Tuesday Practice - Old memories

Not much to write about in the middle of the week....probably nothing you want to read about anyway.  A few weeks ago I had another encounter with a former player in Walmart.  After telling my daughter about it, she encouraged me to tell the story once again in this particular blog.  I had written about a previous encounter with some former players in a previous blog, so I am borrowing the story once again for this writing.  The story is innocent, but now days it would be labeled controversial.  Thats a shame too, because sometimes the relationship between a football coach and a player can be life-changing....for both parties.  

Coach Lou Holtz  

Many years ago, I attended a coaching clinic put on by the now defunct Coaches USA organization in St. Louis Missouri.  I was excited to attend a special motivation and Q&A session taught by Lou Holtz who (at the time) was the Head Coach of Notre Dame. If you have never heard this guy speak, put this on your bucket list on things to do.  Despite his slight lisp and small stature, Holtz is a powerful speaker.  Of course me being a huge Notre Dame fan, it was probably the most exciting day in my coaching career.  I am still a huge Holtz fan to this day.  I specifically asked Coach Holtz about special teams play....one of his strong points.  I stated that I always had issues with finding a good kicker year after year.  Coach Holtz said: "If you are looking for a kicker, go visit the soccer team."  Hmmmm.  Good idea. 

Kickoff Team 

Some time ago,  I did some work out in our Fellsmere Community. I looked outside to my truck, and I saw four of my former football players looking at my truck and obviously waiting for me to come outside. I walked outside to nice reunion with my former Hispanic (Mexican) football players.  We laughed and joked around for a couple of minutes...and then one of the players stated: "Coach, Remember the Banditos?"   Then another player said: "Coach always loved the Mexican Players!"   Last Sunday I was visiting the local #Walmart when a man walked up to me (holding the hand of a young boy) and said: "Hello Coach" ....then he explained to the little boy who I was.   For the life of me I could not place the face with a name.  Once I discovered who he was, I asked the question: "Were you a Bandito??"  He said: "I will ALWAYS be a Bandito Coach!   I hugged the young father with genuine love.  It was great to get my memories working again.  

I was coaching on the JV level at Sebastian River High School with Coach Dan Smith...That year, we had about twenty (20) hard working hispanic kids on our team.  I used to ask the kids: "Who can kick?'  Of course, hispanic soccer kids will always tell you about the player with the best leg.  I would enthusiastically recruit this kid to kick for us....remembering the lesson Coach Holtz taught me previously.  Generally, Coach Smith put me in charge of kickoff team, so he left me alone to do the job....as long as the job was done, Dan had nothing to say.  he was a great guy to work for. 

The Mexican kids WORKED HARD trying to learn football.  Facts are that in the hispanic community, its all about soccer....not football.  So, the sport is not embedded in their background like it is here.  The kids were generally behind the learning curve, but they were like sponges absorbing everything we were teaching.  I just loved their work ethic....and they knew I loved them. 

Once I found a kicker, I started surrounding him with his friends.  next thing ya know, I had an entire Mexican Kickoff Team ready to go.  These kids took great pride in their special team...and I nick named them: "The Banditos"  The KIDS LOVED the special identity....and each kid fought hard to be a "Bandito" and it was great fun to watch.  These kids would actually speak Spanish on the field and point to the opposing players.  Naturally, no one else would know what the hell they were talking about.  The players would take the field and say: "Los Tiburones:  Esta Listo?  This means: "SHARKS, are you ready?"  They all would yell:  "SI" and kick off the ball.  MAN it was fun to watch these kids throw their bodies around to make sure the team was successful.  I wanted to have Banditos Tee Shirts made and everything.  

Soccer Style Kicker 

I told Coach Smith I wanted to go with an All-Mexican kickoff team.  Dan was not too sure if Coach Bethel would go for it... he was sort of worried about being politically correct and all.  Dan told me to ask Bethel.  I told Randy of my plans, and he quickly nixed it. Randy said: "MAN, are you trying to get me fired? You can't do that!"  So, I officially dismantled the "Banditos"...sort of.  I would still use them, but it was a sort-of underground thing on our team. Dan was in charge of the kickoff return team, so I would line up the "Banditos" to run a live kickoff team for our return drill.  It was great practice for our team.  I think Dan's special team ran back 3 or 4 kicks that year, and I am sure the "Banditos" contributed to the success.  Occasionally I would sneak them into a game and they would do just fine.  

Now days when I think back on this, I guess it was a little controversial at the time, but it was never intended to be that way.  I can see Randy's concern of the feedback possibilities. I was just trying to keep the hispanic players interested and involved with their own special identity...sort of a badge of honor.  There was nothing racial about it. Most of these kids rarely saw the field, so I was attempting to get everyone some playing time.  Most of you guys know I don't see color or race anyway....if a kid can play...he can play.  Now don't laugh at me, but I actually went to Soccer games that year and watched my "Banditos" play their native sport.....and you know something?  Coach Holtz was right.  It was great fun to watch my kids play a sport that I did not understand.  

GZ 

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Vero Beach Football  

We have began our weekly preparation for this weeks opponent:  Ft Lauderdale "The Flying L's"   This team is off to a quick start this year as well.  They are coming to us with a 3-0 record and scoring a lot of points.  This game will be a real test for our team, and I hope we can be competitive.  An undefeated football team in Florida should always be taken seriously.  

Our kids are practicing very well this week so far.  We are getting back most of our injured players, and we seem to be healthy.  Tuesday practices are my favorite. We practice in full gear so there is a little more action on the field along with the pad-popping.  We do gear-down the hitting a little bit however.  No blocking below the waist, no hitting the QB (I think this may be a death sentence) and no taking a tackle to the ground.  As hard as we try....boys will be boys and things tend to be a little spicy at times.   Wednesday practice is very similar to Tuesday practice.  We will practice again in full gear, but hitting will be tapered down.  Thursday practice is very light.  This day is know as On/Off.  The kids are wearing only their helmets with matching cloth for the day.  We rehearse all of our special teams, Offensive game plan and a defensive game plans are also rehearsed.  This is also the day we start handing out game jerseys for the game.  The players are allowed to wear jerseys to school on this day only.   

Lineman Of The Week vs Dr Krop. 

John Moran 

Big John (Senior-Offensive Guard) has been a valuable addition to our team this year.  This 6'4" 340lb  powerhouse  had an outstanding game with several 'Pancake" blocks included. You may see him playing on Saturdays  next season.  

One final thing.  I cannot say enough good things about our booster club.  These hard working people actually feed our entire team four days a week after practice.  Anything we want or need will be provided for us.  The Boosters spoil all of us during the season, and I will be forever be appreciative for their efforts.  They are the very best group of volunteers I have ever been around.  Believe me, its not this way at all schools.   

Thanks for reading.

GZ

WIN: 44-0

 I have been doing this coaching thing for 34 seasons now, so you would think that I would be getting tired of the routine and time commitments that coaching at this level (8A) requires.  I will admit that there are days that I flat-out do not feel like going to practice, and there are early mornings before practice that I lay in bed wondering why I am doing all this when I could be going fishing instead.  My knees hurt, and my bones ache.  I always have a headache from being out in the sun so long.  Once I step into our facility my wonders disappear.  I realize that being around the players, and being around the coaches is the very reason I am still coaching after all these years.  Someday when I retire all together, I will probably be hanging around the football field somewhere soaking in the medicine that keeps me going.  Football is my life, and football is my passion.  I was born to do this.

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Vero Beach: 44  Dr Krop: 0 

Pre-Game pic of the stands

Ryan Jankowski working with Bobby in warmups 

Last night we defeated Miami Dr. Krop  (44-0) in a hard fought game played the Citrus Bowl.  Our kids dominated the opponent from the beginning, and we scored on offense, defense, and special teams.  We had a 44-0 lead heading into halftime; consequently, we had two ten minute quarters and a running clock the entire second half.  We had a chance to rest our starters for most of the game, and we also got a chance to play all of our players who are little further down the depth chart. Games like this blowout are difficult for any team involved.  I have been on both sides of a blowout win, and take it from me, the winning team has considerably more fun than the losing team.

Surprisingly, we had a pretty good week at practice.  The weather left us alone for the most part, and we got in some pretty good work.  I have been focusing on getting my kids better each week.  You really can't teach each a good athlete how to run.  By now, his natural athletic ability has taken over.  What you can do is teach the fundamentals and try to get them perfect.  Everything from his stance in the backfield, the way he carries the ball, and his body language comes into scrutiny.   Fact is that I cannot see his vision on the field....I cannot see what he sees in the field of battle.  However, if I can teach him the fundamentals, and teach him where the holes are supposed to be, then his natural athleticism will take over.  Also, in our offensive system, ball catching ability is a must.  This may or may-not be a challenge for any coach.   Luckily, most skill kids can catch a ball.....as long as they can see the ball coming.  This year we have a player who wears vision goggles.  Bobby can catch anything when he has then on; however, if he forgets to bring them, it is always an adventure.  I have learned to never take anything for granted.

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This was my house this morning as I left for work.  The Turnover Cape was in my garage airing out after being soaked by sweat and water from last night's game.  The lineman-of-the-week belt is resting on my cedar chest awaiting the results of this week's winner.  My wife Marty will check the cape for any damage, and repair it if necessary.  She will add the belt winner's name to the belt once we find out the results.  So, as you can see, Vero Beach Football is never far away at my house.  

Later 

GZ

VICTORY: 46-0

My Boys (L-R)  Daoovan-Logan-Bryan-Bobby)  

MY boys....sounds funny doesn't it?  Years ago I remember my daughter Kristin estimated she had about fifteen hundred (1500) brothers who once played for me.  I guess by now the number is well over two thousand  (2000) considering I have been doing this for 34 years.  I do feel like all these boys are my kids, and I try to connect with each of them personally if I can.  Afterall, these are SOMEBODY'S kids, so I try to be that role model for them on the field.  It's not always easy, but it is always rewarding for me to see the players mature and perform on the field while I try to teach them "Lessons In Life" along the way.  Teaching these life lessons are part of our job as coaches, and it is much more difficult  than teaching the X's and 0's.  I always like to tell the kids: "High School Football Only Lasts Four Years, But You Will Spend The Rest Of Your Life Remembering It!" 

  www.Coach-George.Blogspot.com 

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Bryan on a nice run!  

Vero Beach: 46 Wellington 0

Last night we beat Wellington 46-0 in the Citrus Bowl.  Do not let the score fool you, Wellington was a big and athletic team deserving of their undefeated record.  For most of the first half, they went toe to toe with us in this physical game.  However, our defense was playing very well, and our offense scored on most possessions.  Finally, our running game opened up and we started gashing them...of course that opened up our passing game.  If both parts of our game are clicking, then I think we are difficult to stop.  I feel like a weight has been lifted off my shoulders a little bit, for I coach the running backs, and in my mind I was blaming myself for our lack of productivity rushing the ball.  Our offensive line is getting better and better each week, so running the ball is becoming a little easier.  Thank god...now I may be able to sleep at night.  This team may surprise some people at the end of the year.  

Have you ever wondered what it is like on our electric sidelines on a Friday Night?   Our sidelines are like no other I have seen at a high school game.  It is noisy on our sideline. With our great band blasting, our cheerleaders chanting, and our huge crowd cheering,  normal verbal communication is very difficult.  Most of the time we are not yelling, we are trying to communicate with each other.  I am thankful I get to wear headphones, so my job is a bit easier.  Our sideline is also very crowded.  With the players, coaches,equipment, press, media, and guests, just navigating the sidelines is sometimes difficult.  This is where my signs are important, because the players can always find where they are supposed to be on special teams.  But, this is Vero Beach Fighting Indians Football...there is no place I would rather be.  

Turnover Cape 

Coach Rahal with Turnover Cape Inside 

Rahal With The Secret Case 

The Turnover Cape premiered at home for the first time on Friday Night.  My wife Marty (The Cape Creator) was in the stands, and she got to see the cape in all its glory for the first time.  Coach Rahal is having fun carrying the turnover case around with him before the game which works his players into a frenzy.  After halftime, I sarcastically mentioned to Rahal that we had no turnovers.  Two possessions later Jafari recovered a fumble, ran to the sideline,  and Rahal "Caped Him"  The crowd went crazy.  Then the flood gates opened and we had three other turnovers shortly after.   Each time, the crowd would chant: "Cape, Cape, Cape"  The players had great fun with it.  I was told the television (you-tube announcers) are looking for a sponsor for the cape and they are deciding on theme music to play on the jumbo tron for when it is awarded.  I am hoping for James Brown "I Feel Good" myself.  

All this hoopla for a simple idea that went viral.  I love this program. 

GZ   

Week 2 Prep.

I may not have a lot to offer with X's and O's anymore, but I can make Coach Jankowski's life a little easier with my mechanical ability and knowledge of what makes a coaches job less difficult.  If there is an issue, I will generally find a way to solve the problem.  I am thankful to have a wife (Marty) who is pretty crafty, and she can generally make my visions come to life.  I can't understand why she helps me the way she does, for I am selfish, arrogant, and difficult during the season.  I do not have much time (during the season) for her either...and she understands this and rarely complains.  I have a great coach's wife.  

On Field Communication Signs

Marty has made me (and the team) all these professional looking signs you see all over the field during our games.  These signs have become crucial to communicate with our players because it is very noisy on our sideline, and verbal communication is very difficult.   These signs are made from plastic waffle board  and custom lettered to my specifications.  They would be very difficult to replace. I needed a way to carry the signs and protect them from damage.  Once again, I turned to Marty.  After showing her exactly what I needed, Marty made me this cool waterproof carrying case which was just what we needed. Notice the cool VB Logo?  Pretty cool huh?  

'Cool Hand Joe'

These days, one of the best parts of coaching (for me) is the personal relationships I have with some of the kids.  I try to nickname some of my kids for this very reason.  I have nicked kids with names which they still answer to during their adult life.  For me, it is a term of love.  The bag above is named for such a player.  Joey Rahal is just a good kid.  He is our third team QB,  so I recruited him to help with the signs on the sideline. I truly identify with Joe in more ways than one.....and he is always willing to help me with anything I need.  Joey is sooo cool when he gets on the field, so I call him 'Cool Hand Joe'...named after a old movie called 'Cool Hand Luke'  Joey will be handling this bag (and the contents) on the sideline, so I named the bag in his honor.  I can always depend on Joe when I need him.   Be sure to look for Cool Hand Joe on the sideline. 

Tonight I am working on these special team cards.  I have hand written the 2-deep depth chart and taped them to the back of each appropriate sign.   This way if we need to make a quick change, the information is right here in front of us and easy to perform.  Its old-school, clean and efficient.  We are organized on our sideline.....and that makes me feel better.  Afterall, you cannot hear a thing when the band is playing.  

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Week 2: Wellington High School at Home:  

We had a decent week of practice, but we had a few distractions.  This time of year always brings storms and lightning.  A few times this week we were delayed or run off the fields all together by these annoyances.  However, I thought Lenny (and our coaches) did a superb job of keeping the kids focused, and we tried to keep practices as normal as possible.  I thought today's practice was very good with no delays.  

Wellington High School is a very good ball club.  They seem to be very athletic, and the game should be more than competitive.  The team with the fewest mistakes will win this game.  We have been working very hard to clean up our mental mistakes and on-field errors.  We seem to be very healthy and ready to play.  Today I had a good chance to sit back and watch our defense work on the field.  I would really hate to prepare for Coach Leslie's unit, for they really fly to the ball.  Randy Bethel, Pete DeLuke, Brian Rahal, and Teddy Floyd make up  make up the rest of the defensive coaching staff...and I consider them to be the best in the business.  

Thanks for reading.....more after the game tomorrow night.  

GZ  

VB vs Venice....Game Wrap Up.

Photo borrowed from our great booster club's FB page 

The score board says it all.  Last night we beat Venice 42-20 in a hard fought showdown with last year's 7A State champion.  I won't lie....it was a great game against a quality opponent, and the victory was still in doubt until the mid  third quarter.   It was a brutal trip for us.  After a quick (on the go) lunch provided by our excellent booster club,  we hit the road at 10:30 for the three hour + trip across the state to Venice Florida.  The actual trip over in the motor coach was not too bad, and the time passed quickly.  We arrived at a local hotel and facility at 1:45 pm to just chill and relax a little before the 7:30 pm kickoff.  The hotel arranged for us to use a large carpeted meeting space while we were ther.  This air conditioned room had a large movie screen, dining tables,   ice water and lemonade, and plenty of room to stretch out and relax.  At 3:45 they fed our kids a pre-game meal of grilled chicken, green beans, mashed potatoes, and salad.  Our players ate dinner, got dressed, and we went through our normal routine of getting taped, meetings, etc.... before leaving the complex at 5:00 pm and heading for the field about two miles away.  This diversion kept everything as normal as possible and routine for all the players.  Every coach hates the unexpected before a game.  

We arrived to the stadium and was greeted by an immediate lightning delay.  We could not get to the field and set up.  We fought this weather related on and off the field thing all night long.  We had two long delays during the game, and I was worried that it would affect our momentum.  I thought the coaching staff did a masterful job at keeping the kids focused with all the distractions.  The game itself was very rewarding. We jumped on them pretty quickly, but they answered with a score of their own to tie it up 7-7.  This physical game went back and forth for the first two quarters.  We had a touchdown called back, but we still went into half time leading 21-20 despite the two long delays oth teams endured.  It was a loooooong half of football.  Coach Jankowski (Coach J) gave a fantastic halftime talk with the players, and we came out ready to play and eventually pulled away 42-20 to secure the win.  It was a great quality win against a great program over in Venice.  We arrived home around 4 am this morning.  

Remember the special team's confusion we had (in week 1) when playing Viera?  Did you see us (Coach Dale Dawkins and myself) using these signs?   I made these signs to use during the game.  Marty lettered these signs, and on the back of each sign I had all the depth chart information adhered.  We would simply hold up the sign, call out the players on that particular special team, and quickly get on the field.  Worked like a charm.  

One final thing.  I will never be talking much (on this blog) about who is or isn't starting, or who may or may not be injured, or the severity of the injury.  I will not be talking about the game plan, and I will never talk about what is being said behind the closed doors of the program.  I just intended this blog to be generic information about our wonderful program....and you never know who may be reading this blog.  Thank You for all the positive words I hear about my writing.  

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TURNOVER CAPE  

Miami Hurricane's Turnover Chain  

A defensive turnover is very special.  Last year, the University of Miami started rewarding the player who caused the turnover, with a big, gold and gaudy gold chain to wear on the sideline.  The players adopted this new award, and they fought hard to get it each week.  Coach Manny Diaz's  new award was quickly copied by what seems like every high school team in the country with their version of this special award.  It became very watered down.  It was crazy.  

Within the past couple weeks, our defensive backs Coach Brian Rahal approached me about making something for the defense to celebrate turnovers of possession.  He knew how much fun the kids were having on the offensive line with "The Belt"  I told him that the turnover chain was overdone, and we needed to think of something else.  I said we needed to do a Ric Flair/ James Brown type of thing with a robe or cape of some type.  Brian simply said to bling it up as much as possible....then double that amount; thus, an idea was born.   I was married to the right girl to get this done....but she just did not know it.  I have a great football wife.  Marty got right to work.  

Ric Flair Robe and Cape 

James Brown Cape 

Marty found the perfect fabric to use for the cape.  She designed a pattern to use, while I expressed our vision for this beauty.  She spent a week (spare time) just cutting fabric and sewing this beauty trying to make our vision come to life.  Coach Rahal found a silver box to keep it in.  Marty covered this box with emblems to make it look special....almost secretive.  The cape was folded in the box and locked down... remember, the players knew nothing about this cape.  Coach Rahal carried this silver decorative box around with his all day Friday making sure the players seen him doing so.  Of course, the players curiosity grew and the question kept coming up: "Coach, Whats In The Box?"   Rahal demanded they make a play to find out!   Then it happened....a fumble recovery!   He opens the box and......

So, this is the story on the cape.  I am sure you will be seeing it many more times this year.  I am also sure you will be seeing "The Belt" a lot again this year as well.  Makes my heart feel good to see these kids having fun with this stuff.  

Talk Later:  

GZ  

After Game Wrap Up

Pregame Warm up.  

Sorry for not writing sooner.  I sort of shut down after a tough game, and I do not feel like doing much else but keeping to myself and sleeping.  It started with my wife late on Friday night after the game.  Marty just left me alone and simply said "there is food in the fridge if you want something to eat"....then she quietly left the room.   My daughter Kristin called today and asked if the communication shutdown was over.  She has been through this with me many times before, and she knows when it is safe to call me.  Kristin knows me better than anyone else when it comes to this stuff.  Finally, Coach Pete Deluke sort of prodded me today at our meeting...simply asking if I was considering going back to the press box?  Pete said I have been deathly quiet on text messaging and social media since the game was over.   I guess they are all correct....I don't take losing very well.  I am not very mature sometimes.  

"PawPaw: Sometimes your team looks very very good.  Sometimes they look very very bad!"

Today when Kristin called, I talked with my grandson Grice as well.  I was wanting to find out how his first jamboree game went yesterday.  We talked for a little bit, then he hit me with the little gem of a statement above.  All I could really say is....."thanks buddy"  Then, I chuckled to myself.  I guess I will be OK afterall.   

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The Game: 

We lost the pre-season kickoff classic 35-28 to a talented Viera football team.  We could have/should have won the game.  We had four turnover during the game...and we clearly left at least three additional touchdowns in the red zone.  Offensively we were like a roller coaster...up and down all night long.  We did not rush the ball very well, so we have some work to do.  But adjustments these are all very fixable. Defensively we played very well in spite of the final score.  Our guys are going to be very good...sometimes a hard game like this is exactly what a team needs.  It does not get any easier this week though. We travel across the state to face last year's 7A State Champion Venice High School.  Should be fun.  

GZ   

The Game Plan Is In.

Austin Maxwell- 2017  Lineman Of The Year  "The Champ" 

Today I was paid again as a football coach.  Not monetarily, but with pride.  Big Ole Austin Maxwell came down to practice today to visit with the team and coaches.  It was so great to see him.  Of course, I greeted him with: "How are you doing Champ"  I saw his eyes light up and he stuck out that big mit (his hand) of his and firmly grasped my hand.  He looked me straight in the eye and greeted me with pride.  Austin asked me: "Coach, you bringing back the belt?"  "Did you see what I did with my belt?"  The young man has mounted the belt onto a decorative board and mounted it onto his wall.  I hope someday he will show the belt to his children and think fondly of me.  

I remember asking myself if kid's today would consider the belt stupid?  I often wondered if my dreams for motivating them was my pipe dream, or did they actually take some pride in winning the weekly award.  I knew the big boys enjoyed the additional press they received from the local media, but I wondered if they really took pride in their 'Linemen Only' award given by their position coaches.  Today, all my wonders and worries were put to rest.  I guess the 'The Strap' does mean something, and I am glad to bring it back for another year.  

Hudl Sideline Charging Tonight

Today is Wednesday.... The game plan is in.  Everything that could have been added to the plan has been added.  Now, we are in reinforcement mode.  Everything we have been working on as a team is being touched upon.  We are tweaking the little things, and making adjustments when necessary.  Tonight I took home all of our electronic equipment for a good charging before I meet tomorrow with Chris Hiser.  Our game will be broadcast on our YouTube Channel, so Chris is quite busy himself.  I really like this young technical expert, and I would be lost without him.  Between the two of us, we can figure out most any issue with this instant replay system (Hudl Sideline) which as become such a big part of our sideline.  

Tomorrow will be another busy day for me.  Practice itself will be what we call on/off.  We will rehearse the entire game on the field.  Every formation we run, and every defense we run will be touched upon.  We will hit all special teams, and make sure we are covered with backups at each position.  Then,  I will help Coach DeLuke give out game jerseys and uniforms for Friday night's game.  I also have a 4:30 pm meeting with Hiser which should last no more than an hour.  Then, I will go home and not sleep tomorrow night.  Like I said....tomorrow will be a long day.  

I will write when I can.  Its getting hard to put together a complete sentence.  Nerves are setting in.  

GZ