Whether you refer to it as a Kickoff Classic, Jamboree or simply preseason, that was the type of high school football games we had this week. Since the game does not count in the standings, how important is it for a team? From my perspective, I was happy when my team won their game and I know the team embraced the win. On the other hand, I did read from another coach who stated it was a game that did not count, so it did not matter. This opened up other questions for me. Do you play to win? Do you schedule a strong opponent? Do you show your full playbook?
I posed some of these questions to Brian LoBello, who is the Head J.V. Coach at 11-8A District Champion, Taravella High in Coral Springs, FL. LoBello, who works under the tutelage of revered coach Dan Marguriet, shares the team’s philosophy in this area. He believes as a coach you always want to win this game. “You are not in this to lose. I believe the most important aspect is seeing what we need to do.” He further elaborated that his school prefers to play a quality opponent who may be considered a big challenge which was exemplified in them choosing Chaminade-Madonna for their game this week.
LoBello also considers this game a rehearsal. “You are in a live game situation so you get to figure out little things such as substitutions. Are we getting kids in and out fast enough?” In closing, I did ask LoBello and other sources about their philosophy of showing their plays as opposed to hiding them in this type of game. The responses I received were mixed. Some saw it as enhancing their game plans for the season, while others wanted to ensure that other teams did not see anything that could give their opponents an extra advantage in preparation.
Regardless of philosophy, football is back. Everyone had the experience to play against a different set of players and was able to do things a team cannot simulate in practice. Winning or losing this week will be an afterthought once week 1 begins.
