Random thoughts from the state football play-offs
As I sat in Holt Arena last night, watching one of the best prep football games that I have witness all year, some thoughts occurred to me. Where I am unable to make the jaunt over to Bishop Kelley this evening, stuck here in the office, I have a few moments on my hands to pose a few questions and comment on a few observations that I have made in the last couple of weeks.
First. The dome is a great place to watch a game on a cold fall night. I know that it isnt the most astetically pleasing of facilities to glance at, but as far as pure functionality, the Dome serves a great purpose and I am grateful for it.
Speaking of the dome, last nights game with the Shelley Russets and the Salmon Savages had more fans in the seats than the last ISU game I attended, and only one side of the stands were used! Hopefully a better crowd will come out for tomorrows game. (maybe not)
Second: I am sick of the 8:45 pm game! I understand that there are scheduling problems with the Bengals practice schedule. But last week the Bengals were on the road, no practice on Friday night at the dome because they were gone. WHy not start the first game at five, second game at 7:30? It would help all involved, especially a frantic sports editor who is trying to nail the dead line.
Third: The kick off rule needs to be changed. Case in point. The Russets kick off to the Salmon kick returner. The ball bounces up and over the returner, actually skipping off his hands and then rolls another ten yards into the end zone. The Shelley special teams show tremendous hustle, beating the Salmon players to the ball and recover it in the end zone. Their reward? A touchback for the Savages. Rewarded for not catching the ball, or hustling to recover the ball after the first mistake. That rule more than likely is in place in an effort to cut down on injuries or some fool thing, but I don’t think that it should be a blanket call that if the ball enters the end zone it is a touchback. Ok, nuff said about that.
Fourth: Salmons Trey Inganger is a straight up stud! All Infanger did last night was score four touchdowns. Kick off, punt, and two td receptions. OH, and a pair of game changing interceptions on the defensive side of the ball. A good thing to be sure that the Russets had a complete team effort, because in the end it was Shelley 28, Infanger 27. (yes he scored the PAT as well)
Fifth: I wish that I was at Bishop Kelley High School right now.
Sixth: For Pete’s Sake, why won’t my computer get the webcast for me? Oh man, it’s going to be a long night. Have a great weekend everybody!!!!
on November 7, 2009 on 6:29 pm
Mark,
Great points. The dome is a great place to watch football. And I agree, the kickoff rule needs to change. I don’t understand how running kicks back poses any more of a hazard to a player than the hits experienced in other parts of the game. It would certainly add another dimension to the game, and in my opinion, one of the more potentially exciting dimensions.
Keep up the great work on the sports coverage. Blackfoot is lucky to have someone who is not just an excellent writer, but an avid sports fan who truly supports the local teams.
Ron
on November 8, 2009 on 1:28 am
Shelley-Salmon was a classic. Hard to believe but Declo-Malad was even better. IF-Highland was not to shabby either.