's because Aztec felt so much pressure to win, or because Kirtland got such an emotional high off their big runs that skunked the Tigers. Whatever the case, I thought that body language and mental approach played at least some role in KC outscoring Aztec 8-2 in the deciding fifth game.
Aztec coach Anna Strauss vouched for her players after the game, saying she felt the committee should include her team in the state playoffs. They're likely vying with Belen and Española for spots No. 11 and 12 -- the final two -- based on a cursory look at the 4A standings.
The Tigers' chances have taken a blow over the past two weeks, losing to Shiprock and Piedra Vista to fall to third and dropping the District 1-4A quarterfinals at home. Still, they have a shot -- the Lady Chieftains and Lady Panthers are both ranked in the top seven.
*****
Future exciting: In other news, the Aztec girls' soccer team also saw their season end with a 2-0 loss to Albuquerque Academy. The Tigers must replace keeper Addison Woods -- coach Stephen Parks already was considering her replacement, although he didn't want to name her and close the position to competition.
Still, Aztec loses just two seniors and returns a healthy stable of juniors, including District Player of the Year candidate Taylor McGarry. The Tigers advanced further than any District 1-4A team this year and beat district champion Farmington during the regular season. They seemed to take to their new home field at the Aztec Sports Complex fast and should have a nice home advantage next year, where they'll be the team to beat.
Stay true and keep pounding,
Christopher
I will continue my weekly Thursday Grab Bag, but I'm moving it to Wednesday. It takes too many Mountain Dews to write the thing when I get home from work closer to 1 a.m. on Thursdays, and frankly, it's not like I have a bustling social life during my off days.
So you'll see that return to my blog next week on Wednesday.
*****
Tigers anxious: In the meantime, I got back from Aztec's gym a few hours ago and watched Kirtland's volleyball team pull out a 3-2 win.
The Lady Broncos' hitters did a good job of keeping Aztec's block off balance, tipping, feigning and whaling away, a lot of times doing the opposite of what the Lady Tigers expected.
It's cliche to focus on attitude in close games -- a lot of times we try to inject context where it doesn't exist. Sometimes odds and luck factor more than clutch play, 'heart' and 'guts,' as we like to think. But KC's players sure looked more confident and relaxed down the stretch Thursday.
Perhaps it's because Aztec felt so much pressure to win, or because Kirtland got such an emotional high off their big runs that skunked the Tigers. Whatever the case, I thought that body language and mental approach played at least some role in KC outscoring Aztec 8-2 in the deciding fifth game.
Aztec coach Anna Strauss vouched for her players after the game, saying she felt the committee should include her team in the state playoffs. They're likely vying with Belen and Española for spots No. 11 and 12 -- the final two -- based on a cursory look at the 4A standings.
The Tigers' chances have taken a blow over the past two weeks, losing to Shiprock and Piedra Vista to fall to third and dropping the District 1-4A quarterfinals at home. Still, they have a shot -- the Lady Chieftains and Lady Panthers are both ranked in the top seven.
*****
Future exciting: In other news, the Aztec girls' soccer team also saw their season end with a 2-0 loss to Albuquerque Academy. The Tigers must replace keeper Addison Woods -- coach Stephen Parks already was considering her replacement, although he didn't want to name her and close the position to competition.
Still, Aztec loses just two seniors and returns a healthy stable of juniors, including District Player of the Year candidate Taylor McGarry. The Tigers advanced further than any District 1-4A team this year and beat district champion Farmington during the regular season. They seemed to take to their new home field at the Aztec Sports Complex fast and should have a nice home advantage next year, where they'll be the team to beat.
Stay true and keep pounding,
Christopher
I thought I'd add a bit to my column on Shiprock's propensity to race in a pack.
I asked Robert Bedsole to comment on the subject.
Bedsole, my teammate at Hoover High School, was a 10-time state champion, won the Great American Cross Country Meet in 2004 and qualified for the Footlocker National Championship. He also ran at N.C. State and competed well in the ACC in between incessant stress fractures.
Here are Bedsole's thoughts on pack racing:
"Running may be an individual sport, but there's certainly an advantage to having teammates around you in a race. On the one hand, you know what your teammates are capable of, so you can work off of each other to set a good pace for the group. I've also noticed that racing next to my own teammates helps me to relax in a race. And if I'm having a bad day, and my teammates are right there with me, I feel a little more motivated to suck it up and run through the pain with that audience of close friends nearby.
"But on the other hand, when you're getting closer to the finish, there's extra incentive to beating your own teammates instead of someone you don't even know from another team. Any way you look at it, pack running makes everybody faster."
Stay true and keep pounding,
Christopher
I asked Robert Bedsole to comment on the subject.
Bedsole, my teammate at Hoover High School, was a 10-time state champion, won the Great American Cross Country Meet in 2004 and qualified for the Footlocker National Championship. He also ran at N.C. State and competed well in the ACC in between incessant stress fractures.
Here are Bedsole's thoughts on pack racing:
"Running may be an individual sport, but there's certainly an advantage to having teammates around you in a race. On the one hand, you know what your teammates are capable of, so you can work off of each other to set a good pace for the group. I've also noticed that racing next to my own teammates helps me to relax in a race. And if I'm having a bad day, and my teammates are right there with me, I feel a little more motivated to suck it up and run through the pain with that audience of close friends nearby.
"But on the other hand, when you're getting closer to the finish, there's extra incentive to beating your own teammates instead of someone you don't even know from another team. Any way you look at it, pack running makes everybody faster."
Stay true and keep pounding,
Christopher
I covered the Farmington-Aztec football game, the district track meet and the FHS-Moriarty girls soccer game in an 18-hour period yesterday and today, so there's bound to be a few odds and ends that didn't make the paper.
Like Moriarty coach Larry Denniston, who appeared to be at least 65 years old and wore a sort of Abe Lincoln meets United Kingdom top hat. That guy had some style.
Oh, and Happy Halloween. I recommend eating an Act II popcorn ball -- they're pleasantly moist if not quite exquisite. Thanks to copy editor Brandon Sieben for that one.
*****
• I took a few extra stats from the FHS-Aztec football game. What a game, by the way.
Aztec QB Brycson King, at one point, completed 9-of-9 passes less than eight yards past the line of scrimmage (I may have miscategorized one or two plays but I did my best).
King completed 9-of-11 short passes, 2-of-6 intermediate (8-12 yards) and 4-of-8 long.
FHS QB Tyler Hough completed 2-of-3 short passes, 1-of-3 intermediate and 0-of-2 long.
Check out the Scorpions' third and fourth downs by distance in the second half.
Third-and-12: No first down.
Third-and-4: Yes.
Third-and-4: Yes.
Third-and-8: No.
Third-and-1: Yes.
Third-and-3: Yes.
Third-and-3: Yes.
Third-and-7: No.
Third-and-1: Yes.
Third-and-19: No.
Fourth-and-6: No.
Fourth-and-7: Yes.
Fourth-and-19: No.
Anything under four yards, FHS managed a first down. Anything over, they didn't.
There was one exception. Farmington drew up a halfback pass to Daniel Lacey during a time out and managed to convert a fourth-and-7 on their last drive. Curiously, FHS called for a pass on second-and-6 from the Tigers 14 and Hough got sacked, leading to the two plays with 19 yards to go.
Coach Gary Bradley said his players asked for a different play and blamed himself for calling a pass. Based on the numbers, FHS just needed two or three yards on second down, a number they got almost every time they ran the ball in the second half.
A running play there and the Scorps almost guarantee themselves a first-and-goal with less than a minute left.
• Another trend related to Farmington football: This team is starting to dominate fourth quarters.
They turned a 17-14 deficit into a 28-17 win over Piedra Vista, beat Aztec 6-0 in the period and nearly scored another one and beat Silver 6-0 in the period.
I suggested that the team may get tired in the fourth quarter by playing both ways, and Talon Spearman and Colton Curry balked. No, they said, they don't feel tired at all. And they've placed a big emphasis on finishing the game well.
It's worked. Of course, when you rush for 323 yards, as they did against the Tigers, it's easy to lean on the other team late.
• The Piedra Vista girls soccer team showed up to The Hutch today to watch -- nay, cheer -- for rival Farmington in the state playoffs. Classy move by the Lady Panthers, which were considered the district favorites to start the year and missed the playoffs after a loss to FHS ended their season.
They also sent a signed banner of support to the Bloomfield girls game, which hung on the fence in front of the bleachers at Bobcat Stadium.
• The district cross country meet at Riverview Golf Course was nothing like my old meets on golf courses in the Southeast.
I used to love golf course meets because of the soft grass (no pounding on asphalt), the views and the trees which shrouded every hole and limited my view to a few hundred meters.
The District 1-4A meet stayed on the cart path and I don't remember seeing a tree on the course. You could watch the entire race, just about, from the benches behind the driving range. This can be depressing as you look into the distance and realize just how far you have to go.
I asked girls district champion Myka Benally what she thought of her home course, and she had a different opinion: "I like it because you can see where everybody else is. I like to watch races, too, when I'm running. It's nice to look in the back and see everybody coming, and it helps out because the spectators can watch as well."
Like Moriarty coach Larry Denniston, who appeared to be at least 65 years old and wore a sort of Abe Lincoln meets United Kingdom top hat. That guy had some style.
Oh, and Happy Halloween. I recommend eating an Act II popcorn ball -- they're pleasantly moist if not quite exquisite. Thanks to copy editor Brandon Sieben for that one.
*****
• I took a few extra stats from the FHS-Aztec football game. What a game, by the way.
Aztec QB Brycson King, at one point, completed 9-of-9 passes less than eight yards past the line of scrimmage (I may have miscategorized one or two plays but I did my best).
King completed 9-of-11 short passes, 2-of-6 intermediate (8-12 yards) and 4-of-8 long.
FHS QB Tyler Hough completed 2-of-3 short passes, 1-of-3 intermediate and 0-of-2 long.
Check out the Scorpions' third and fourth downs by distance in the second half.
Third-and-12: No first down.
Third-and-4: Yes.
Third-and-4: Yes.
Third-and-8: No.
Third-and-1: Yes.
Third-and-3: Yes.
Third-and-3: Yes.
Third-and-7: No.
Third-and-1: Yes.
Third-and-19: No.
Fourth-and-6: No.
Fourth-and-7: Yes.
Fourth-and-19: No.
Anything under four yards, FHS managed a first down. Anything over, they didn't.
There was one exception. Farmington drew up a halfback pass to Daniel Lacey during a time out and managed to convert a fourth-and-7 on their last drive. Curiously, FHS called for a pass on second-and-6 from the Tigers 14 and Hough got sacked, leading to the two plays with 19 yards to go.
Coach Gary Bradley said his players asked for a different play and blamed himself for calling a pass. Based on the numbers, FHS just needed two or three yards on second down, a number they got almost every time they ran the ball in the second half.
A running play there and the Scorps almost guarantee themselves a first-and-goal with less than a minute left.
• Another trend related to Farmington football: This team is starting to dominate fourth quarters.
They turned a 17-14 deficit into a 28-17 win over Piedra Vista, beat Aztec 6-0 in the period and nearly scored another one and beat Silver 6-0 in the period.
I suggested that the team may get tired in the fourth quarter by playing both ways, and Talon Spearman and Colton Curry balked. No, they said, they don't feel tired at all. And they've placed a big emphasis on finishing the game well.
It's worked. Of course, when you rush for 323 yards, as they did against the Tigers, it's easy to lean on the other team late.
• The Piedra Vista girls soccer team showed up to The Hutch today to watch -- nay, cheer -- for rival Farmington in the state playoffs. Classy move by the Lady Panthers, which were considered the district favorites to start the year and missed the playoffs after a loss to FHS ended their season.
They also sent a signed banner of support to the Bloomfield girls game, which hung on the fence in front of the bleachers at Bobcat Stadium.
• The district cross country meet at Riverview Golf Course was nothing like my old meets on golf courses in the Southeast.
I used to love golf course meets because of the soft grass (no pounding on asphalt), the views and the trees which shrouded every hole and limited my view to a few hundred meters.
The District 1-4A meet stayed on the cart path and I don't remember seeing a tree on the course. You could watch the entire race, just about, from the benches behind the driving range. This can be depressing as you look into the distance and realize just how far you have to go.
I asked girls district champion Myka Benally what she thought of her home course, and she had a different opinion: "I like it because you can see where everybody else is. I like to watch races, too, when I'm running. It's nice to look in the back and see everybody coming, and it helps out because the spectators can watch as well."
Riddle me this. You're a successful rental car company. You sell out your cars consistently. Why not buy another car or two? Other than price, the No. 1 danger that pushes potential customers away has to be when you don't have a vehicle available for a few days.
*****
Football power poll: The de facto District 1-4A championship game takes place at FHS this week.
1. Aztec (5-3, 1-0 District 1-4) -- The Tigers got caught with their pants down in the first half last week but their short passing game and hammer Jake Espinoza proved viable options. (Previous: 1)
2. Farmington (5-3, 1-0) -- The Scorpions are stone set on treating Aztec as just another game, but Coach Gary Bradley relished the idea of a win over the Tigers when I talked to him Monday. (Previous: 2)
3. Kirtland Central (3-5, 0-1) -- The Broncos roared to a 20-7 halftime lead over Aztec before letting a second-half comeback discourage them. (Previous: 3)
4. Bloomfield (5-3, 4-0 District 1-3A) -- The Bobcats are in the middle of a three-week coast to the 3A playoffs. (Previous: 4)
5. Piedra Vista (1-7, 0-1) -- The Panthers hung with FHS for most of the game. Can they get their second win in their most winnable district game at home vs. KC? (Previous: 5)
6. Shiprock (6-2) -- The Chieftains need to win this game against Wingate to finish their season on a winning streak. (Previous: 6)
7. Navajo Prep (6-3, 4-1 District 1-2A) -- The Eagles are on the cusp of making the playoffs. They need to take care of business and hope Cuba can pull off a miracle against Newcomb, or leave their teetering fate to the selection committee. (Previous: 7)
*****
Prep rankings:
4A
1. Belen (10) 100 points
2. Goddard 88
3. Artesia 78
T4. Aztec 66
T4. Volcano Vista 66
6. Silver 38
7. St. Pius 35
8. Deming 25
9. Farmington 21
10. Del Norte 11
3A
1. Lovington (5) 85
2. Raton (4) 85
3. St. Michael's 67
4. Bloomfield 51
5. Albuquerque Academy 49
T6. Portales 35
T6. Socorro 35
8. Hatch Valley 33
9. Robertson 23
10. Cobre 17
Volleyball
4A
7. Piedra Vista
8. Shiprock
9. Aztec
3A
4. Bloomfield
*****
Football power poll: The de facto District 1-4A championship game takes place at FHS this week.
1. Aztec (5-3, 1-0 District 1-4) -- The Tigers got caught with their pants down in the first half last week but their short passing game and hammer Jake Espinoza proved viable options. (Previous: 1)
2. Farmington (5-3, 1-0) -- The Scorpions are stone set on treating Aztec as just another game, but Coach Gary Bradley relished the idea of a win over the Tigers when I talked to him Monday. (Previous: 2)
3. Kirtland Central (3-5, 0-1) -- The Broncos roared to a 20-7 halftime lead over Aztec before letting a second-half comeback discourage them. (Previous: 3)
4. Bloomfield (5-3, 4-0 District 1-3A) -- The Bobcats are in the middle of a three-week coast to the 3A playoffs. (Previous: 4)
5. Piedra Vista (1-7, 0-1) -- The Panthers hung with FHS for most of the game. Can they get their second win in their most winnable district game at home vs. KC? (Previous: 5)
6. Shiprock (6-2) -- The Chieftains need to win this game against Wingate to finish their season on a winning streak. (Previous: 6)
7. Navajo Prep (6-3, 4-1 District 1-2A) -- The Eagles are on the cusp of making the playoffs. They need to take care of business and hope Cuba can pull off a miracle against Newcomb, or leave their teetering fate to the selection committee. (Previous: 7)
*****
Prep rankings:
4A
1. Belen (10) 100 points
2. Goddard 88
3. Artesia 78
T4. Aztec 66
T4. Volcano Vista 66
6. Silver 38
7. St. Pius 35
8. Deming 25
9. Farmington 21
10. Del Norte 11
3A
1. Lovington (5) 85
2. Raton (4) 85
3. St. Michael's 67
4. Bloomfield 51
5. Albuquerque Academy 49
T6. Portales 35
T6. Socorro 35
8. Hatch Valley 33
9. Robertson 23
10. Cobre 17
Volleyball
4A
7. Piedra Vista
8. Shiprock
9. Aztec
3A
4. Bloomfield
Today
Piedra Vista 24, Kirtland Central 21
Friday
Aztec 31, Farmington 21
Bloomfield 67, Crownpoint 0
Navajo Prep 37, Dulce 13
Shiprock 31, Wingate 20
Overall Record: 37-13
Last Week: 4-1
*****
Sports editor Darren Vaughan's predictions:
Today
Kirtland Central 30, Piedra Vista 21
Friday
Aztec 33, Farmington 21
Bloomfield 63, Crownpoint 6
Navajo Prep 41, Dulce 13
Shiprock 40, Wingate 20
Overall Record: 24-15
Last Week: 4-1
Piedra Vista 24, Kirtland Central 21
Friday
Aztec 31, Farmington 21
Bloomfield 67, Crownpoint 0
Navajo Prep 37, Dulce 13
Shiprock 31, Wingate 20
Overall Record: 37-13
Last Week: 4-1
*****
Sports editor Darren Vaughan's predictions:
Today
Kirtland Central 30, Piedra Vista 21
Friday
Aztec 33, Farmington 21
Bloomfield 63, Crownpoint 6
Navajo Prep 41, Dulce 13
Shiprock 40, Wingate 20
Overall Record: 24-15
Last Week: 4-1
I'm not one to heap praise on a coach or an athlete to get on their good side.
Some journalists have a sort of desire to be liked, to be friends with those they're covering, but that's not me. It's good to have a cordial, respectful relationship, but I pride myself on being objective and on saying things how they are.
Sometimes that means that people are not going to like me, and I can understand that, but I'm not in the business to make friends. I'm in the business to tell the truth and avoid sugarcoating things.
I am, after all, in the newspaper business, not public relations.
It is not hyperbole, then, when I say that Gary Bradley has done a commendable job with the Farmington football program.
Brad Hirsch has managed to keep his team at the top of 4A despite a crop of injuries, but I'd pick Bradley if I had to name a Coach of the Year today.
His players reinforce the notion that their turnaround is cultural as much as it shows up on the field.
"We've had a history of losing, and that has really given us a little bit of a chip on our shoulder. We're not very happy with our past and we are really trying to turn everything around as best we can," senior Colton Curry said. "Our attitude has just changed from being complacent with a two-win, three-win season. We're going to tear it up. Become the Green Machine, that's the big thing. Become part of the machine."
Said Talon Spearman: "The key is to buy into it. Coach Bradley brought all this stuff at the beginning when you get here, everybody's like, 'Oh, that's horse crap,' but as you go on, it just grows on you, man. You just get into it. He's like, 'Find a way to win.' You're like, 'Hell yeah, coach!"
Quarterback Tyler Hough stressed the comfort level he feels going into a game and his respect for Bradley's game planning and scheming, but the biggest makeover he's noticed has been the different mental approach.
"One of the biggest things he's brought with him is just an attitude," he said. "We changed everything up from decorating our lockers, taking pride in painting each locker, keeping our locker room clean, how we act toward each other, everything."
So, on a scale of 1 to 10, how well have the players bought into Bradley's program?
"They're pretty close up there to 10," Bradley said. "If I said 10, that means we'd be undefeated and we've already won a state championship. I'd say we're about an 8 right now. It's Week 8, so I'll stick with 8."
One thing's for sure. This FHS team isn't intimidated by the district favorite Aztec Tigers, this week's opponent.
"Aztec has everything to lose for this game and we have pretty much everything to gain," Curry said. "We're ready to go. We're ready to beat Aztec and we're not afraid. People can say, 'Oh, big Aztec.' They're just another team."
*****
Normally long blocks of text are boring and ill advised, even on the internet, but I thought Coach Bradley had some pertinent and interesting thoughts about his team and the game with Aztec. Here are a few.
On whether beating Aztec would boost their playoff seed considerably:
Beating Aztec would be a great step for this program. I mean, what would that mean? Right now, that would mean we beat one of the best teams in the state, we beat the perennial powerhouse in this district and we would be 2-0 in district. We haven't talked about playoffs. We're not in the playoffs. We don't have an automatic berth in the playoffs right now. All we can do is worry about Aztec, and that's a big worry right there, because they are good. We still believe they're top four in the state with their talent. They've had a lot of injuries. We understand that. You have key injuries like they have, it hurts you, and they've played a tough schedule. I still believe they're top four in the state if not better than that. If we played a great game and came out on top, it would be a big boost for this program.
On the team's lack of passing:
We're definitely a running team. We'd like to be able to pass the ball better and we definitely practice. We look good at times. You look at teams, what are you going to be good at, and that's what you practice most. We do practice the passing game, but not as much as the running game, and the option game takes a lot of time and work. We want to be good at that. We're just going to stick with what we're good at, and that's what good teams do, I believe.
On his confidence before the season:
We knew that we could have a great year. Those three losses that we had, we could've won every one of them. We were just a play or two away from actually winning all three of them, but at the same time we're a play or two away from losing a lot of them, too. That's just the game.
On the perception that his team shouldn't be this good:
Playing the underdog role is definitely the better way to go. And we're definitely not on top of anything. We've won some games and we won our first district game, which is the most important part. Playing that underdog role is fine, but to be honest with you, we don't really care what everybody thinks. What's in that locker room is really what counts, and what we talk about and how we plan, we're going to stick with that definitely.
*****
Stay true and keep pounding,
Christopher Smith
I waited for KC coach Tom Adair outside the visitors' locker room for as long as I could, but by 10:04 p.m. I decided to sprint back across the football field, up the steps and into the gravel parking lot to retrieve my car and haul it back to the office in a fruitless attempt to make deadline.
I interviewed Adair on the phone while driving down Main Street and attempted to record it, which was difficult to do with the stop lights and a manual transmission. His cell phone sounded weak as well, so I wasn't able to get any direct quotes from KC for my gamer. I apologize.
I didn't have much time to inject my interviews into the story on deadline, so here's the transcript of my talk with Aztec QB Brycson King and linebacker Josh Folk.
Little nervous there at halftime?
King: Going into halftime I still felt pretty confident. I know we had our mistakes, but we don't ever quit, and I knew our defense was going to pick it up. That was one of the biggest things because our offense was struggling at the beginning so we needed the defense to pick us up and they did their job.
Do you feel like you need time to come back or are you already there (physically)?
King: I don't think I need time to come back. I feel confident. I feel good with my arm. I'll say it's not 100 percent. I'm still getting strength back. But other than that I felt fine. I'm just glad to be back. It makes it a lot easier if we can run the ball and I think we struggled with that a little bit, but I've also got to make plays. A couple of throws there at the beginning, I don't really think it was my arm. I just kind of took some off.
It seemed like you were underthrowing it at first. Is that accurate to say?
King: Definitely. I was trying to hit these guys on a spot. Underthrowing Jake, that shouldn't happen because he's got speed. Just throw it over the top and let him go get it, but I took a lot off and just made it easy to pick, and that one in the red zone, just, it wasn't a smart play at all. When I came back out I was like, 'Just throw the ball, let it fly.'
Does it help to have WRs that can make plays after the catch?
King: You've got speed with Jake (Espinoza), and then you've got Tylin Hirsch who's just making move after move. The size isn't there, but you can't tackle him, so I mean that helps. And we've got speed on the other side, and Ty Atencio is just a mammoth.
Did it take pressure off the offense when the defense played so well in the second half?
King: A lot actually. Whenever you have that, it brings a lot more confidence not just to me, but to the whole team. It slowed everything down. Whenever you're in a hurry, it just makes it much harder, you're just going out there winging it, but whenever they do that, you take a deep breath and it makes it a lot easier.
Feeling a little more comfortable than you did at halftime?
King: It feels great, but we're going to have to clean it up. That was definitely not our best performance. Turnover after turnover on offense and just really didn't play our best, but right now, we'll take a win. We played hard, our defense played hard and it feels much better than the first half.
How long are (linemen) Matt Hegarty and Zane Clampett going to be out?
King: I don't think they'll be out too long. They're actually feeling really good. It's the same thing with them, making sure they've got the strength.
Would it make it a little easier in those short-yardage situations to have those guys?
King: The linemen we have in right now are doing great, it's just, they had to get thrown in and learn some plays really quick when we have guys that were in there starting as sophomores just already knowing the system. It's much easier for them.
Happy to be back after your own injury?
King: I actually worked my butt off to get back. That's all I wanted to do. I knew I wasn't going to be 100 percent coming back, but I knew I could help out with what I had.
Josh Folk
You gave up some big plays in the first half but it seemed like you controlled the line of scrimmage in the second half. What did you talk about at halftime?
Folk: Nothing, we just made sure we didn't go too far upfield. We are a major second-half team. We just got our game faces on.
What did you see on your fumble recovery?
Folk: I just stayed outside I had outside contain. Saw him go for the pass, slapped the ball, picked up the ball and ran as fast as I could for the end zone.
What was the mood after you guys got down 20-7?
Folk: Everyone was depressed but we still kept our heads high. After the fumble recovery everyone got excited and turned the game over.
Did you feel like you had more confidence as a defense by the end?
Folk: Yeah. We started to get our confidence back up and just started making it happen.
You get a shutout in the second half. Does it feel good to know that you guys (on defense) can win a game too?
Folk: Yeah, that does actually help a lot. It's really nice.
What does it mean to get the first win?
Folk: We started off very rough. To win the first district game is very nice. We plan on keep winning them.
*****
Stay true and keep pounding,
Christopher
I interviewed Adair on the phone while driving down Main Street and attempted to record it, which was difficult to do with the stop lights and a manual transmission. His cell phone sounded weak as well, so I wasn't able to get any direct quotes from KC for my gamer. I apologize.
I didn't have much time to inject my interviews into the story on deadline, so here's the transcript of my talk with Aztec QB Brycson King and linebacker Josh Folk.
Little nervous there at halftime?
King: Going into halftime I still felt pretty confident. I know we had our mistakes, but we don't ever quit, and I knew our defense was going to pick it up. That was one of the biggest things because our offense was struggling at the beginning so we needed the defense to pick us up and they did their job.
Do you feel like you need time to come back or are you already there (physically)?
King: I don't think I need time to come back. I feel confident. I feel good with my arm. I'll say it's not 100 percent. I'm still getting strength back. But other than that I felt fine. I'm just glad to be back. It makes it a lot easier if we can run the ball and I think we struggled with that a little bit, but I've also got to make plays. A couple of throws there at the beginning, I don't really think it was my arm. I just kind of took some off.
It seemed like you were underthrowing it at first. Is that accurate to say?
King: Definitely. I was trying to hit these guys on a spot. Underthrowing Jake, that shouldn't happen because he's got speed. Just throw it over the top and let him go get it, but I took a lot off and just made it easy to pick, and that one in the red zone, just, it wasn't a smart play at all. When I came back out I was like, 'Just throw the ball, let it fly.'
Does it help to have WRs that can make plays after the catch?
King: You've got speed with Jake (Espinoza), and then you've got Tylin Hirsch who's just making move after move. The size isn't there, but you can't tackle him, so I mean that helps. And we've got speed on the other side, and Ty Atencio is just a mammoth.
Did it take pressure off the offense when the defense played so well in the second half?
King: A lot actually. Whenever you have that, it brings a lot more confidence not just to me, but to the whole team. It slowed everything down. Whenever you're in a hurry, it just makes it much harder, you're just going out there winging it, but whenever they do that, you take a deep breath and it makes it a lot easier.
Feeling a little more comfortable than you did at halftime?
King: It feels great, but we're going to have to clean it up. That was definitely not our best performance. Turnover after turnover on offense and just really didn't play our best, but right now, we'll take a win. We played hard, our defense played hard and it feels much better than the first half.
How long are (linemen) Matt Hegarty and Zane Clampett going to be out?
King: I don't think they'll be out too long. They're actually feeling really good. It's the same thing with them, making sure they've got the strength.
Would it make it a little easier in those short-yardage situations to have those guys?
King: The linemen we have in right now are doing great, it's just, they had to get thrown in and learn some plays really quick when we have guys that were in there starting as sophomores just already knowing the system. It's much easier for them.
Happy to be back after your own injury?
King: I actually worked my butt off to get back. That's all I wanted to do. I knew I wasn't going to be 100 percent coming back, but I knew I could help out with what I had.
Josh Folk
You gave up some big plays in the first half but it seemed like you controlled the line of scrimmage in the second half. What did you talk about at halftime?
Folk: Nothing, we just made sure we didn't go too far upfield. We are a major second-half team. We just got our game faces on.
What did you see on your fumble recovery?
Folk: I just stayed outside I had outside contain. Saw him go for the pass, slapped the ball, picked up the ball and ran as fast as I could for the end zone.
What was the mood after you guys got down 20-7?
Folk: Everyone was depressed but we still kept our heads high. After the fumble recovery everyone got excited and turned the game over.
Did you feel like you had more confidence as a defense by the end?
Folk: Yeah. We started to get our confidence back up and just started making it happen.
You get a shutout in the second half. Does it feel good to know that you guys (on defense) can win a game too?
Folk: Yeah, that does actually help a lot. It's really nice.
What does it mean to get the first win?
Folk: We started off very rough. To win the first district game is very nice. We plan on keep winning them.
*****
Stay true and keep pounding,
Christopher
Here are my predictions for this week's games:
Today
Aztec 48, Kirtland Central 13
Farmington 28, Piedra Vista 16
Bloomfield 56, Wingate 6
Saturday
Shiprock 56, Santa Fe Indian 0
Laguna Acoma 35, Navajo Prep 16
Overall Record: 33-12
Last Week: 4-2
*****
Sports editor Darren Vaughan's predictions:
Today
Aztec 52, Kirtland Central 13
Farmington 34, Piedra Vista 20
Bloomfield 57, Wingate 0
Saturday
Shiprock 27, Santa Fe Indian 12
Laguna Acoma 48, Navajo Prep 19
Overall Record: 20-14
Last Week: 3-3
Today
Aztec 48, Kirtland Central 13
Farmington 28, Piedra Vista 16
Bloomfield 56, Wingate 6
Saturday
Shiprock 56, Santa Fe Indian 0
Laguna Acoma 35, Navajo Prep 16
Overall Record: 33-12
Last Week: 4-2
*****
Sports editor Darren Vaughan's predictions:
Today
Aztec 52, Kirtland Central 13
Farmington 34, Piedra Vista 20
Bloomfield 57, Wingate 0
Saturday
Shiprock 27, Santa Fe Indian 12
Laguna Acoma 48, Navajo Prep 19
Overall Record: 20-14
Last Week: 3-3
You know it's bad when you become a joke to Kige Ramsey.
Ramsey gave a "Likes This" thumbs up to my Facebook status yesterday: "Mable the Mustang needs a new transmission."
A brief list of car troubles since I moved to Farmington: Two blown tires. One windshield replacement. One battery replacement. One totaled car (via a deer). One damaged rental car (cracked oil pan). One new transmission and clutch on my newly acquired 1995 Ford Mustang.
Here's to Lady Luck being a bit kinder to whatever vehicle comes in contact with me. I've heard of a green thumb; I must have a grease thumb.
*****
Football power poll: In the words of Michael Buffer: "Let's get ready to rumble!"
1. Aztec (4-3) -- The Tigers have remained everybody's district favorite throughout the early part of the season. Now's their chance to prove it. (Previous: 1)
2. Farmington (4-3) -- The Scorpions should secure a playoff berth with a win over rival PV this week. (Previous: 2)
3. Kirtland Central (3-4) -- The Broncos have lost two, won two, lost two and won one. Their streak may switch to lose one, win one during district play as the team's results vary from week to week. (Previous: 3)
4. Bloomfield (4-3, 3-0 District 1-3A) -- The Bobcats have won three straight, including a 41-20 blowout over 3A-ranked Albuquerque Academy. Now it's time for them to coast into the state playoffs. (Previous: 4)
5. Piedra Vista (1-6) -- The Panthers play spoiler in District 1-4A and they have their best opportunity tomorrow against rival FHS. They might match up better with KC, but the district opener represents a fresh start and the emotion of playing the Scorps might help them play FHS competitively. Or not. (Previous: 5)
6. Shiprock (4-2) -- The Chieftains have to regroup after getting hammered by both competitive teams on their schedule. (Previous: 6)
7. Navajo Prep (5-3, 3-1 District 1-2A) -- The Eagles are jostling for a playoff bid in 2A after an impressive romp over Cuba. (Previous: 7)
*****
Prep rankings: Belen relinquished four first-place votes in the 4A poll this week, while Volcano Vista slid up the rankings.
4A
1. Belen (8) 89 points
2. Goddard 76
3. Volcano Vista (1) 71
4. Artesia 62
5. Aztec 61
6. Silver 38
7. Deming 27
8. St. Pius X 23
9. Farmington 16
10. Valencia 12
3A
1. Lovington (10) 108
2. Raton 95
3. St. Michael's (1) 91
4. Bloomfield 57
5. Socorro 46
6. Portales 45
7, Albuquerque Academy 44
8. Cobre 42
9. Robertson 34
10. Hatch Valley 25
Volleyball
4A
4. Piedra Vista
8. Shiprock
3A
6. Bloomfield
2A
9. Navajo Prep
*****
PV-FHS soccer leftovers: Farmington stayed undefeated in District 1-4A with a late comeback at PV today in the best soccer game I've covered this year. Both teams played well, challenged every ball and gave the crowd a show.
Farmington had won 14 straight before a 1-0 loss at Santa Fe last week -- curious, as PV beat that team 7-0 on Sept. 29.
The Scorpions handle the ball so well 1-on-1, particularly the Klepac kids. Riley McGovern makes good decisions on both ends, as do most of his teammates, although a foul in the box gave PV an easy PK that almost cost them the game. Their role players don't make mistakes, their defense challenges the ball and if they get a lead they are tough to crack.
I thought the way PV brought extra offensive players, rather than hang guys back, and attacked the Scorps' defense all game worked. If you sit back on your heels, Farmington is a tough team to play. They don't back down if you hit them in the face, but they're more manageable if you stay aggressive.
Kudos to the referees -- the game stayed physical throughout but maintained a good flow as they let a lot of calls go, particularly if the players were going for the ball. It was tough to pin the aggression on any one individual and they did a good job of keeping the game under control while remaining hands-off.
The wind stayed at a steady 20 mph during the game, creating a chill, but fall in the Four Corners is most pleasant.
Here are some stats:
Shots: Farmington 14, Piedra Vista 8
Shots on Goal: Farmington 6, Piedra Vista 5
Fouls: Farmington 11, Piedra Vista 14
Offsides: Farmington 0, Piedra Vista 2
Corner Kicks: Farmington 6, Piedra Vista 5
Significant Plays
• Piedra Vista's Shane Woodson missed a long, bending shot in the 2nd minute after keeper Brycen Campbell left the goal to contest a long through ball.
• Farmington's Thaddeus Carter clanged a shot off the crossbar in the 5th minute after he withstood a slide tackle that left a defender out of position.
• Woodson got a header on goal in the box after a corner kick in the 24th minute.
• FHS' Riley McGovern leaves the game after a collision leaves him bloodied. He re-entered in the second half and got stitches after the game.
• FHS' Anthony Klepac draws a yellow card near halftime for a slide tackle that clips Devin Santillanes from behind.
• FHS' Presley Paxon takes a nifty pass from Carter and sends it past the right post. Paxon appeared to break his wrist during the second half.
• PV's Cory Blackwater sends a header on goal off an FHS foul, but Campbell makes a pretty, leaping deflection.
• FHS' C.J. Klepac secures a corner kick from McGovern and sends a bender into keeper July Shay's chest in the 72nd minute.
• PV's Andy Moore draws a yellow card late in the half. The fourth official told me it was for language or dissent.
Speaking of Paxon's injury, it's never good when an official or player makes the desperate wave for a trainer. His left hand hung from his wrist like a shirt from a laundry rack.
If you ever wonder whether or not you've broken a bone, you haven't. Fractures are one thing, but the most gruesome-looking injuries in sports happen when bones snap and limbs go in directions they aren't supposed to.
Two of TV's most cringe-inducing moments: Pittsburgh Pirates catcher Jason Kendall's broken ankle and Alabama WR Tyrone Prothro's broken leg.
*****
Bizarre NFL: As I've said before, I spent the past two years with the Denver Broncos (2007) and Tennessee Titans (2008).
When I accepted this position at the Daily Times, the Titans were an NFL-best 13-3 and hosting the Baltimore Ravens for the right to play in the AFC Championship.
I covered that game. A late Alge Crumpler fumble in Ravens territory cost them the game, and they haven't won since. They were as good as any NFL team last year, crushing the eventual Super Bowl champion Pittsburgh Steelers at home.
This year they may be the league's worst. There are a lot of bad teams, but you don't see the St. Louis Rams, Washington Redskins, Cleveland Browns, Detroit Lions, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Carolina Panthers and all the other lousy teams getting beat 59-0.
Meanwhile, the Broncos, who wouldn't have been able to stop the New Mexico Lobos the last two years on defense, are 6-0 and the toast of the league, having all but clenched a playoff spot with a win over San Diego on Monday Night Football.
The margin between winning and losing, everyone knows, is small in the NFL. But watching those two teams and their jolting reversals has me galling at how paper-thin it can be.
It's no wonder NFL coaches use so many cliches related to turnovers, injuries and field position.
*****
The last word: I'm curious to see how the margin of victory turns out for the district football games.
Farmington should handle PV, but will they? Will Aztec trounce everyone? Will KC win the ones they're supposed to (PV) and lose the ones they're not (Aztec, FHS)?
The four teams seem predictable when they play each other at this point. Here's how I project the district by season's end:
Aztec (7-3, 3-0 District 1-4A)*
Farmington (6-4, 2-1 District 1-4A)*
Piedra Vista (2-8, 1-2 District 1-4A)
Kirtland Central (3-7, 0-3 District 1-4A)
*Playoff teams
What do you think?
*****
Stay true and keep pounding,
Christopher
Ramsey gave a "Likes This" thumbs up to my Facebook status yesterday: "Mable the Mustang needs a new transmission."
A brief list of car troubles since I moved to Farmington: Two blown tires. One windshield replacement. One battery replacement. One totaled car (via a deer). One damaged rental car (cracked oil pan). One new transmission and clutch on my newly acquired 1995 Ford Mustang.
Here's to Lady Luck being a bit kinder to whatever vehicle comes in contact with me. I've heard of a green thumb; I must have a grease thumb.
*****
Football power poll: In the words of Michael Buffer: "Let's get ready to rumble!"
1. Aztec (4-3) -- The Tigers have remained everybody's district favorite throughout the early part of the season. Now's their chance to prove it. (Previous: 1)
2. Farmington (4-3) -- The Scorpions should secure a playoff berth with a win over rival PV this week. (Previous: 2)
3. Kirtland Central (3-4) -- The Broncos have lost two, won two, lost two and won one. Their streak may switch to lose one, win one during district play as the team's results vary from week to week. (Previous: 3)
4. Bloomfield (4-3, 3-0 District 1-3A) -- The Bobcats have won three straight, including a 41-20 blowout over 3A-ranked Albuquerque Academy. Now it's time for them to coast into the state playoffs. (Previous: 4)
5. Piedra Vista (1-6) -- The Panthers play spoiler in District 1-4A and they have their best opportunity tomorrow against rival FHS. They might match up better with KC, but the district opener represents a fresh start and the emotion of playing the Scorps might help them play FHS competitively. Or not. (Previous: 5)
6. Shiprock (4-2) -- The Chieftains have to regroup after getting hammered by both competitive teams on their schedule. (Previous: 6)
7. Navajo Prep (5-3, 3-1 District 1-2A) -- The Eagles are jostling for a playoff bid in 2A after an impressive romp over Cuba. (Previous: 7)
*****
Prep rankings: Belen relinquished four first-place votes in the 4A poll this week, while Volcano Vista slid up the rankings.
4A
1. Belen (8) 89 points
2. Goddard 76
3. Volcano Vista (1) 71
4. Artesia 62
5. Aztec 61
6. Silver 38
7. Deming 27
8. St. Pius X 23
9. Farmington 16
10. Valencia 12
3A
1. Lovington (10) 108
2. Raton 95
3. St. Michael's (1) 91
4. Bloomfield 57
5. Socorro 46
6. Portales 45
7, Albuquerque Academy 44
8. Cobre 42
9. Robertson 34
10. Hatch Valley 25
Volleyball
4A
4. Piedra Vista
8. Shiprock
3A
6. Bloomfield
2A
9. Navajo Prep
*****
PV-FHS soccer leftovers: Farmington stayed undefeated in District 1-4A with a late comeback at PV today in the best soccer game I've covered this year. Both teams played well, challenged every ball and gave the crowd a show.
Farmington had won 14 straight before a 1-0 loss at Santa Fe last week -- curious, as PV beat that team 7-0 on Sept. 29.
The Scorpions handle the ball so well 1-on-1, particularly the Klepac kids. Riley McGovern makes good decisions on both ends, as do most of his teammates, although a foul in the box gave PV an easy PK that almost cost them the game. Their role players don't make mistakes, their defense challenges the ball and if they get a lead they are tough to crack.
I thought the way PV brought extra offensive players, rather than hang guys back, and attacked the Scorps' defense all game worked. If you sit back on your heels, Farmington is a tough team to play. They don't back down if you hit them in the face, but they're more manageable if you stay aggressive.
Kudos to the referees -- the game stayed physical throughout but maintained a good flow as they let a lot of calls go, particularly if the players were going for the ball. It was tough to pin the aggression on any one individual and they did a good job of keeping the game under control while remaining hands-off.
The wind stayed at a steady 20 mph during the game, creating a chill, but fall in the Four Corners is most pleasant.
Here are some stats:
Shots: Farmington 14, Piedra Vista 8
Shots on Goal: Farmington 6, Piedra Vista 5
Fouls: Farmington 11, Piedra Vista 14
Offsides: Farmington 0, Piedra Vista 2
Corner Kicks: Farmington 6, Piedra Vista 5
Significant Plays
• Piedra Vista's Shane Woodson missed a long, bending shot in the 2nd minute after keeper Brycen Campbell left the goal to contest a long through ball.
• Farmington's Thaddeus Carter clanged a shot off the crossbar in the 5th minute after he withstood a slide tackle that left a defender out of position.
• Woodson got a header on goal in the box after a corner kick in the 24th minute.
• FHS' Riley McGovern leaves the game after a collision leaves him bloodied. He re-entered in the second half and got stitches after the game.
• FHS' Anthony Klepac draws a yellow card near halftime for a slide tackle that clips Devin Santillanes from behind.
• FHS' Presley Paxon takes a nifty pass from Carter and sends it past the right post. Paxon appeared to break his wrist during the second half.
• PV's Cory Blackwater sends a header on goal off an FHS foul, but Campbell makes a pretty, leaping deflection.
• FHS' C.J. Klepac secures a corner kick from McGovern and sends a bender into keeper July Shay's chest in the 72nd minute.
• PV's Andy Moore draws a yellow card late in the half. The fourth official told me it was for language or dissent.
Speaking of Paxon's injury, it's never good when an official or player makes the desperate wave for a trainer. His left hand hung from his wrist like a shirt from a laundry rack.
If you ever wonder whether or not you've broken a bone, you haven't. Fractures are one thing, but the most gruesome-looking injuries in sports happen when bones snap and limbs go in directions they aren't supposed to.
Two of TV's most cringe-inducing moments: Pittsburgh Pirates catcher Jason Kendall's broken ankle and Alabama WR Tyrone Prothro's broken leg.
*****
Bizarre NFL: As I've said before, I spent the past two years with the Denver Broncos (2007) and Tennessee Titans (2008).
When I accepted this position at the Daily Times, the Titans were an NFL-best 13-3 and hosting the Baltimore Ravens for the right to play in the AFC Championship.
I covered that game. A late Alge Crumpler fumble in Ravens territory cost them the game, and they haven't won since. They were as good as any NFL team last year, crushing the eventual Super Bowl champion Pittsburgh Steelers at home.
This year they may be the league's worst. There are a lot of bad teams, but you don't see the St. Louis Rams, Washington Redskins, Cleveland Browns, Detroit Lions, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Carolina Panthers and all the other lousy teams getting beat 59-0.
Meanwhile, the Broncos, who wouldn't have been able to stop the New Mexico Lobos the last two years on defense, are 6-0 and the toast of the league, having all but clenched a playoff spot with a win over San Diego on Monday Night Football.
The margin between winning and losing, everyone knows, is small in the NFL. But watching those two teams and their jolting reversals has me galling at how paper-thin it can be.
It's no wonder NFL coaches use so many cliches related to turnovers, injuries and field position.
*****
The last word: I'm curious to see how the margin of victory turns out for the district football games.
Farmington should handle PV, but will they? Will Aztec trounce everyone? Will KC win the ones they're supposed to (PV) and lose the ones they're not (Aztec, FHS)?
The four teams seem predictable when they play each other at this point. Here's how I project the district by season's end:
Aztec (7-3, 3-0 District 1-4A)*
Farmington (6-4, 2-1 District 1-4A)*
Piedra Vista (2-8, 1-2 District 1-4A)
Kirtland Central (3-7, 0-3 District 1-4A)
*Playoff teams
What do you think?
*****
Stay true and keep pounding,
Christopher
