[Russelldad]

I just got a chance to read all the posts so far, and I wanted to add my thoughts to what has already been said.

1) I do agree that A.J. seems to lock-in on only Mitchell. He did try drew a couple of times and Mikey once, and not having bailey as an option didn't help.
Underneath stuff gets you 3 to 5 yards and takes a lot less time to get open and if it is not there, A.J. has the skills just to tuck and run it. Granted he is not a "jones" type of runner, but positive yards is better than no yards or lost yards.

2)I also agree that it is much harder to roll to your 'off-side' left and set your feet and throw a good ball. And with those weather conditions, that also made it even harder. If i'm not mistaken his only 2 completions came from rolling to his throwing side.

3)I also agree the defense did play better. I thought the changes in personnel seem to help. I think Hutchinson may be a little undersized to play the middle against bigger centers and guards though.

4) I also agree that 'special teams' played a very big part in the game. In weather conditions like that, every snap, every grab of the ball, every punt has to be right on. For example, when dave went back to punt the 2nd time, he had just ran a fade pattern down the side of the field, dove and soaked his gloves. So he had to run all the way back to the formation and line up to punt. He never bothered to wipe his gloves off or take them off at all, so when the snap came back it went right through his hands and caused him to pick up the ball in a hurry and try to get a punt off. When Mikey had to rush in the first time, he only took a 10 yard drop, which gave Mason a chance to get back there and get a piece of the ball. Most drops in high school I thought are 12 yards.

5)I disagree somewhat about the crowd tonight. The noise and cheering was there (at least in the section I was in). The cheerleaders got off the track and went into the upper level tonight to lead some cheers which was great. I still did notice a good deal of "sitting" going on, but you always have some that like to watch the game for the enjoyment of the game and are not typically 'rah rah' types. And the pouring rain may have kept some from jumping up and down alot.

Now for a couple of thoughts of my own.
1) If I remember right, when AJ first transferred back to Russell, I was told he was very good at throwing out of the shotgun formation. Maybe they could throw in one or two plays for him out of that formation. Would give him a couple of extra seconds to survey the field, look at the defense and maybe find the underneath receivers better.

2)I don't know how to say this, but I will try my best. It seems from my observation that there are a couple of personality conflicts going on during the game that is affecting the teams performance. I know when mine played the game, he had a couple of players he didn't get along with off the field, but when he stepped between the hashes that went away for 48 or more minutes. If they made a good play, shake their hand, give them a high-five, a pat on the helmet whatever. You were out there for 1 purpose and that is to win for your 'team' and your school. After the game and in the classroom next week, you can go back to hanging with who you hang with. But NEVER do you take that with you in the game. I know it may be hard for kids 15-18 but you got to give it your best shot Here is an example of what I mean; Let's pick two players. Player 1 is the QB and Player 2 is a Receiver. A pass play is called. Player 2 runs an underneath route to pull the LB off of wide receiver #3. But the LB leaves him alone and doubles #3 leaving player 2 wide open. Player 1 sees this but becasue he doesn't like 2, he still trys to get the ball to the now double covered #3. (I hope this made sense) It doesn't matter who gets their name or picture in the paper after the game, all that matters is that a win allows your team to play another week deeper into the playoffs and another week closer to the "pizza box" , "turf", "louisville" whatever chant you choose.

Maybe I am wrong about this and if so I sincerely apoligize for it. I love this team and will continue to cheer you on each week.

Go Devils.