OldSchoolLion

Last night, I watched American Heritage Plantation play Chaminade-Madonna.  According to their rosters on Maxpreps, below is a breakdown of their starting O-lines.
CM's O-Line
6'1" 280    Senior
6'2" 320    Junior
6'4" 300     Senior  
6'5" 300     Sophomore
6'6" 300  Sophomore
CM also had a 6'2" 270-pound junior playing fullback.
 
AHP's O-Line
6'1" 280     Senior
6'1" 285     Senior
6'2" 315     Sophomore
6'4" 325     Senior
6'6" 295     Junior
 
Despite the enormity of CM's line and a HUGE blocking back, one of the top-rated rb's in the state or possibly the country could do nothing against AHP's athletic D(save one play) and got caught behind the LOS numerous times.  What's wrong with this picture?
I think a problem is that these OL are holding way too much weight and/or don't know how to use their weight effectively.  There is a reason FL's production of top-tier offensive linemen lags disproportionately behind our production of skill players,  and last night's game was a good example.  On one play I remember CM's 320-pound junior lineman trying to pull and this "tiny" AHP D-lineman took him out so easily and put the big young man off balance.  Even if he had not been touched, there is no way he could have helped with that play because he was so slow.
It was a bit shocking to see a "small" school with the line the size of CM's, especially when one considers that 3 of them were underclassmen.  Sophomore linemen weighing 300 or more pounds?  Where are we going folks?  Is the future 350-pound hs O-linemen?  When a 15/16 year old is already 300+ pounds, how much room does he have to grow into his frame?  I mean, is he going to be 400 pounds as a senior in college?  
These kids would be so much more effective down at 250-275 pounds.15-20 years ago, , that's we typically saw, and those O-lineman could pull.  Today, many of these 300-pound lineman I see in FL cannot move effectively enough to handle an athletic DL like we see on many of the top-ranked teams.  Sure, a huge line on a 3A team is going to bully a lot of small school D's.  But it is a completely different ball game when they face an elite D like either of those teams last night displayed. 
IMO, it is greed. People want that "college size" now, rather than let the kids grow into their frames. I guess the justification is that magical college scholarship that awaits.  What coaches and parents do not realize is that what they are doing to these teenagers can have long-term impacts on their health, especially kids of an ethnic background that predisposes them to heart disease, diabetes, etc.  This is not me talking, folks.  I have had this discussion with my cardiologist, who happens to be a big football fan.  "Aw, he'll lean up in college."   The damage can already be done from a health perspective.  All in the name of winning and/or a college scholarship.  
I remember reading an article about NFL linemen who struggle with their weight after their careers.  Their metabolism gets used to holding all that weight and does not like giving it up.  Not too long ago, a lineman might spend 5-10 years out of life at 300 pounds in his career (while in the NFL). Now we have kids who, if they have an NFL career, could be spending 15-20 years (hs, college and pros) at 300 or more pounds. 
Doesn't make a difference?  How about the difference between smoking 5 versus 20 years?  Time of health-risk exposure clearly raises the odds of long-term consequences.  How difficult will it be for someone whose body has been at 300 pounds for 20 years to live the rest of their life at 225?  I would imagine very difficult, except for someone who is extremely disciplined concerning diet and continuing to work out.
I am not saying we should go back to the dinosaur days of 175-pound linemen.  It's all about moderation.  Some coaches are drinking the Kool Aid that they need a 300-pound line to win a state title.  And they are neglecting to educate these kids and parents about the risk involved for some kids to maintain such a weight.
I speak from personal experience on this topic.  Back in college, I had the metabolism that allowed me to hold a lot of weight and still have abs.  I kidded myself thinking because I could see my abs I was healthy.  My blood tests told a different story...revealing major issues with my heart.  I learned the hard way that the "outside" doesn't always tell what is going on inside our bodies.  
 
 
 

The Tarpons have played with a lot of undersized O-Lines even why back when I played - I played in the NAIA in the 70s, started three years as the smallest OT in the NAIA at 195, and the other OT was one of the largest at 6'8" 285 - my game was about 24 inches off the ground. Then I moved to my HS position my Sr year at guard. Those O-lines above are massive. I saw Carol City when they thumped Charlotte in the State Semi-final game a few years ago with guys that size - but a few had some footwork. 
I agree; you see these great big O-linemen and I marvel how they do it. I've watched three teams big men wear down in three games this season. I could never gain weight, then after football - after 10 years, could never keep it off.  
By the way,  here's a couple of SW FL guys to watch: We play Lehigh next week, who has Richard Young, who they're billing as the Top RB in the nation (see below) they have a LB & C that are getting a lot of attention. 
We have a couple of guys flying below the radar, Sr. Corner TaiVhain Kelly, lockdown corner, return man;  Sr QB John Busha, 6'2" 200lb physical duel threat; 6'2" Sr WR Niqueu Graham;  6'6" So WR John Gamble; he had two of the nicest toe tip TDs I've ever seen in the last three weeks - incredible body control. 
https://www.news-press.com/story/sports/high-school/2020/05/05/football-recruiting-ramps-up-some-southwest-floridas-best/3079153001/
 

Last night, I watched American Heritage Plantation play Chaminade-Madonna.  According to their rosters on Maxpreps, below is a breakdown of their starting O-lines.
CM's O-Line
6'1" 280    Senior
6'2" 320    Junior
6'4" 300     Senior  
6'5" 300     Sophomore
6'6" 300  Sophomore
CM also had a 6'2" 270-pound junior playing fullback.
 
AHP's O-Line
6'1" 280     Senior
6'1" 285     Senior
6'2" 315     Sophomore
6'4" 325     Senior
6'6" 295     Junior
 
Despite the enormity of CM's line and a HUGE blocking back, one of the top-rated rb's in the state or possibly the country could do nothing against AHP's athletic D(save one play) and got caught behind the LOS numerous times.  What's wrong with this picture?
I think a problem is that these OL are holding way too much weight and/or don't know how to use their weight effectively.  There is a reason FL's production of top-tier offensive linemen lags disproportionately behind our production of skill players,  and last night's game was a good example.  On one play I remember CM's 320-pound junior lineman trying to pull and this "tiny" AHP D-lineman took him out so easily and put the big young man off balance.  Even if he had not been touched, there is no way he could have helped with that play because he was so slow.
It was a bit shocking to see a "small" school with the line the size of CM's, especially when one considers that 3 of them were underclassmen.  Sophomore linemen weighing 300 or more pounds?  Where are we going folks?  Is the future 350-pound hs O-linemen?  When a 15/16 year old is already 300+ pounds, how much room does he have to grow into his frame?  I mean, is he going to be 400 pounds as a senior in college?  
These kids would be so much more effective down at 250-275 pounds.15-20 years ago, , that's we typically saw, and those O-lineman could pull.  Today, many of these 300-pound lineman I see in FL cannot move effectively enough to handle an athletic DL like we see on many of the top-ranked teams.  Sure, a huge line on a 3A team is going to bully a lot of small school D's.  But it is a completely different ball game when they face an elite D like either of those teams last night displayed. 
IMO, it is greed. People want that "college size" now, rather than let the kids grow into their frames. I guess the justification is that magical college scholarship that awaits.  What coaches and parents do not realize is that what they are doing to these teenagers can have long-term impacts on their health, especially kids of an ethnic background that predisposes them to heart disease, diabetes, etc.  This is not me talking, folks.  I have had this discussion with my cardiologist, who happens to be a big football fan.  "Aw, he'll lean up in college."   The damage can already be done from a health perspective.  All in the name of winning and/or a college scholarship.  
I remember reading an article about NFL linemen who struggle with their weight after their careers.  Their metabolism gets used to holding all that weight and does not like giving it up.  Not too long ago, a lineman might spend 5-10 years out of life at 300 pounds in his career (while in the NFL). Now we have kids who, if they have an NFL career, could be spending 15-20 years (hs, college and pros) at 300 or more pounds. 
Doesn't make a difference?  How about the difference between smoking 5 versus 20 years?  Time of health-risk exposure clearly raises the odds of long-term consequences.  How difficult will it be for someone whose body has been at 300 pounds for 20 years to live the rest of their life at 225?  I would imagine very difficult, except for someone who is extremely disciplined concerning diet and continuing to work out.
I am not saying we should go back to the dinosaur days of 175-pound linemen.  It's all about moderation.  Some coaches are drinking the Kool Aid that they need a 300-pound line to win a state title.  And they are neglecting to educate these kids and parents about the risk involved for some kids to maintain such a weight.
I speak from personal experience on this topic.  Back in college, I had the metabolism that allowed me to hold a lot of weight and still have abs.  I kidded myself thinking because I could see my abs I was healthy.  My blood tests told a different story...revealing major issues with my heart.  I learned the hard way that the "outside" doesn't always tell what is going on inside our bodies.  
 
 
 

I was looking forward to that Chaminade v Cocoa matchup this season. Hopefully they had a home n home setup

AHP WR makes fantastic catch in end zone but is ruled OOB

Exactly, OldSchool!  Jesse's been driving up and down I-95 from Miami to Ft. Pierce and can't seem to find a single Brevard County store that's open for business.  Tragic indeed. 

Thank you, Perspective.  Now it explains why Brevard County businesses have been tanking so badly.  They have been marketing themselves as central FL businesses when, in reality, their customers are located in south FL.  This is tragic. 
"The Melbourne Regional Chamber is the largest business organization in the East Central Florida region, offering the opportunity for networking, education, marketing and community involvement."   
https://www.melbourneregionalchamber.com/

But if you roll over too quick, you could pole vault out the window. 

I spoke to my network carrier.  They suggested the PP+ Plan with a Pro State booster.  

I think they gave me that stuff when I was in rehab.  It kept me from falling out of bed at night.

I think they gave me that stuff when I was in rehab.  It kept me from falling out of bed at night.

In years past, the Florida universities did a reasonable job of keeping home the better FL hs qb's.  Arguably, that has not been the case the past three years.  Below are the top FL hs qb's(according to some sources and I did not include IMG qb's) from each of the past 5 years and where I believe them to be at present.  And, in case you are wondering, I thought of this as I watched Jeff Sims playing for Tech last night.
2020 Anthony Richardson/Eastside     UF Jeff Sims/Sandalwood     Georgia Tech-starter Carson Beck/Mandarin     U of Georgia Garrett Greene/Chiles     WVU Chayil Garnett/Lakeland     Auburn 2019
Brian Maurer/West Port     Tennessee backup Hayden Wolff/Venice     Old Dominion-starter Michael Kern/Lake Nona     Wake Forest backup Nik Scalzo/Cardinal Gibbons     Kentucky Bryan Gagg/Braden River     East Carolina backup 2018
Joe Milton/Olympia     Michigan backup Michael Penix, Jr/TB Tech     Indiana U-starter Carter Bradley/Providence     Toledo backup Kevaris Thomas/Lakeland     W Kentucky backup Jordan Travis/Benjamin     Louisville-transferred to FSU-backup 2017
N'Kosi Perry/Vanguard     UM backup James Blackman/Glades Central     FSU-starter Mac Jones/Bolles     Alabama-starter Jake Allen/STA     UF-transferred to Dartmouth Cade Weldon/Jefferson     UM-transferred to E Tennessee St 2016
Feleipe Franks/Wakulla     UF-transferred to Arkansas-starter Jack Allison/Palmetto     UM-transferred to WVU and then West Liberty Woody Barrett/West Orange     Auburn-transferred to Kent St-started in his junior season Xavier Gaines/Lake Wales     Marshall-utility player on offense Tyler Huntley/Hallandale     Utah-started as senior last year

Eight Florida teams in the National top 50. Not sure I agree with the above rankings and I also feel that by season's end, Apopka will have a national rank as going into the season they are better than they were last year. But, I can't say I have a huge problem with the above as a starting point. 

Yep, it is risky driving.  But I can do many things to lower my odds of being in a vehicular accident because I have a fairly clear understanding of the factors that raise the odds of one.  Once I park my car in the driveway, the risk is over for me and my family, unlike with contagions.  
Influenza, like Covid, kills a good number of elderly people.  If all of a sudden we experienced a huge spike in influenza-related deaths, I feel certain it would be getting a lot of press.  Right or wrong, many people likely feel they understand the risks of influenza...unlike with Covid, where even the "experts" can't seem to agree.
Death is not the only measure of risk.  We do not understand the long-term risks of young adults who contract Covid.  It may not kill them, but could it cause long-term effects.  I have no idea.  If you do, please let me know where you got your degree in immunology.
 
 

I read this team has had this name for many decades.  Apparently the name is deeply rooted in the area's history.  
Pompano Beach High used to be known as the Beanpickers.  Cairo, GA, the home town of Jackie Robinson, is still known as the Syrupmakers.  That mascot was lauded by ESPN.  Look up some of the old labels used by companies from that area and you might be surprised and/or offended by the stereotyping of African Americans.
There are quite a few team names out there that stereotype. Do a search for offensive mascots on the internet and you might be surprised.  
  

I am calling bulls...on this question.  Who has time to snoop around the record books for hours on end?  ...not me.  Now, if you'll excuse me, I am going to eat a bowl of oranges with my wife Carol.    

I am calling bulls...on this question.  Who has time to snoop around the record books for hours on end?  ...not me.  Now, if you'll excuse me, I am going to eat a bowl of oranges with my wife Carol.    

@OldSchoolLion this is for you. I lost 3 straight games to start the season. Then rattled off 12 straight wins, and capped it off with a State Title. 
2 of the 3 teams that beat me in the regular season, i got revenge in the playoffs, including in the state semi finals in front of 25,000 fans 
Our receiver was a stud, and went on to become a consensus All American at Florida State. 
Who am i??? 
1. Team
2. Year
3. Receiver

I am calling bulls...on this question.  Who has time to snoop around the record books for hours on end?  ...not me.  Now, if you'll excuse me, I am going to eat a bowl of oranges with my wife Carol.    

Who hacked Jesse's account?  

Back in my day, a long time ago, there were high schools that taught trades; same thing with two year colleges that offered technical degrees. You don't find many out of work plumbers, electricians, or AC technicians. Graduates could find a decent job; not like today's liberal arts grads that are flipping burgers and waiting tables. I always told my daughters if you couldn't find the degree in the classified ads, it was a waste of time taking that major. Fortunately they followed my advice and both are very successful. 
For athletes that manage to get a degree without learning much, there are always opportunities in government jobs. It doesn't take much to hold down a government job and it's almost impossible to get fired from a government job, plus they get benefits and pensions, all paid for by the taxpayers.

Congratulations.  You are a wise father.
Agree with your comment about the government jobs being a viable path.  Unfortunately, high schools and colleges are not teaching the kids basic life skills.  It's a struggle for some kids to stay out of trouble long enough to establish a stable lifestyle.  

Academia is counting on kids believing that college is their only ticket to success, not just athletes.  Now we have kids with college degrees flipping burgers and athletes who never belonged in college to begin with in back in poverty.
Is there another way?  Learn a trade and one can make a reasonable living.  But the colleges don't want the kids to know that and high schools are failing the kids by not exposing them to options beyond college.
I know a guy with a 24 year-old daughter who is a licensed plumber making $50+k per year who has money in the bank and no debt.  It can be done.    
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

That is one way of looking at it.  One could also see it is exploitative.  
So much emphasis is placed upon the college scholarship as being this magic ticket, when, in reality, college is often a crap shot for some of these kids.   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

I have my son playing in the rec league here, which is directly tied with the high school (same teams, league and use the stadium too)  kind of feel like this article is misleading, almost like saying the schools don’t want to test. The thing is they can’t afford the instant test the only thing available is the 2 week test. In my area (Huntsville) I’d had to drive about 1.5 hours to get to the nearest full time instant test facility, or the few places that offer it around Huntsville usually only do 4-8 people a day on certain days. This article made it seem like the coaches/schools don’t care and i think thats absolutely wrong, it’s they’re not a corporate sports company ie the NFL and can’t afford to do it but are trying to have some normalcy as well, while implementing their own safeguards.