ExplorerHomer2

The year actually ended better than I had expected. Congrats to the Indians on the win and a much more exciting and close game than I had anticipated. For anyone who hadn't watched, Columbus got on the board early, and the teams switched leads after our stout defensive from closed up the run game in the middle and held the potent Venice offense to 4 field goals. Columbus actually mustered a few offensive drives on their own with some creative plays designed for this game - namely the wildcat with a receiver (Fitzgerald) and linebacker (Chavez) taking direct snaps for a few big key plays. While opportunities were lost on both sides, one of the difference makers was the Indian's solid kicking performance. While we have a stud of our own, Venice's kid didn't miss and had a key punt at the end of that game that pinned us with no real chance on that final drive. Also hats off to theOline on this FG attempts becuase PAT and FG blocks are something I know the boys work on and have had success with this season. While the loss sucks, I am happy with the way the boys played and the outcome of this season that I had low expectations for. I had us out of playoffs last week and figured we'd get a beating playing on the road against a top 20 team. I'll see everyone next season. Good luck to Venice. Right now it's off to basketball where my Explorers are facing Gonzaga this afternoon in a #1 v #2 national matchup. So I have a healthy distraction to ease the pain. LOL

What's good about it? Every time he posts I think the entire refereeing profession collectively winces.

Agreed. And this is the least productive offense (against quality opponents) we have had in years. We have found ways to win, but got trounced by STA who is probably comparable to Venice. Quarterback play is what has held us back. And that has been getting progressively better. In fact, the one measure of common opponents gives me some hope it won't be a blowout: MNW. No lie, we actually had that game against the Bulls at Traz. Dropped TD pass by our 4* receiver was the difference maker in that loss. Other than that, I think the last minute win over a quality Western helps the kids to believe in themselves heading into Venice. Still thinking something like 35-7 Venice is likely. I will see how banged up we are in our key positions when I see the guys on Monday.

Was an wild final quarter. Hats off to the Western QB who threw a couple dimes into double coverage to make the long plays. I was not expecting this outcome, but you are right: defense gives us a fighting chance most games. And our kicking game is strong. But Venice is another animal. I'm gonna stay pessimistic on this one as it seems to be working for my guys. LOL Thinking a similar outcome to the last visit we had in Venice - 35-7 range.

I am pretty confident that the 7A champ this year will come from central FL. Overall, Dade/Broward teams in most classes have not lived up to expectations so far this season. And what I am seeing up north is pretty impressive this year relative to most. Let's see...

That STA game was painful. We need a solid win over Palmetto to stay in your rankings. It is a strong district rivalry and they always play us tough. If we drop to them it will be an LOOOONG season with MNW next week. I am going to go out on a limb and predict the offense finally gels and gets some offensive points together: 24-13 Columbus.

Looks like we are healthy, but we also are playing on STA homefield, so I wouldn't make any grand projections. Your score seems about right. I'm more like 35-13. And at least one of those scores for us is either special teams or defensive scoring. lol. But anyway, let's go!!

Thanks - looks like your Panthers took care of business. For us, I am happy with the outcome. We held our own and had a shot to win it against a talented ball club. FINAL GC 14 Columbus 10 Ugly start with GC taking it to the house on the first play from scrimmage. Eventually we took a 10-7 lead with our defense playing some inspired ball. QB play was hit and miss, but we were able to move the ball a bit against a pretty stout defense. Ultimately, two INTs sealed it for us. We had a decent final drive with 2 min to go but threw a pick. Overall, GC was not on the level of STA who we have next week, but a very good team. It was their first game and involved significant travel. So I'm sure they will improve and be an even more challenging bunch in the weeks to come. Either way, nI am really proud of our defense and definitely saw improvement over last week's game. Next week's match up against STA will be the real test. Let's see how healthy we are, and another week of coaching will go. I know our boys felt bad about losing a close one at home, but I also know this will remind them they they deserve to be on the field with top programs and they can overachieve if they keep their mind to it.

While not on the pickems, this is one of the bigger games tonight in more ays than one. First, Good Counsel comes in ranked in the top 20 in nationally in two polls and is a signature game this season for us. Aside from next week's game with STA, this is the highest ranked team we face. The other reason this is important is that it will set the tone for the rest of the year. An ugly game last week against Southridge led to an intense week of training and some position changes on the field. How the boys respond to this, at home on our school field will let us know what our potential is. You guys know I have been down on our club this year. It is definitely a rebuilding year. But a close game played well, even if we don't pull out the win, will do wonders for our spirit as we face a tough slog with MNW and then get into district play with Palmetto. GC has several 4 stars, but a fun matchup to watch will be 4* WR Bryce Fitzgerald against 4* SS Faheem Delane. We need get the ball to him to have any shot Hoping the weather holds, as well as the fighting Columbus spirit! While I am under no illusions as to how outgunned we are, I hope we can represent the state respectfully. I also plan on drinking heavily.

Anyone at this game? weather is pretty ugly down here and looks to stay that way for another hour or so.

ah, gotcha - I overlooked that.

Tough night, Dillard. Hope is becomes a learning experience for everyone involved. Not like you don't already know, but your panthers gotta get ready for an Ely team that hung 70 points on a weak BA team. But it looks like Ely's program been turning around. Keep your head up and get ready for the next one!

Props to central Florida teams having a week against the south. Gotta say that you have a point here. It is week 1 though for Central and let's see where everything falls as the season progresses. But holding central to 8? with a home crowd? That's an accomplishment any year. I just think folks are weighing a Dreadnaught 2-score victory over a typically weak Plant City team in the calculus. Made them look less impressive. And to be fair, I had my questions about Norland, even last year I thought they were overranked, but they clearly are a quality ballclub with a lot returned from an impressive squad. So Armwood putting 51 points on that team is crazy. Norland looks like they got their bearings back this week against a solid Miramar team - but then again, too early to tell how good Miramar really is. LOL. a couple more games in and we will know for sure who is down, who had a week start, and who is sandbagging!

We pulled it out. With 23 seconds on the clock. Final was closer to my prediction though: 16-14. In what can only be described as an U G L Y game, the Spartans and Explorers combined for close to 7,000 yards of total penalties. More undisciplined than usual for a Columbus coached team, but just horrendous for Southridge. Big home crowd for the Spartans and some talent, but shot themselves in the foot much of the time with unforced errors. I don't think we have settled out QB debate exactly, but with Barket driving the offense in the final three minutes the length of the field, I can see him getting the nod for next week's game against Good Counsel. Defense showed flashes of dominance but way too inconsistent. This can be forgiven this time of year. But I'm not gona lie, we could have lost that game easily. Luckily no one was hurt - but there was cramping all night! We have work to do.

True - they will be coached up and as disciplined as any week 1 team can be. Just a tough year to have this schedule. Love your optimism tho!