At my place, I went right to my room and grabbed the tape of the ESPN special turned on the TV and filled a mug with iced tea. Once I was comfortable I found the remote and hit PLAY. Instantly the ESPN logo appeared on the screen then added to the the logo, SPECIAL REPORT - HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL. A few seconds later Diane appeared at Three Rivers Stadium. I laughed as I would bet she was at the ESPN studios in Connecticut. She smiled and said this is ESPN and not ABC News. We have been following a very unique and talented High School football team since volunteer workouts in July. But why high school football? Well there are over 1 million young men who spent from 12 to 20 weeks of their lives every year plying this game. We all hear stories about Texas and Florida high school football. It was by accident that I discovered Western PA football. In doing research for a young guy I was going to interview I was shown this clip by a reporter at our Pittsburgh affiliate. The clip ran and it was the last play of our first District Championship. The film stopped and she said well that was the lsst play of the Class 4A championship, played in this stadium. You should note that the Referee is signaling TD and that the clock reads 0:00. The clip started again and it showed a wild celebration and a player laying on the ground not moving. All of a sudden there was silence, concern and an ambulance and the clip ended. Yes, Diane said, that was why I had flown from New York to interview that kid. Later that night he found out that they won the Championship in his hospital room. He has completely recovered and was a Captain on the team we followed.
What I learned later was that PAAA District 7 is in fact the largest and oldest scholastic league in the country. There are 162 member schools playing in 9 counties all tucked away in South West PA with Pittsburgh, the steel city, the center of it all. There are numerous Colleges and Professional athletes that have played in this league. It is the real deal, so let's see how these guys did and what it takes to win in this league.
It all started very quietly the third Tuesday in July when a single car arrive at a small neighborhood park and a field used mostly for little league baseball, it was 6:30 AM. The stream of cars continued and by 7:00 there were about 45 guys there and there was a lot of milling around. There wasn't a pad, helmet or ball just a lot of running and wind sprints. The dress was gym shorts and tee shirts. The same thing happened on Wednesday and Thursday and each day was the same. No one seemed to be in charge as they all knew what and when to do the necessary things. Monday morning there was a noticeable change as the guys arrived there were footballs and orange cones. There was some sprints but no laps and the QB's started throwing some passes. The drama started immediately as the Senior QB1 was throwing poorly and the Sophomore QB wanted equal snaps. That was quickly solved with two sets of receivers. It was the same on Wednesday and Friday only tempers were short. It was that last practice of the week when Mike, the Senior Captain to be took charge and told an innocent story, or so he thought. When it was over he quietly said ONE FOR ALL and the the response was AND ALL FOR ONE. That story and that saying would define, the team and the entire year, on and off the field. By the third and final week of volunteer workouts things weren't looking good. The Sophomore QB had transferred to a 2 A private school. The QB from the previous year was having arm issues. That left another Sophomore and a Freshman at QB. A tight end from last year was at Valley Forge. There was the Texas transfer JJ, a receiver and Safety and the Freshman QB was a transfer from Ohio.
Then camp started and it was two practices each day. Tensions grew as the team grew closer, no one understood how the transfer was approved and the Sophomore QB was starting at another school and the coaches seemed determined to stay with Jim at QB1 who couldn't throw more than 15 yards with any zip or accuracy. The scrimmage wasn't much better and the first game was a home game against a very good team from Erie. Then Scott appeared standing beside Dr. Johnson who was introduced as the Principal and responsible for the school's athletics programs according to the PAAA. So Doc how does the team look? Scott they are a very good team with a great mix of very dominant seniors and juniors and a very close group and they work very hard. The only issues as I see it is at QB. Last year's QB has throwing issues and there was a transfer, that leaves a Sophomore and a Freshman who will need to step up. Doc, what can you tell us about the transfer? Well we had a kid, who is a very goos student and a sophomore who plays QB. He was a class leader but there were issues, which I won't discuss except to say that they were family issues and a loss of someone special. He transfers as he wanted to start and the coaches wanted him to play JV and dress for the varsity. He would have played a lot. I had no input on the transfer and would have rather he stayed here. By contesting his athletic eligibility, he was still gone and wouldn't have been able to play football this year. That would have harmed the kid in many ways, so I signed off. Yes, I am aware the team is unhappy about that, they will simply have to get over it. Each circumstance is different and we as a school district will always look at it that way. Doc, you mentioned this was a very tight team what does that mean. Scott, I simply don't know and their motto, ONE FOR ALL AND ALL FOR ONE, seems to be all encompassing as a number of football players went to DC to support a golfer. This current Senior class have been on our radar since they entered Middle School. They, as a group, are very intense, smart and do most things to the extreme. Yes back in a day they knew how to party. I had a meeting with them and told then we knew what that expected and would be making a lot of changed to accommodate them. They seemed to get that message and the parties have mostly stopped. However, they have matured and cooperated and expect me and my staff to keep up. It will be an interesting year. They have changed the culture of the building as well as the team. The Juniors have bought in, it will be interesting to how long this culture lasts once they move on. Thanks Scott.
Then Diane said, let's see what Jim told Scott going into game 1? Jim, appeared in the locker room in a sweatsuit and freshly showered. Scott asked Jim, how is camp? Well Scott personally for me it's been a struggle it seems that I over worked my arm this summer, attending camps. So Jim, what does that mean for the first game? Scott they are big and very physical and I'll simply do my best. Jim will you start? That correct Scott but I'm sure Clark will see some playing time and he will be ready. Jim, have you seen a doctor about the arm? Scott not yet but there is an appointment very soon. One thing everyone should know is that we are a very good team and we are ready. Jim ended the interview by saying thanks Scott and simply stood up and left.
Diane was back and she said, obviously we are not going into details on the 16 games these guys played. What we will do is talk with a number of players and see what was involved and how much conflict there was and the expectations and how they dealt with adversity and their relationship with teammates and coaches. Then there are the outside issues, their girls and college scouts or the lack of college scouts. We will talk about this game a bit as it set a lot of thing in motion that would be continued all season and lead to drama at the end.
Scott was back and he was standing in the end zone just before kickoff for game 1. He said that the place was standing room only and the energy in this place is unreal. Just then we came out of the locker room and ran through the sign and the noise grounded out everything else. Next there was the kickoff and Rod, blasted it through the end zone and Scott said, that will happen all year, the kid is amazing and that will matter down the road. Then Scott said, well Jim was right as Erie Prep was a big team and he started. It was a very slow start as neither team moved the ball and Erie figured out Jim's arm issues quickly and they were simply clogging the line of scrimmage. The game was a defensive struggle and the champs had outstanding linebacker play. Tension was high and the fans weren't all that happy with a small lead. In the 3rd quarter Jim tried a longer pass and it was short and he called time out and took his helmet off and Clark ran onto the field and it was now a Sophomore QB. Well the gamed ended with Clark throwing a game winning TD pass to JJ and someone other than the coaches called that play. Then the team gathered and ran to the band yelling "play the song, play the song" the band played the alma mater and the team stood with helmets off and sang the some. Next they ran to the spectators waving as the ran and at the press box side they stopped and everyone pointed with both hands to the fans and then clapped. Then a victory lap and to the club house as an ambulance left the field with the young QB on his way to the hospital. Interviews were in the locker room and everyone showed up at Jefferson Hospital to find that Clark had been discharged. At Clark's house they were thanked for coming and asked to quietly leave and some yelled One for All and the team screamed, All for One. Then they quietly went about their post game varied interests.
Then Scott said, it's early October and let's see how Clark is doing? Clark and Scott were sitting in the locker room and Clark was dressed in team sweats. Clark smiled and said good afternoon Scott. So Clark, how are you? Well, I had a mild concussion and was cleared to play week 3. So we're you nervous being put into the opening game like that with nothing settled. Clark laughed and said. I was nervous but there wasn't liquid running down my leg. Scott found that hysterical. So Clark, how is the season going? Well Scott we are 6-0 and have qualified for the playoffs, so things are good. Ok Clark , how is it going for you? Clark laughed and said Scott, I'm glad to be here and I'm not the best QB on the team. I am not a D1 QB and I might not even be a D2 player. I simply want to play in college and get some financial help for the rents. I'm thrilled to be getting some varsity time. I would like the offense to be less conservatives and to throw the ball down the field more. We have the fastest receiver in the state, we need to throw it long. So Clark, who call the last play in the first game, do you remember? Yup, I'll remember that forever. Scott, MJ, JJ and I talked about it and I was asked if I had the guts to try it and take the noise from the coach. Well, I didn't have to deal with Coach as I had a ride to the hospital. One last question Clark, how good is Wyatt? Clark laughed and said well he is good enough to get us a championship or two, but we all need each other, thanks Scott.
Scott said well there are a lot of kids like Clark on this team. Above average players who work hard and would be glad to play at the next level, whatever that level is. There was one game this year that for some reason was especially nasty. That is unusual for this team as they were the aggressors. Hopefully we can get an explanation from Senior Captain and middle backer, Chad. Chad appeared and sat on a stool dressed in jeans and a hoodie. He smiled and said, Good afternoon Scott. So Chad, I heard you will attending West Point next year. Chad said, yes sir and I'm really looking forward to that. Will you be playing football next year? Yes, Sir. They recruited me and it is a perfect fit as my granddad went there. I have been there a number of times and I love the place and am very aware of what is involved. Well Chad, Friday night you guys were more than a little out of character, why was that? Well Scott we definitely more intense and nasty. Ok Chad, why was that?
Well Scott, initially it goes back to a game our Sophomore year, at their place. They had kicked our butts and under a minute Coach Razen called a time out and when they came back they threw a 30 yard TD. Just running up the score. Then last year at our place he called a time out with 3 seconds left and kicks a FG and we win 35-3. Something about a streak of points in every game. We wanted to make a statement at their place, this year. So you ran a couple of sweeps right at him. Chad laughed and said well actually we ran student body left right at him 3 times. Oh, we stopped at the whistle and there were no penalties. Scott, not only did we win but we won nasty and that sends a message. Another thing, with him at Coach we hadn't won before now we have dominated twice. Going forward it will be one heck of a rivalry. Well, Chad, thanks for that and good luck at West Point. Thanks Scott.
Todd was next and he was introduced as a hard running Junior running back and he was asked, so Todd how was the season for you. There was a big smile and he said well pretty much like it's been since Junior High. The difference is that the years Mike is on my team I played less. This year, with him on the team I played a lot more. I benefited a lot by Mike's desire to play linebacker. Todd, have you been contacted by any colleges? Yeah, a lot and that started right after the district finals. The first was VT and I shrugged at that as they are recruiting Josh, JJ and Mike so they are here a lot but there is also interest from Pitt, Temple, Boston College and a few others. I'm sorting through all that and Coach Weston is a big help. We gave him a tough time this year but he is a great guy who actually cares. Scott before you ask, Coach Weston is an old school coach and as a team we were anything but that and there were times when he couldn't think outside the box. Playing a freshman QB and then him changing plays was a bit of a reach for him. Sure he yelled and was frustrated and indicated he might not coach next year. Assistant Coaches started positioning for the job and an outside guy was brought in. We didn't like that so we did what we do and simply ONED the three of them. They simply took their toys and went home. So Todd who decides to ONE someone? Scott there isn't a meeting or a decision, mess with one of us and you mess with all of us, it's that simple. Todd, how did that start? Scott it would be best to chat with Mike as it started with his summer reading. It was a story to deal with the QB issues we have had all season.
Todd, what will you like to study in college? Well Scott right now it would be engineering. That decision and football are complicated for me as I will be the first person in my family going to college. Dad has a pretty big auto repair business with 10 full time employees and would like me to take that over. I live in a nice house, I play golf, but at public course, I swim but at the wave pool and I am very happy doing that. We have a great team, we get along but outside of that we go our separate ways, for the most part. There are no outside team events. With that Scott said thanks, Todd that was very informative and good luck.
Diane was back with Josh and she asked if he would like to be called Josh or Wales? Josh laughed and said, well by the time this aires, your Majesty would be appropriate, but Josh is appropriate right now. Diane laughed out loud and said, I see you hang around Mike a good bit. Diane, we do for football but not much otherwise. He is a great mentor and we think a lot alike. Oh, we both tend to speak up. So Josh how was football, for you, this year. Well Diane, last year I filled in for Mike and Nate but this year was simply fantastic, we were simply the best and that Linebacker "I" we came up with was something other teams couldn't deal with. Towards the end of the regular season it didn't matter there wasn't someone to avoid, we were that good. Diane, that was a once in a generation group and Mike and Chad will be impossible to replace. Then Diane asked about recruiting and Josh laughed and said, early on I talked with Mike about it and all he did was tell me how he handled it. He told me to figure out what I wanted from all this and simply get what I wanted. Naturally VT was first and that conversation told me that my rents, as I was, were in over their heads. Coach Weston has helped a lot and while we might disagree on play calling and thing like that he is terrific in dealing with the colleges. I will limit this to 5 schools, visit them over the summer and make a decision before camp starts next year. Diane asked, so is there any idea what you want to study? Josh said business management leading to a job on Wall Street. Then Diane asked so Whales, are you ready to take over this team. Josh looked right at her and said ABSOLUTELY. We have a lot of gaps to fill especially on defense but there is a lot of experience and we will be fine. Diane, no one has had a three-peat in this classification and with our program we all want that. Diane said well, Your Majesty, good luck.
Next it was Diane and Wyatt and Diane said welcome, QB1. Wyatt looked at her and said Diane, I am Wyatt and QB1 is one of the things I do. If this is about my football ability you will get a very one dimensional view of me. Wyatt, that's fair so why don't you tell us about you and how you got here. Diane, I am an excellent student and I golf, waterski and snow ski. I will be playing Volleyball in the spring. I was uprooted from Dublin, Ohio when my dad accepted a great job with Highmark. I could have stayed in Ohio and lived with my grandparents and decide to come with the family. I know more about football than most people as my granddad was a very successful high school coaching Ohio. Him and I spend hours looking at game film and by that I mean studying. Before every game this year he managed to get film on the opponent and I would spend about 5 hours looking at their defense. After the second game he held film sessions for the people who wanted to be involved. It was more that helpful. Diane that why I could stand behind center and look at the defense and know the play that was called wouldn't work. I just couldn't run those plays and eventually started calling two plays in the huddle and started changing the play at the line. Did that cause drama with the coaches, absolutely. I simply didn't care as I wanted to win, win big and get others in the game. Oh, I forgot, I am red shirt freshman. Wyatt, can you explain the red shirt. Oh sure, mom and dad saw that I could be a young kindergarten kid or an old kindergarten kid and held me back, so now I'm an old freshman. Wyatt, did changing the plays help your stats? The only stat I am concerned about is wins and losses. Wyatt, would you granddad put up with a QB changing plays? Wyatt shrugged and said I don't deal with hypotheticals. Wyatt, what is recruiting like? Diane I have no idea as that phone is answered by my granddad but to be perfectly honest I am interested in only one school. Wyatt, would you share that with us? No, I will not. Lastly Wyatt, are you glad to be in Western PA? Yeah, I am. Thanks Diane, this has been fun.
Scott appeared and he had JJ. I laughed as he had jeans and a VT hoodie on. So JJ how is football up north different that football in Texas. Scott the football isn't different and I played for a school in a small town outside Houston. In both places football is tough and requires work. Here in Western Pa. what is different is what is expected outside football. At least at this school you need to attend class, get decent grads. There were no post game drunken parties and no RALLEY GIRLS. You had to get your own dates. So JJ how did you get here? Scott, dad wasn't going to get another shuttle flight he was a Specialist on one and in command on two others. He would be limited to PR work. We were glad as every launch was scary. So JJ how did your dad get here. Well he was part of a group here on a PR assignment and had a couple of conversations with Mike. Somehow Mike talked dad into a ride in his F-18. Well dad and I flew up and I hooked with Rob a kid I knew and Mike got his ride. I don't remember us saying more than a dozen words. Dad has this thing when he tries to make a passenger fill a barf bag. Heck I puked twice on my first flight with dad. When dad and I were on the way back, I was told MJ didn't puke and that we would be moving here as dad had a new job. I met Mike 2 weeks later.
JJ you were an all state safety and a second team wide out, which do you prefer on the next level. Safety, I love it. What have the people at VT said about that? Scott, we haven't discussed it and I'll do either but I want to play ASAP. They have a number of red shirt guys and a great recruiting class, not playing would be an issue and a lot of underclassmen will be playing. JJ what did you think about playing is the stadium? Oh, that was beyond cool and winning there is something I'll need to do again some Sunday afternoon. Oh if we play Pitt there a win is the only option. JJ what was better winning the district championship or the state championship? Scott, that would be districts? Why is that? Well Scott they only want to play the game and don't show teams or schools any respect. That includes a small stadium built in the 30's with crappy locker rooms. Wow JJ, anything else? Nope, I hope to have them hang a track gold metal around my neck. With that Scott said thanks JJ and good luck at the track championships.
Next was Diane and Coach Weston and Diane said congratulations on the district and state. Thanks Diane. Diane, let me say this group of young men was fantastic and forced me to evolve as a coach. It wasn't an easy year but I bred as a coach and would like to have another year with the next group. They have bought into a program that is very much their own and it will be great to have a coach on the field on offense and I'm sure Josh can pick up where Mike has led him. I have asked the two remaining coaches to stay and they have agreed and we will be adding a few more coaches. All I can say is that the new OC better be open minded. Well coach, thanks for not making me drag that out of you. Coach, here is a tough one, who is the best player you have coached? Well Diane I have coached 9 teams here and I would have to say that person was on the 2 championship teams, was a great athlete with outstanding intangibles. So coach who is that player? Coach smiled and said no comment.
Then it was finally me and Diane and I said well good evening, it's been a while. Sure has Mike, I guess you don't have much going on and we both laughed. Mike, I know we agreed to no questions but we haven't been able to hook up with Rod, your kicker. Well DiNe he is a busy dude as he plays on the under 16 US National Soccer team. He does football for giggles. So Mike are you ready to watch some game highlights from the season? Well Diane almost and I have asked Wyatt, Josh, JJ and Clark to help with that. We had a blast talking about 15 plays and when that was over Diane said Mike in as few word as as possible please summarize the season. Well Diane that's easy we ONED the entire state. Then Josh calmly said ONE FOR ALL and we replied ALL FOR ONE and it was 90 minutes of fun. When it was over I was pleased as it told a story about the team and doing the game highlights was fun with the guys. They had 20 plays but we had such a good time talking about them they cut a few.
Cole will be back as will Liam and both will be totally jet lagged. I would be glad to have Liam back and I needed to get a copilot for Friday and Saturday as I wanted to take the jet. I also needed to check with Dillon and Winnie about the trip. Then I needed to talk with Kyle as we had agreed to do that more often. With that I simply turned out the lights and jumped into bed.
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