As it goes at most end of the season Banquets, there are always a few Thank-You's that get missed for various reasons. And I always feel bad when that happens. I usually remember about 2 minutes after I sit back down and even though I had planned to make sure I included them, I somehow miss them anyway. So here goes.
First of all I would like to thank the Team Managers for all of their great support for the season. Usually we have a few dads that perform this function, but this year we had 3 couples handle this for us. Both Mom's and Dad's were always there ready to help with equipment needs or Ice bags at practice. And the dad's shined on the sideline as our waterboys for the season, So I would like to thank the Buddenhagens, the Guetzkes, and the Kennedy's for all their efforts and support this season. It sure makes it easier to coach when all the other tasks are handled.
Of course all of the volunteers that helped out on Game Day, with equipment distribution and return, and all the other behind the scenes activities. The club only grows greater with the support of all the volunteers.
And of course the support of my family and my Lovely Wife Lynne. I had coached 6th grade for 9 years prior to taking 2 years off to handle the equipment shed and watch my son at the HS lower levels. And she thought that maybe I was done spending my fall evenings at the HS. I really love coaching the kids and wanted to get back into coaching, especially since we were starting up a 5th grade program and this has been one of my drives for several years. So we made a deal, since we had to put our 2 older Siberian Huskies down over the previuos year and a half, I could coach, if she could get a puppy. Well now we have 2 dogs, and 2 birds in the house. So I guess I get to coach for a while.
I will be back at 5th grade next year, I enjoyed this group of players as much as any I have had over the years, and to some point, they will hold a special place as the first group of 5th graders. It is a very rewarding experiance to watch them grow through the program and into HS and on to college. There are 3 players that I personally coached playing D1 football, and many more playing at other colleges around the state. It is fun to follow their successes and watch them grow, not only athletically but as fine young men in the community.
Thanks again to everyone for a great 1st season of 5th grade Football, and especially the players for making this year special. Good luck to all of you next season and beyond, and remember, I'll be watching you. Make MeProud.
Coach Dave,
Saturday, November 14, 2009
Saturday, October 31, 2009
A Wonderful Cap to our Inaugaral Season
It was a cold and muddy day, so that meant it was time to go back to power Hartford Football and Power we did. We scored on the second play from scrimmage, A simple 26 base for about 60 yards and we never looked back. Our defense was stellar again, pitching their 3rd shutout of the year. On offense we tried a few things but simply ran up the middle almost all day. The kids said before the game, that they had some big players on their team, but our young men came up bigger in the end.
We as coaches are so proud of how the team performed this year. And as I have always stated, Wins are a bonus. The most important part of these first few years is to establish the basics, let the kids play as much as possible and have fun. I think that we accomplished all of these goals, at least I hope that we did, because certainly we tried to. This was a fine bunch of young men to work with and it will be exciting to see them progress over the next 7 years of Hartford Football.
From day 1 of learning how to put the knee-pads in the right way, and finding out that there is a difference between offense and defense, to running from shotgun, calling red, blue, green audibles, and learning how to run the same play from a pro-formation or a Power-I formation or a Shotgun formation, they sure have come a long way. And it's fun for me as a coach to watch the changes over the season, I hope that it was for you as Fans and as Players as well.
Just a reminder that the 5th grade team will meet at the equipment shed on Tues. Nov. 10th at 6 PM for a coaches sponsored pizza party while the parents return their equipment. Also the end of the year banquet will be Wed. Nov. 11th in the HUHS large cafeteria. Check the events page to see what dish you should bring. This is for the entire family. Registration will also take place at the banquet and this to me is the real measure of the success of our season as I base it on how many players decide to return and play next season. If they have fun this year, they will be back. I hope to many if not all pf you next season.
Thanks for a great season.
Coach Dave,
We as coaches are so proud of how the team performed this year. And as I have always stated, Wins are a bonus. The most important part of these first few years is to establish the basics, let the kids play as much as possible and have fun. I think that we accomplished all of these goals, at least I hope that we did, because certainly we tried to. This was a fine bunch of young men to work with and it will be exciting to see them progress over the next 7 years of Hartford Football.
From day 1 of learning how to put the knee-pads in the right way, and finding out that there is a difference between offense and defense, to running from shotgun, calling red, blue, green audibles, and learning how to run the same play from a pro-formation or a Power-I formation or a Shotgun formation, they sure have come a long way. And it's fun for me as a coach to watch the changes over the season, I hope that it was for you as Fans and as Players as well.
Just a reminder that the 5th grade team will meet at the equipment shed on Tues. Nov. 10th at 6 PM for a coaches sponsored pizza party while the parents return their equipment. Also the end of the year banquet will be Wed. Nov. 11th in the HUHS large cafeteria. Check the events page to see what dish you should bring. This is for the entire family. Registration will also take place at the banquet and this to me is the real measure of the success of our season as I base it on how many players decide to return and play next season. If they have fun this year, they will be back. I hope to many if not all pf you next season.
Thanks for a great season.
Coach Dave,
Saturday, October 24, 2009
A Great Defensive Day!!!!
Our opponent today was 0-4-2 coming into today's action so we knew that they would be hungry for a victory. And they did put up a good battle until the end. However, our team, especially our defense was equal to the task and even superior for most of the day. I believe that Tosa West only had a couple of 1st downs for the entire day and seems that we were pushing them back more than they were going forward. And it all culminated in a game icing safety with less than 2 mins to go. Super job by the defense today.
On the other hand our offense although solid for most of the day, was shaky at times. We did move the ball well as we maintained field position all day, and gave up the ball inside the Tosa 10 yard line 2 or 3 times. Turn-overs and penalties were our Achilles heal today. I guess the cold weather may have caught up with everyone. However, we were able to pull it together enough to get into the end zone once, and make the extra point. And the team never gave up and our runners did run hard all day and earned every yard that they gained.
This may be our last game of the season. We are working on lining up a game with another 5th grade team that we have not played, and that would be hosting a game with their older grades. At this time we have a maybe from Saukville, I should have confirmation on this by Monday. We will practice Monday and Tuesday 4;45 - 6:30, but if weather is very bad, we may wrap up early. If we have a game next Sat we will practice on Thursday as well.
Regardless of whether we have a game or not, It has been a great season. I believe that I can speak for all of the coaches by saying that we are proud to have been able to work with these fine young men this year. This is a very gifted group and they have come together as a team and really worked well together all season. Next year they will be split into 2 teams, but we told them to remember that even though they will play separate schedules, they will still be one team and they will come back together as one unit in High School.
Once again Congratulations to the team on the game and the season. And keep up the good work this next week and next season.
Coach Dave,
On the other hand our offense although solid for most of the day, was shaky at times. We did move the ball well as we maintained field position all day, and gave up the ball inside the Tosa 10 yard line 2 or 3 times. Turn-overs and penalties were our Achilles heal today. I guess the cold weather may have caught up with everyone. However, we were able to pull it together enough to get into the end zone once, and make the extra point. And the team never gave up and our runners did run hard all day and earned every yard that they gained.
This may be our last game of the season. We are working on lining up a game with another 5th grade team that we have not played, and that would be hosting a game with their older grades. At this time we have a maybe from Saukville, I should have confirmation on this by Monday. We will practice Monday and Tuesday 4;45 - 6:30, but if weather is very bad, we may wrap up early. If we have a game next Sat we will practice on Thursday as well.
Regardless of whether we have a game or not, It has been a great season. I believe that I can speak for all of the coaches by saying that we are proud to have been able to work with these fine young men this year. This is a very gifted group and they have come together as a team and really worked well together all season. Next year they will be split into 2 teams, but we told them to remember that even though they will play separate schedules, they will still be one team and they will come back together as one unit in High School.
Once again Congratulations to the team on the game and the season. And keep up the good work this next week and next season.
Coach Dave,
Tuesday, October 20, 2009
Just not our day
It was a Tough day for the 5th Grade team this last week. Once again, we just did not come prepared to play. We made a lot of mental mistakes and unfortunately a lot of physical mistakes as well. And it's hard to be successful with that combination. Not sure if it was overconfidence with the 2 -game win streak, or the fact that we had scrimmaged this team before and fared fairly well against them, but we could see it in the teams preparation this week, and warned them that this could happen because practices were not sharp. Things got as little better in the second half, but we had created too much of a hole to dig out of. Let's hope that we get back to where we know that we can be for the rest of the season, and finish our last home game on a positive note.
Our next opponent will be Wauwatosa West. We may have a little better record than they do, but they have played some close games against some tough teams. We better be ready as they will be hungary to get their 1st win of the season in what may be their last game of the year as well.
As you may know, 5th grade is only scheduled for 7 games, while 6th - 8th grade are scheduled for 8 games. We are trying to contact potential teams that the upper grades will match up with to see if there may be any interest in one more 5th grade match-up. This would be an away game, and I realize that this would also be on Halloween. so we also need to know what type of participation we would have. The Thursady and Friday prior are also Teachers convention, so some families plan a long weekend trip. All of these factors will come into play when we make our decision to play or not in that 8th week. We will keep you posted.
Thanks and let'sm finish with a bang.
Coach Dave
Our next opponent will be Wauwatosa West. We may have a little better record than they do, but they have played some close games against some tough teams. We better be ready as they will be hungary to get their 1st win of the season in what may be their last game of the year as well.
As you may know, 5th grade is only scheduled for 7 games, while 6th - 8th grade are scheduled for 8 games. We are trying to contact potential teams that the upper grades will match up with to see if there may be any interest in one more 5th grade match-up. This would be an away game, and I realize that this would also be on Halloween. so we also need to know what type of participation we would have. The Thursady and Friday prior are also Teachers convention, so some families plan a long weekend trip. All of these factors will come into play when we make our decision to play or not in that 8th week. We will keep you posted.
Thanks and let'sm finish with a bang.
Coach Dave
Saturday, October 10, 2009
We have a Winning Streak
The weather was cold and had a bite and there were even flurries in the air. There were uncontrollable delays from the earlier games which caused there to be a late start of almost and hour. But none of that could ice the fire and the desire for our team to be the best that that could be today.
For those that were there, it would be an understatement to say that the team really played well today. Our defense was stellar, pitching their second shut-out in a row. And the offense moved the ball with purpose and controlled most of the game.
If you have followed us all season you may have noticed that we tried some new things. We implemented the shotgun formation this week. And the team was truly excited to try something new. We ran the same basic plays from this formation and I'm not sure if it was the competition, or the change on it's own, but we had several big plays from this formation including a couple of scores. It's fun to mix things up. We are also calling audibles at the line. The quarterback can change the play based on the defensive formation just based on the color he calls in his cadence. The team picked up on this very quickly and it is just another tool to help them acheive the success that you are seeing on the field.
There were a few weather related miscues, as well as a few mental breakdowns during the game, but the individuals and team as a whole were able to recover from them and overcome their mistakes to move forward to put together their best effort this season.
As always the Coaching staff is extremely proud of the way the team continues to improve and are looking forward to the excitment the team will bring us over the next couple of weeks.
Let's have some more fun and see you at next weeks game.
Coach Dave,
For those that were there, it would be an understatement to say that the team really played well today. Our defense was stellar, pitching their second shut-out in a row. And the offense moved the ball with purpose and controlled most of the game.
If you have followed us all season you may have noticed that we tried some new things. We implemented the shotgun formation this week. And the team was truly excited to try something new. We ran the same basic plays from this formation and I'm not sure if it was the competition, or the change on it's own, but we had several big plays from this formation including a couple of scores. It's fun to mix things up. We are also calling audibles at the line. The quarterback can change the play based on the defensive formation just based on the color he calls in his cadence. The team picked up on this very quickly and it is just another tool to help them acheive the success that you are seeing on the field.
There were a few weather related miscues, as well as a few mental breakdowns during the game, but the individuals and team as a whole were able to recover from them and overcome their mistakes to move forward to put together their best effort this season.
As always the Coaching staff is extremely proud of the way the team continues to improve and are looking forward to the excitment the team will bring us over the next couple of weeks.
Let's have some more fun and see you at next weeks game.
Coach Dave,
Saturday, October 3, 2009
History is Made
For the 1st time in the History of Hartford Youth Football, the 5th grade team has posted a win. And we hope that it's the first of many more to come. The team came out today with fire and continue the same throughout the entire game. I had a feeling that they were ready to play as during the start of the second half of the 6th grade game, they all gathered at one end of the bleachers and started cheering and chanting in unison for the 6th Grade Team. They definately were into the game. A much better sign then last week and much more like the team that we have practiced with all year.
What is especially pleasing is the fact that we switched things up and several players were playing positions in game situations for the first time. And they all performed admirably. I believe that we had no less than 6 different runners have gains of more than 10 yards on at least one play from scrimmage. (although a couple were called back) the fact that they ran with such conviction was great to see. We did give up a couple of big runs, but our defense stepped up to the task and we were in the Slinger backfield almost as much as their QB was.
All around a great effort by everyone on the team, and although it may seem a little thing to most of them now, each one of these players can say they were there and contributed to the very first Hartford Youth Football 5th Grade victory.
The Coaching staff is also very proud to be part of this great event and we look forward to the rest of the season with these fine young men.
Let's continue to play hard and HAVE FUN!!! This is what it's all about.
Coach Dave,
What is especially pleasing is the fact that we switched things up and several players were playing positions in game situations for the first time. And they all performed admirably. I believe that we had no less than 6 different runners have gains of more than 10 yards on at least one play from scrimmage. (although a couple were called back) the fact that they ran with such conviction was great to see. We did give up a couple of big runs, but our defense stepped up to the task and we were in the Slinger backfield almost as much as their QB was.
All around a great effort by everyone on the team, and although it may seem a little thing to most of them now, each one of these players can say they were there and contributed to the very first Hartford Youth Football 5th Grade victory.
The Coaching staff is also very proud to be part of this great event and we look forward to the rest of the season with these fine young men.
Let's continue to play hard and HAVE FUN!!! This is what it's all about.
Coach Dave,
Monday, September 28, 2009
2 completely different games, Same result.
Sorry it has been so long since I have put a post here, It's been a fairly hectic couple of weeks for me. Now to the team.
On 9/19 we played West Bend East. A team that we had scrimmaged before the season and were confident that we could compete with. We knew that they had some speed, and we would need to contain them on the outside to come out on top. Well early in the game they broke the outside on us twice, and we had a big hole to climb out of. We started the climb but just before the half, I made a coaching decision that maybe I should take back. With 4th down and long on our own 20. we tried some trickery and it backfired. Shortly afer that they scored and at the half it was 20 - 7 WBE. Our kids played with determination and we fought back, all the way to the point of taking the lead with 1 Min left on a Hartford staple. The 60 Hitch & Pitch run to perfection by the team. All we needed to do was hold on for 60 sec. We were doing well, then with 20 sec, one of their speedsters caught the corner and ran for the winning score. So close and the kids played so hard and we couldn't be prouder of them.
On 9/26 we had our first home game, a chance to start building our house. We hosted Oshkosh and they had played the same 2 teams that we had already played. They beat WBE 7 -6, and lost to Lake Country Red 13-12. This game aligned to be just as competitive as the first 2. Once again as in the first 2 games, our opponents broke out to 2 early scores. We did have a nice drive in between those scores, but could not finish it. Through most of the game our defense played tough but gave up a late score as well. Our offense never really got on track as we made many mental and physical mistakes that we have not made in the past. It seems that the team as a whole was just not there today. I guess we all have those days. Lets hope that they all had it the same day and we can move forward from here. There were still a lot of nice plays on both sides of the ball, and we can be encouraged that we can get back to our earlier level of play from this point forward. Now that the real football weather is here, let's see what teams step up and play hard in the cold and yuck.
Keep the faith, things will get better, We as coaches are.
Coach Dave
On 9/19 we played West Bend East. A team that we had scrimmaged before the season and were confident that we could compete with. We knew that they had some speed, and we would need to contain them on the outside to come out on top. Well early in the game they broke the outside on us twice, and we had a big hole to climb out of. We started the climb but just before the half, I made a coaching decision that maybe I should take back. With 4th down and long on our own 20. we tried some trickery and it backfired. Shortly afer that they scored and at the half it was 20 - 7 WBE. Our kids played with determination and we fought back, all the way to the point of taking the lead with 1 Min left on a Hartford staple. The 60 Hitch & Pitch run to perfection by the team. All we needed to do was hold on for 60 sec. We were doing well, then with 20 sec, one of their speedsters caught the corner and ran for the winning score. So close and the kids played so hard and we couldn't be prouder of them.
On 9/26 we had our first home game, a chance to start building our house. We hosted Oshkosh and they had played the same 2 teams that we had already played. They beat WBE 7 -6, and lost to Lake Country Red 13-12. This game aligned to be just as competitive as the first 2. Once again as in the first 2 games, our opponents broke out to 2 early scores. We did have a nice drive in between those scores, but could not finish it. Through most of the game our defense played tough but gave up a late score as well. Our offense never really got on track as we made many mental and physical mistakes that we have not made in the past. It seems that the team as a whole was just not there today. I guess we all have those days. Lets hope that they all had it the same day and we can move forward from here. There were still a lot of nice plays on both sides of the ball, and we can be encouraged that we can get back to our earlier level of play from this point forward. Now that the real football weather is here, let's see what teams step up and play hard in the cold and yuck.
Keep the faith, things will get better, We as coaches are.
Coach Dave
Sunday, September 13, 2009
1st Game in the Books
It wasn't the complete outcome we all had hope for but considering the level of competition and playing on the road, starting an hour late on a Hot day, I believe that our 1st game experience was a complete success. We (as coaches) could not be prouder of how our kids performed. This will be one of the toughest teams that we face all year and went toe to toe with them. Each team had a couple of big plays, they just capitalized on a few mistakes a little better than we did on their mistakes.
There are definately areas that we still need to improve on and many areas that we performed well at.
In general, our line blocked well. Our backs ran hard and we were 2- for-2 passing. Including our first successful Hitch-n-pitch.
Special teams performed well with 2 great runbacks and we did not give up any long ones. Defensively we only had 2 or 3 let downs but this can be improved and actually in the second half it was.
Overall it was a great and exciting game. I believe that everyone had a good time, played hard and we put on a great show for our parents. Even the referees stated that this game was one of the funnest that they have been part of in a long time.
This one is in the books, it's now time to get ready for West Bend East. If we play at this level or a little higher it will not only be a fun season, it will be a great one. Keep it up team.
Coach Dave
PS. parents and players please feel free to post your replies and comments at anytime. Any and all feedback is welcome and encouraged.
There are definately areas that we still need to improve on and many areas that we performed well at.
In general, our line blocked well. Our backs ran hard and we were 2- for-2 passing. Including our first successful Hitch-n-pitch.
Special teams performed well with 2 great runbacks and we did not give up any long ones. Defensively we only had 2 or 3 let downs but this can be improved and actually in the second half it was.
Overall it was a great and exciting game. I believe that everyone had a good time, played hard and we put on a great show for our parents. Even the referees stated that this game was one of the funnest that they have been part of in a long time.
This one is in the books, it's now time to get ready for West Bend East. If we play at this level or a little higher it will not only be a fun season, it will be a great one. Keep it up team.
Coach Dave
PS. parents and players please feel free to post your replies and comments at anytime. Any and all feedback is welcome and encouraged.
Wednesday, September 9, 2009
First Game of our Career
It's the first game for many if not all of the players in what we hope will be long and storied careers in Hartford Football, and for some, possibly beyond. With our scrimmages behind us and although they were fairly successful, we need to know that once the season starts it becomes a Whole New Level. The intensity picks up and everyone on every team has a few more hits under their belt and realize that they can dish out the punishment as well as everyone else.
This was very evident by the progress of our own defense in practice. When practices started, our skill position players excelled and ran somewhat at will on our tentative defense. Over the last few weeks and with the scrimmage experience, our defense has really stepped up and does a fine job of containing what we hope will be a very potent offense.
This Sat will be a great test as Lake Country Red is historically one of the top teams in the league every year. I hope that we will have an exciting game and everyone enjoys the experience.
Reminder Game starts approx. 1:30 PM on Sat Sept. 12th. Be there for warm-up by 12:30 PM.
Location: Arrowhead High School. See map attached to the schedule.
Wear white game away jerseys and black game pants.
I hope see everyone there and hear all you parents cheering us on wildly. But please stay within the league code of conduct.
Enjoy the season. It's here now!!!!
Gooo!!! Hartford!!!!
Coach Dave
This was very evident by the progress of our own defense in practice. When practices started, our skill position players excelled and ran somewhat at will on our tentative defense. Over the last few weeks and with the scrimmage experience, our defense has really stepped up and does a fine job of containing what we hope will be a very potent offense.
This Sat will be a great test as Lake Country Red is historically one of the top teams in the league every year. I hope that we will have an exciting game and everyone enjoys the experience.
Reminder Game starts approx. 1:30 PM on Sat Sept. 12th. Be there for warm-up by 12:30 PM.
Location: Arrowhead High School. See map attached to the schedule.
Wear white game away jerseys and black game pants.
I hope see everyone there and hear all you parents cheering us on wildly. But please stay within the league code of conduct.
Enjoy the season. It's here now!!!!
Gooo!!! Hartford!!!!
Coach Dave
Saturday, August 29, 2009
Final Tune-up both Fun and Positive
Our final scrimmage was a good test as we faced two tough Mayville teams that have a combination of both 5th and 6th graders on the same team. And although they primarily ran their 5th grade players against us, they did play many of their bigger and better 6th grade players for a portion of the time on the field. Overall we had a very good day. Our offensive line seemed to open holes at will for most of the day, and our running backs ran hard and found the openings to take advantage of. We even had a couple of succesful pass completions.
On the defensive side of the ball, our interior linemen were in the backfield making the stop, it seems 3 out of every 4 plays. Our defensive ends really focused on staying home and containing the play to the inside where they had help. This is one of the hardest things for young players to remember. We even had a good interception runback.
The entire coaching staff expessed our pleasure and pride in the teams performance today. However we tried to instill in the team that we should not rest on our laurels and there is always work to do so that we can improve more every day. Also that there may be days ahead that may not be as successful but as long as they keep putting forth the effort that they showed today, no matter what the outcome they can take pride in being mambers of the Hartford Football Program, and how they are growing as fine young men.
Next time we take the field on a Saturday, it starts to count in the record book. If we keep this intensity and focus, regardless of the outcome on the scoreboard, it will be a successful season.
Just a reminder the pictures are re-scheduled for Tuesday 9/1/09. Please where your game pants and Orange Game jerseys on this date.
Coach Dave,
On the defensive side of the ball, our interior linemen were in the backfield making the stop, it seems 3 out of every 4 plays. Our defensive ends really focused on staying home and containing the play to the inside where they had help. This is one of the hardest things for young players to remember. We even had a good interception runback.
The entire coaching staff expessed our pleasure and pride in the teams performance today. However we tried to instill in the team that we should not rest on our laurels and there is always work to do so that we can improve more every day. Also that there may be days ahead that may not be as successful but as long as they keep putting forth the effort that they showed today, no matter what the outcome they can take pride in being mambers of the Hartford Football Program, and how they are growing as fine young men.
Next time we take the field on a Saturday, it starts to count in the record book. If we keep this intensity and focus, regardless of the outcome on the scoreboard, it will be a successful season.
Just a reminder the pictures are re-scheduled for Tuesday 9/1/09. Please where your game pants and Orange Game jerseys on this date.
Coach Dave,
Monday, August 24, 2009
The Season has launched as Hitting is now here.
Well we survived the first challenge. It was the first time Hartford Youth Football 5th graders competed with other 5th grade youth football programs. And I do believe that we met the challenge. We had a few mental errors and mistakes made which led to big plays, but we also capitalized on several big plays and mistakes made by our opponents.
We need to work on containing the outside, and also our pass defense (which we have not spent much time on) needs some imporovement. However, I believe that we will be very strong up the middle defensively.
Offensively we need to study our playbooks and remember our assignments for the plays that we are running. Again, we look strong up the middle and if everyone remembers their assignments, our success will be unlimited. Until then I am still sure that we can compete with every team that we play this season.
Overall the team played very well, and I believe that everyone had a good time. We took a few big hits and gave a few big hits and everyone came out excited and ready to give more. We will have another big test this Sat. 8/29/09 against 2 teams from Mayville. This one will be at the Town Hall fields. Again please arrive by 8:00 AM for warm-up and will be starting @ 9:00 AM. We should be done a little earlier this week as there will only be 4 rotations.
We look forward to having those players that missed the last scrimmage for various reasons to join in the fun.
Also we will be having picture night (Weather Permitting) on Tuesday 8/25/09. Please have the players where their Black game pants, and Orange (numbered) Jersey to practice.
Friday 8/28/09 is Youth Football night at the HUHS home game. Players will get in free with their game jerseys and will be introduced on the field at half-time of the game. Please come out and support the High School team as they start a new and exciting season as well. Most of the players that you will see on the field that night have come through the Youth Football program here in Hartford. Come and see what this fine group we are working with will look like in just 6 short years.
Coach Dave
We need to work on containing the outside, and also our pass defense (which we have not spent much time on) needs some imporovement. However, I believe that we will be very strong up the middle defensively.
Offensively we need to study our playbooks and remember our assignments for the plays that we are running. Again, we look strong up the middle and if everyone remembers their assignments, our success will be unlimited. Until then I am still sure that we can compete with every team that we play this season.
Overall the team played very well, and I believe that everyone had a good time. We took a few big hits and gave a few big hits and everyone came out excited and ready to give more. We will have another big test this Sat. 8/29/09 against 2 teams from Mayville. This one will be at the Town Hall fields. Again please arrive by 8:00 AM for warm-up and will be starting @ 9:00 AM. We should be done a little earlier this week as there will only be 4 rotations.
We look forward to having those players that missed the last scrimmage for various reasons to join in the fun.
Also we will be having picture night (Weather Permitting) on Tuesday 8/25/09. Please have the players where their Black game pants, and Orange (numbered) Jersey to practice.
Friday 8/28/09 is Youth Football night at the HUHS home game. Players will get in free with their game jerseys and will be introduced on the field at half-time of the game. Please come out and support the High School team as they start a new and exciting season as well. Most of the players that you will see on the field that night have come through the Youth Football program here in Hartford. Come and see what this fine group we are working with will look like in just 6 short years.
Coach Dave
Thursday, August 13, 2009
New Blog, New Season, New Experiences, New Adventures
Well I finally had time to sit down a figure out this whole new Blog. I guess you can teach an Old Dog a few new tricks. This season is a whole new exciting experience to all of us involved. Some difficult decisions were made in the last few days. We had a tremendous turn-out this year for the inaugural season of the Hartford Youth Football 5th Grade program. We had 51 players register this year. We unfortunately had one player change his mind and decide not to play, but before today, we still had 50 players. ( I guess we have been too easy on them).
As of today, we took a step to improve the club by moving several players to the 6th grade level. Our numbers were low there this year and the AAYFL awarded us 2 teams at that level. We moved 12 players up to allow each of those teams to have 27 Players. This will allow them to have more productive practices, and increase the amount of playing time for everyone involved. We were disappointed that we lost our teammates and as coaches the opportunity to work with these Quality players. However these moves were done for the benefit of the entire organization and our goals are to build the best Hartford Youth Program that we can, and as stated on the front page of the AAYFL web-site. Everything we do is "Just for Kids". And we all need to be reminded of this from time to time.
With all of that said, I feel that the 38 players left to participate at the 5th grade level are poised to have a great, exciting and fun season. The next week will prepare us for our 1st scrimmage on Sat. Aug 22nd. We will be learning our basic plays, and really learning how to hit and not be afraid to do so. This is a fun and challenging time in the learning process, and I invite all the parents to visit practice on occasion and definately attend our scrimmages and games to enjoy this learning experience and watch your young athletes turn into young men right before your eyes. It is rewarding and a large part of the reason I have been involved in coaching these young men over the last 12 years.
Please feel free to contact me at anytime with questions.
dprecord@charter.net Home
david.precord@med.ge.com Work
262-673-9084 Home
414-315-8639 Cell
All I ask is that you keep your questions to before practice starts, or after practice ends. As our practice time is "Just For Kids"
Coach Dave
As of today, we took a step to improve the club by moving several players to the 6th grade level. Our numbers were low there this year and the AAYFL awarded us 2 teams at that level. We moved 12 players up to allow each of those teams to have 27 Players. This will allow them to have more productive practices, and increase the amount of playing time for everyone involved. We were disappointed that we lost our teammates and as coaches the opportunity to work with these Quality players. However these moves were done for the benefit of the entire organization and our goals are to build the best Hartford Youth Program that we can, and as stated on the front page of the AAYFL web-site. Everything we do is "Just for Kids". And we all need to be reminded of this from time to time.
With all of that said, I feel that the 38 players left to participate at the 5th grade level are poised to have a great, exciting and fun season. The next week will prepare us for our 1st scrimmage on Sat. Aug 22nd. We will be learning our basic plays, and really learning how to hit and not be afraid to do so. This is a fun and challenging time in the learning process, and I invite all the parents to visit practice on occasion and definately attend our scrimmages and games to enjoy this learning experience and watch your young athletes turn into young men right before your eyes. It is rewarding and a large part of the reason I have been involved in coaching these young men over the last 12 years.
Please feel free to contact me at anytime with questions.
dprecord@charter.net Home
david.precord@med.ge.com Work
262-673-9084 Home
414-315-8639 Cell
All I ask is that you keep your questions to before practice starts, or after practice ends. As our practice time is "Just For Kids"
Coach Dave
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