Football is my favorite sport to watch, and one of the reasons is the complexity of the game. There are a myriad of variables and strategic options for which to account. I feel there are learning opportunities when I tune in to a game.

Becoming successful at the game requires study, and many of the game’s best players, like Peyton Manning, are known for the depth with which they scrutinize game film. Football at the high school level has become similar.

One thing that seems evident for game film viewers is that often the film can tell a different story than the scoreboard. For example, someone studying film on Lakeland’s 50-0 loss to Western Branch a few weeks ago might notice how the Cavaliers had a fighting chance if not for their injury-depleted offensive and defensive lines.

By the same token, Lakeland coach Glenwood Ferebee had a unique perspective on Grassfield’s 38-7 home win against the Western Branch High School Bruins last week.

“To a certain extent, they beat up on Western Branch,” he said. “(But) it looks a little different on film.”

The Bruins outperformed Grassfield in key offensive categories, like 19 first downs compared to the Grizzlies’ six, but five fumbles were the deciding factor.

 

Here is something impressive to think about: Lakeland’s varsity field hockey team looks to be state championship-caliber again this year, and it is not because the team is laden with seniors. In fact, the Lady Cavaliers have just one senior, Ashley Heuberger.

Ten of the 14 players on the team are juniors, a fact that suggests a healthy Lady Cavaliers squad could be knocking on the door of a state title next year as well.

 

Bulldogs head football coach Joe Jones has directed a unique and commendable approach to the coaching of King’s Fork’s varsity and JV football teams.

“We don’t have a varsity staff and a JV staff, per se,” he explained. “We coach positions, not (just) varsity (or) JV.”

For example, this means that Jones, who coaches the varsity receivers, also coaches the JV receivers.

Consequently, if they ever have to bring anyone up, they already have a relationship with the younger players and are familiar with their ability.

“I just felt three years ago, I wanted to do something to strengthen our JV program from a coaching standpoint and just have kind of a different attitude as a coaching staff towards JV in that we look at the Thursday night JV games just as important as Friday night,” Jones said. “All our coaches come to each, whether it’s home or away.”

Jones and his staff implemented this approach two years ago and feel it has paid off this year.