Using my GPS (God's Positioning System)

I know it has been a while once again since I last blogged, but I have very good reason for this and I'm sure you see and hopefully understand why.  If you have noticed, the title of my blog has changed and pretty much sums up my life over the past 4 months.  First things first, I am no longer a resident of the state of Tennessee.  I have found my way back home to New Jersey and am currently living in my childhood home in Hackensack, NJ (the story to follow).  Nevertheless, life is good right now... I am spending more time with family, friends and loved ones, I continue to do what I love (teach and coach) and I am praying and listening to God's plan for my life.

How It All Happened? (Abbreviated Version of course)

Well, back in the winter there was word that there would be an interview process for a new head coach of my old high school, Hackensack High School, where I had a pretty exciting and successful career as a student athlete.  Between A/B grades, numerous honors and groups, I happen to be part of the only public high school to the year (2000) to start #1 in the state/tri-state (NY, NJ, CT) area and finish #1 in the polls, not to mention a finish of #8 in the nation by the USA Today High School football poll.  Anyways, so I inquired about the job and by God's plan realized that the timing was not right for that job.  (Thank you Jesus)
As the year and off season continued on in Tennessee, I was then contacted by the new head coach of Hackensack High School and was offered the offensive coordinator job for my high school and a good possibility at a teaching position in the district.  This was on my flight back home during Spring Break, so needless to say, I also inquired about that job as well.  It seemed like a could work and that God has His hands in what was occurring.  After a few more conversations with some helpful and loving people in my life, I realized that this was the challenge to take at this time.  It was a very hard to decision to leave a city, region and state that I so dearly loved and became accustomed to, but I believe it was the best decision for me and was going to happen with conviction and satisfaction from God.
Today I type on my blog as the Offensive Coordinator of my old school Hackensack High School and a 5th Grade Science Teacher at Hackensack Middle School (in which I also attended).  Thank you to all that helped me get to this point.  I am living life the best way I know how and plan to make those that have helped propel me to this point proud of me no matter the distance or effect they had in my life.

 

So Now What?

As of right now, I am kind of enjoying the fact that I don't start school tomorrow like my good friends in the South. (Special Shout outs to all my wonderful people at the best elementary school in TN - Glenwood Elementary, miss and love all of you) Up here school does not start until after Labor Day, September 4th but we do get out a bit later, like the end of June or so.  Also, I am gearing up this week for our camp to begin this Wednesday involving double session practices, scrimmages, heat, fatigue, football, football and more football, LOL.  I knew this day would come, just not looking forward to it.  I don't think anyone player or coach ever looks forward to camp, but the show must go on.

I am also trying to prepare a class for my 5th Grade Science class.  It will be a bit different this year because I have taught 4th grade - All Subjects for the last 5 years and now just specify a particular subject and focus on that will be a new challenge.  There won't be as many lesson plans I know for a fact but there will still be accountability to teach the students in a way that is effective for them.  Check out my new class.  Just got keys this past week.

Mr. Rosser's new classroom

Not yet furnished or decorated.  LOL. 

Staying at home is a new adventure in itself.  My parents retired last year from education and are both at home and here comes there firstborn as a 28 year old man coming back into the house.  LOL.  It has been interesting the last two months with them, but they are happy to have me back and there really is no place like home.  More stories about living at home to come in future blogs.  LOL.  But talk about my parents, I finally was able to finally get together some friends of there's, a location and the right set up to throw them a surprise retirement party and it went great.  They had absolutely no idea, many of there friends and family came and it was definitely an event they will never forget.  Thanks to Mrs. Carpenter for staying on me about this and Ms. Cooke helping me out with all the details and communication for the party.  It was a success.

Looks on their faces.....PRICELESS

Other than that I have just be trying to settle in back in a familiar place.  I left Hackensack, New Jersey as a teenager going off to college and came back a man with two degrees, a job and something to show for my life, but the journey does not end here.  I am looking to get my identity back and be a positive role model in the place where I partially grew up and help out as many kids as I possibly can to do what I did and more.  Here are some pictures of me working an NFL Play 60 camp with inner city kids in Union, New Jersey and a Hackensack Jr. Football camp I worked yesterday.

Early morning Coach Rosser

My little guys with the Hall of Famer Great Anthony Munoz

Helping the little ones get right

3rd grader had game

Get your back straight son. LOL. 

But as more the summer, being back close to more family and friends and being a small 20 minute ride from the boroughs of the great New York I have had some time to get out and enjoy the small intricacies of life.  Check out some pictures.

City Island, New York is beautiful

Yankess v. Braves game 20 rows up thanks to miss L

This boy love him some popcorn.

I am officially inspired to continued to blog because of the many more things I have to share with you guys and the more pictures I can't wait to show.  Thanks to Mrs. C for encouraging/antagonzing (as Lenore would say) to do my blog and see I got it done by the weekend.  LOL.  There will be more to come.  Please stay tuned.  

God's Plan leaving it in God's Hands

I know it has been forever since the last time I blogged, but I was given motivation/demands by one very dear follower of mine to give an update on my blog so here it is (Mrs. C)

RESOLUTION CONTINUES......
As you may have read or known I have challenged myself/given myself a resolution to read more books and I must say that in the 4th month of the year I have done a substantial job on this exercise.  As of this past weekend I completed my 7th book of the year, "Quiet Strength" by Tony Dungy which is a spectacular book.  He is an amazing man of Christian faith through all he has accomplished and experienced in his life on this earth.  Other books I have completed include "Letters to a Young Brother" which I am reading with a small group, "The Narrative of Frederick Douglass", "Unshakeable" by Nelson Searcy and "Give It All to Him" by Max Lucado.  I am thoroughly enjoying the knowledge, pleasure and relaxation attained by reading and am truly happy while I continue this endeavour.  Next two books on my list are "The Mentor, The Leader" by Tony Dungy and "Total Money Makeover" by Dave Ramsey.  I have quite the list of books I would like to read including Tim Tebow's "Through My Eyes" and Drew Brees' book but am accepting other good reads and donations towards my books of the future.  LOL.

STEPPING UP AND STEPPING OUT

After deliberation, hesitation and just plain talking with a good friend, parent and mentor of mine, Phil Thompson, I decided to listen to him and take a step out of my comfort zone with help from the Lord and join the praise team at Heritage Fellowship Church which I attend in Oak Ridge, TN.  I began going to practice after church on Sunday afternoons in February and started a few weeks ago singing on stage consistently with the praise team.  It is a talent, superior from God in which I have been shy to share but felt that it was a good time to step out and fill a void.  I have enjoyed it very much thus far and am happy for the opportunity God has planted in my life.  Truly a blessing.  I am looking to get some of the footage to share on my blog but until then it can be found on my facebook page.

Mr. Rosser heading to church on Easter Sunday

Molding Young Minds

Also, I mentioned a book earlier, "Letters to a Young Brother" by Hill Harper which I have read.  One of the reasons for me reading this book again was for a small group in which I've started with some upcoming seniors on my football team.  I selected 6 young men to buy the book for, read with them and expand to conversations to help them see and prepare for the world in a different light before their senior year of high school.  It has gone really well, some of these young men join me for church on Sundays and it is another great opportunity God has put in my life to be a positive role model/influence for these young men.  I am truly blessed to have met such wonderful teenagers in my life, along with the others I coach and help them in anyway I can.

The Off season

The Wildcats are hard at work in the gym, weight room and in the film room.  Our players even though losing a large group of seniors are returning with a senior class of about 18, most of them being our starters from last year.  We will have experience in key positions like the receivers, running back and quarterback which I am largely responsible for and will be looking to do some big things in 2012 and of course put up some big numbers on the scoreboard.  We are working out in the weight room 4 days a week, started agilities and conditioning in the gym with the kids about a month ago, along with being in the film room to prevent similar mistakes this season (or at least try).  Attached is a snippet of our workout regimen with yours truly on the chorus (chanting our theme a year ago of "Uh Oh") to give you a little taste of how we do things in the off season.  Enjoy.  

Life in General

School is quickly approaching the end of the year.  We have TCAP (state testing) coming up next week Monday through Thursday (23-27) which makes for a very anxious and exciting time of year.  A time for our students to show what they know and how well they can perform against the state standards of TN.  I am very blessed and fortunate to have a very bright group of students.  Though lacking a bit common sense (LOL), their sense of book smarts is through the roof and their test taking abilities and reasoning skills are very high.  I feel very good about the scores they will produce but know it will not come without the grace of God, so I ask for all prayers for my class and our school, Glenwood Elementary as we look to top the best scores in the state for the 2nd year in a row.  Thanks in advance.  

Physically, I am staying in shape, at least trying to.  I did do INSANITY for about 6 out of the 8 weeks and saw some great results.  It was thee hardest workout without weights I have ever attempted.  I was in great shape with the conditioning and cardio circuits but felt like I was lacking a bit in strength.  I am now back to weights for a bit and will look to hit INSANITY again in May before summer hits so I can have my "beach body".  LOL.  

Other than that, God continues to open doors for me in all levels of my faith and puts me in opportunities in which I am forced to wait and trust in Him.  I waiver from time to time with patience and fully trusting Him as we all do, but feel that I am getting better, stronger and more faithful as I live, learn and communicate with those closest to me.  God is working in tremendous ways and I am just doing my best to Let Go and Let God. 

Thanks for taking time to read this and I will do a better job of keeping more updates in the near future.  If you get a chance please join my blog, comment or like the site.  Thanks again for all the love and support and God Bless.  

IN DUE TIME

Welcome back to my blog.  It has been an extremely long time and I apologize for my absence.  Some of you could care less about my blog, some are quite interested in what will be stated and some are just reading it because I asked them too, LOL.  As is, thanks for tuning back in and I hope this is somewhat entertaining, informative or both for my readers.  Anyways, let's get down to business.

CHRISTMAS BREAK

Christmas break was everything I thought I would be and wanted it to be.  I was able to relax, take a vacation, take time for self, take a little "me" inventory and enjoy good times with loving family and friends.  With the first time me being home (for vacation) with my parents as retirees, it was very interesting yet fun.  We did more things together like taking walks with my dad, going to lunch with my mom and just enjoy there times around the house and sharing current and past stories.  It was just the time I needed with them at the end of a very eventful year.  With my sister still working back up until Christmas Eve, I had plenty of time to spend with the parents and them enjoy my company. LOL.

 


Anyways, Christmas came and my sister and my nephew (Jax, her dog) finally arrived to the house for us to exchange gifts, prep food and get the festivities started for Christmas dinner.  It was a very joyous time with family and friends that came by for dinner, music, movies, laughter and good times.  Everyone  thoroughly enjoyed themselves and with plenty of pictures, I have good times to keep with me while back down in TN.

The following week, I was given a very deserved and needed gift.  A 4 day trip to Cape Cod, Massachusetts which involved touring the cape, visiting more family and spending a great time with a wonderful, special and loving friend.  I enjoyed the time away doing nothing, watching movies, eating some good food and being in a different part of the country.  I am very thankful for that experience.  Thank you Ms. L.

                          

 

NEW YEARS

With New York City in striking distance, family/friends around and possibilities aplenty I decided to go to church with my mom for this time.  Decided to enjoy that time with moms and some family and then we came home to enjoy snacks that my dad prepared for us (crab legs, deli spreads, olives and shrimp) at home.  Not to mention I would be heading back to TN New Years Day, it was better that I did that and was very happy with my decision to do such.  HOME IS WHERE THE HEART IS, no doubt about that.

THE MONTH OF JANUARY IN THE NEW YEAR

With a new year comes new challenges, surprises, stories, opportunities and experiences.  All of which I am willing to embrace and take in as they come.

By the way, I don't usually make New Year's resolutions, but during my inventory I have decided to have one and keep it up.  I will READ more this year.  At least a book a month, if not two.  I am excited about this because first, reading is fundamental, LOL, and learning through reading is a powerful tool.  I teach it to my kids everyday so why not practice what I preach.  So far, I have read "Crazy Love"and "The Shack" (two great reads) and am currently reading "Heaven is for real" and "The Purpose Driven Life".  Taking time to do such has been different for me, yet very calming during this off season time. I am always looking for reading suggestions by they way so please share.

Spiritually - I am looking to increase my faith and be a better example of what a MOG (Man of God) is and share my experiences, thoughts, emotions and time with those that can help me reach a stronger level.  To assist in this, I have read the book "Crazy Love" and am currently reading "The Purpose Driven Life" with Ms. L to help keep reading and living God's purpose surreal for both of us.  I also plan to be more involved in church along with attending more consistently.  I will be attending practice for the praise team and will be in a small reading group with some of the members.  I am excited about my objective to grow in my faith and live life in a more Christian way.

Physically - I have become quite complacent with my workout routine and feel as though I need a new challenge, a regimen to follow and an obstacle to attain.  Therefore, I have taken the initiative and decided to purchase the INSANITY Workout DVD collection.  I started on Jan. 30 and am still in it.  It is a 60 day workout routine with strict exercises and diet and quite the goals to attain.  Stay in tune to hear more about how this goes.  It is by far, THEE HARDEST WORKOUT I'VE EVER DONE since college football.  LOL.  But I love a challenge and look forward to the results it brings.                                                          



Football - We are in the process of the off season with weights 4 days a week with players not in winter or spring sports.  It is not my most exciting time of the year but is the time when you make the most growth.  Off season is where teams win championships.  It is proven and often very true.  At my position of QB and WR

School - January means we are getting closer and closer to state testing time and with the high demands from the state and opportunity to acquire high recognition from our district and the state tension is increasing within.  As an educator this can create quite a bit of pressure and stress for all involved, but I believe this demand for high scores will create an environment in which we step up to the plate and reach the goals we have set for our students.  It will be interesting as we get closer to April and our preparation increases for the test.

ONE MORE YEAR

And with all of this, yours truly, had another birthday come by at January 25th in which I turned 28 years old.  It was a great time and week.  I celebrated pretty much all week with loving family and some new friends/co-workers.  Consumed pretty much every bit of food offered or I was around and thoroughly enjoyed my birthday.  Wasn't all flashy and crazy as previous birthdays, but it was still as elaborate and exciting as I wished.  Thanks for all who wished me and celebrated my birthday.

I guess I should have taken a resolution to blog more because it has been awhile and I forgot how create it is to get out my thoughts through this blog.  It helps in more ways than I thought and you may think.  Thanks for checking in and I promise to be more current in the days to come.  Take care and God Bless. Peace.

PLENTY TO SHARE

Good day to you fellow bloggers and blog readers, I have resurfaced for a moment and am blogging again, LOL.  I know it's almost been a month since my last blog but that is the state I've been in - Under the radar.  For those that followed during the season, I graciously appreciate it and want to let you know that the blog will continue even though the season has ended.  This is where we will dive a little into my life from a mental aspect, see me in the off season as I continue to grow as a coach, see my other world as a teacher and just get my perspective on life as I continue to live it.

HEART OF A CHAMPION, MIND OF A SORE LOSER, MENTALITY OF A COMPETITOR

If you don’t know by now, we did lose the heavyweight battle against playoff rivals, Riverdale in the 3^rd round of the state playoffs. (Hence, no report after the game and for awhile, sorry) After winning seven straight games and being on a roll, we picked the wrong Friday night to play one of our worst games.  A few key plays not in our advantage and too many turnovers, put us in a whole of 21-0 in the 2^nd quarter, but we fought back to make it 21-10 at the half.  Being our worst enemy in the 2^nd half, we could never get our offense started, as the defense put up a valiant effort and more turnovers later suffered our first loss in 2 months and our season was over.  It was a sad moment, watching seniors, the kids we’ve had for 3 years and were the reason for us turning the program around, end their season on that field, but the memories will be there for them and us to cherish for ever.  The lessons those boys learned and the qualities they’ve acquired during the high school football careers will stay with them forever and I am grateful to have been a part of their lives for this short time.  They will go on to do bigger and greater things, but having an impact on their lives and being a role model for those young men is why I continue to do what I do. 

It was especially a treat to see so many fans, family and friends that came and supported us.  I had friends from college, coworkers from Nashville and some of my fraternity brothers come to the game and support me and our football team.  It was so good to see those that made the trip, thanks again. 

Me with my 7 and my front, preciate the support LB's.  Roo.

With just my 4^th year of high school football coaching completed I have learned a great deal of lessons from many coaches, mentors and the kids themselves.  I look forward to advancing in my career as a coach and look forward to the upcoming challenges new/old players and another season will bring.  After going to the 4^th round of the playoffs last year and the 3^rd round this year, I believe we have the Oak Ridge High School Football program heading in the right direction and will once again be identified as a 6A Football powerhouse in the state of Tennessee.  The next step though is the off season which athletes know is where championships and the fate of your season is done.  We will start off season weight training when we return from Christmas break on January 3^rd and look to get the players not in other sports prepared for the season.  (Yes, this early)  It is the key to our success.  As I continue with the blog I will share some of the progress of our off season training and keep you updated with the advancement of the Wildcats. 

Display at the Walmart during Playoffs

QUICK NOTE

Christmas is about giving and enjoying one another and this December our football program did that.  For the 3^rd year straight since I have been here we have taken part in Anderson County Toy Run in conjunction with my church, Heritage Fellowship Church.  For this project there were about 130 kids chosen throughout the city of Oak Ridge to participate in a shopping spree, in which they were given $80 gift cards each and had the opportunity to shop in K-mart and get things they wanted for Christmas.  Our teams assisted by being chaperones for these kids, helping them pick out things they wanted and made sure they spent close to every penny they could from their gift card.  It was a great time for all in attendance and they’re we’re definitely smiles and blessings in the air for all.  Check out the picture and video below.  GOD IS GOOD. 

Oak Ridge football team and coaches

Click this link to check out the video:  Anderson County Toy Run 2011 video

SURVIVING UNTIL THE BREAK

With the season at an end and some time off until off season, I now had the task of just being Mr. Rosser, the 4^th

Mr. Rosser trying to set a good example for the kids

On the flip side, the holiday season was approaching and keeping a kid’s mind focused and attentive during this time is a very interesting time in itself.  Between classroom observations, teacher evaluations, school wide holiday sing-a-longs, school plays, Santa after school activities and class Christmas parties, this is the busiest time of the year and usually most stressful for teachers.  Needless to say, I survived, got all the things done I needed to get done for the end of the calendar year and will enjoy my Christmas break which starts today and will go to January 2^nd.  THANK YOU LORD.

My precious little Christmas tree in my apartment in Oak Ridge

HIBERNATION, RELAXATION AND RESTORATION

Now that we are on Christmas break and I have some time for myself and these are my focus items for the next two weeks.  I will be home in New Jersey with family and friends until New Year’s Day and will make the best of my time with them while I am away from work, school, football, bills, stress, etc.  Rest and relaxation is a must – with my inconsistent and troublesome sleeping pattern I am hoping that the next couple weeks spent in MY OWN bed will help cure that problem at least for the moment.  I will in fact  BE LAZY, which I don’t do much and read books, listen to music, watch TV and movies and just do absolutely nothing so that I can refresh my mind.  During this time I will also be looking to restore my energy on all levels in an attempt to be ready to start 2012 on a positive note and even better than 2011.   Though I will miss my Oak Ridge families that have taken me in and cared for me as part of their own (which I love them for so much), I will thoroughly enjoy being with my retired parents, seeing my peculiar sister when she comes up and visiting family and friends while I am home.  There are very few things I HAVE TO DO when I am home and I look forward to doing none of it, LOL. 

Heading home from the airport, crossing the George Washington Bridge, headed into Jersey.  No I was not driving, my pops was.  

My place of vacation where I go and let loose.  You should visit this place some time.  LOL.  

As usual, thank for taking the time to check out my blog.  If you can try and join the site or leave a comment and I will TRY and do a better job of updating my blog on a regular basis.  It is a great outlet of communication and time for me.  Thanks again, Happy Holidays to all and stay blessed.  Peace

Bryson Rosser   

STAYING ALIVE

The Beat Goes On

Sorry for the late notice but if you don’t know by now, we, the Oak Ridge Wildcats got another win last Friday night 49-14 against the Cookeville Cavaliers to advance to the quarterfinals of the division 6A TN State Playoffs. 

We took our show on the road yet another week, leaving right after school to take an hour and some change bus ride (chartered during playoffs, sweeeeeeet) to Cookeville, TN which included an hour time change to the Central Time Zone of the world and put us in position for our game.  Therefore, the game started at 7 Central/8 Eastern Time and it seems as though that’s how we played.  Our team came out flat as if an hour had already passed fumbling on the first play of the game, throwing an interception for a touchdown on our 3^rd drive and being down 14-7 at the end of the 1^st quarter in our game.  It was quite the wake up call on the road and facing possibly the end of our season in the 2^nd round.  Nevertheless, our players fought back and had a lead at halftime 21-14 despite (not the greatest) field conditions, cold temperatures and a time change that took effect on our football team.  We went into the locker room at half, made some adjustments, refocused our team and put our team goals into perspective on how this 2^nd half would develop. 

After coming out after halftime with even colder temperatures, a more focused team and a great supporting community that travelled with us, we put everything on the line to keep our season alive.  Our defense decided to leave it all on the field causing 3 three turnovers and our offense came alive scoring on 4 out of 5 possessions in the second half including a fake punt that gave us momentum mid 3^rd quarter which resulted in the final score of 49-14 Oak Ridge. 

THA THRILLA IN MANILA PART 2

If you know a little bit about boxing you know about the “Thrilla in Manila” was the third and final boxing match between Muhammad Ali and Joe Frazier for the Heavyweight Boxing Championship of the World which took place in the Philippines. 

I have tagged this football game in comparison to this historical event because of its proportion to each respect school, the teams, the rivalry and the season.  Today the Oak Ridge Wildcats will be on the road facing the Riverdale Warriors (12-0, #1 in the mid State and #2 team in 6A).  Other than the respective records on these two teams for the year, there is an immense amount of rivalry, bad blood and competition between the two schools.  Historically, Riverdale has had Oak Ridge’s number bouncing them out of the playoffs numerous times in the late 90’s and early 2000’s up until last year where we went on the road as underdogs and pulled out a 28-21 victory to make a school record 2-5 against the Warriors in playoffs.  Needless to say it was unexpected by most, appreciated by some and completely enjoyed by us as we went on to the state semifinals from there. 

Now, in this 2011 season, all leads up to a rematch of the same teams, at the same place, with the same goal in mind and all that separates them is 48 minutes of war. There have been words exchanged by them via newspaper articles from last year’s game and there has been a different sense of focus on our part as we prepared for this game.  We know what is at stake and know the importance of this game on our season, our community and our goals. 

THESE WERE SOME OF MY CLASSROOM DECORATIONS FOR THIS WEEK'S PLAYOFF GAME.  THEY GET MORE AND MORE EXTRAVAGANT WITH THE FARTHER WE ADVANCE.  ELEMENTARY SCHOOL SUPPORT.

48 MINUTES OF WAR

The week of preparation for this week’s game has been a little up and down. With two straight days of rain we were inside the gym for Tuesday and Wednesday, which are considered the hardest workdays.  Riverdale is a mostly Wing-T offense which can create some trouble from a defensive standpoint, but can also line up in a spread look as well.  The defense has worked extremely hard, so has the scout team on giving a look similar to what they do for the support of our defense.  They have had a good week of practice.    From an offensive standpoint, with veterans all over the place, we feel as though we can move the ball in a variety ways and have looked sharp this week.  It will be on the offensive coaches (including this guy, Coach Rosser) to figure out how they plan to stop us and call plays, which will help our offense be successful.  It will be a hard fought game, intense, exciting and will go to the team that executes more efficiently.  At this point in the playoffs, there will be very few teams that will win by scheme.  It will come down to the players that are more discipline, have a stronger focus, play together and make the fewest mistakes.  Needless to say, I will take it back to when I was in high school and use what we called a game, “48 MINUTES OF WAR”.  After a two and some change hour bus ride there, I will once again do everything in my power to have our boys excited, pumped and ready to play in what will be the biggest game of the year for us. 

We have gone through a tough schedule, this being our 3rd undefeated opponent that is ranked in the top 3 of our district or state, but we are battle tested and battle approved to go into war tonight and leave everything we have on the field.  We took our lumps and bruises midway through the season and came out fine.  Now we look to click on all cylinders, play as a team and let the cards fall where they may.  We will be ready, we will play with heart and passion and we will never give up. 

I will be excited travelling back to middle TN where I started my teaching/coaching career and look forward to seeing friends that will come to our game and see the community of Oak Ridge support our team.  These are exciting times in the program and just another opportunity to continue to MAKE MEMORIES for these boys, the coaches, the people and the season.  We ask for grace and travelling mercy and God’s blessings on our game tonight. 

Stay tuned for an update from this great battle in the coming days.   Thanks for checking out the blog, stay blessed and keep smiling. 

B. Rosser Signing Out 

Another Opportunity to Make Memories

Good evening or whatever time of the day it may be when you read this.  I am here on this calm, cool Thursday night getting ready to get what I hope is a good night's rest before the big day and game tomorrow evening.  The Oak Ridge Wildcats will be going up against Cookeville High School tomorrow evening at their place @ 7 o'clock Central, 8 Eastern time.  The preparation has been done, film has been watched, practices have been completed and game plans have been finalized for tomorrow's Friday Night Lights showdown.  This will be the 2nd consecutive meeting of these two teams in the playoffs with the season on the line.  I'm sure the atmosphere will be intense, coaches/players will be pumped and fans will be cheering their teams on in a hope that their respectful school advances.  I feel really good about this week's plan, where our team is mentally and about the outcome on tomorrow night's game.

 This was how my classroom door and entrance was decorated for this week's playoff game.  It gets more elaborate as we advance.  Pretty cool.

A CRAZY WEEK

This has been quite the week.  It seems as the intensity picks up with football and every day being as crucial to the process of advancing as the next, the days at school become more stressful as well.  The demands of two jobs with such huge implications on the progress of students and athletes can have quite the effect on the teacher/coach on a daily basis.  Had my second (unannounced) evaluation of the year  (You can bet that was fun) and put took my players into second gear with their film study and preparation for our next opponent.  Needless to say, there were some nights I ended back up at my elementary school to do work just so I can get caught up for the next day.  And between sustaining an early morning workout regimen 3 times this week, it has made for some very very long days.
Nevertheless, I am here, survived the week, will get a good night's rest, will have breakfast with some of my players in the morning and will try to survive the craziness of a school day to make it to tomorrow's night game.  One thing holds true though...I did not lose my faith and I knew that my strength was coming from up above.  As I continuously circled through my Tye Tribbett, Kirk Franklin and other gospel artists in the car, apartment and gym, I kept my focus on HIM, praying and asking for his help and thanking him for the opportunities in which I have been given and to never complain for what I have.  I HAVE TRULY BEEN BLESSED BEYOND MEASURE.

SHOW ME MY OPPONENT

Cookeville provides an interesting challenge for us tomorrow night.  Seeing as thought I am an offensive coach, I have studied there defense extensively and have met with our head coach to find the best possible plan for our offense to be efficient.  They show multiple fronts on the defensive line (30, 40 and 50) with various positions at the linebacker level and play multiple coverages of 1, 0 and 3.  This will cause our lineman, QB and running back to talk before every play to know where everyone is with the possibility of blitzes and our receiver must be on alert and figure out how they are trying to defend us in the secondary.  There will be holes in the coverages and creases in the defense in which if we take advantage of will be golden opportunities for our team
Offensively, they also have multiple formations all being centered around the smokestack I formation or Kansas City I.  They do a bunch of unbalance formations, a little spread and some offset from the I formation with mostly run plays and some play action.  With what we have in plan, there should be very few places for them to run and very little time to throw the ball.  Let's go Defense!!!!!!!!!

In closing, we feel as though we should have the upper hand tomorrow night.  In my opinion, our team is still peaking and have yet to play their best game of the season which is definitely a good thing at this time of the year.  We continue to grow, mature and develop as a team who takes advantage of opportunities, makes plays when they come and go to battle for one another.  I will be extremely excited tomorrow night and will do everything in my power to make sure our kids are pumped up and take in this great experience they will never forget.

Check back this weekend for another update about Friday night and the game whether it's a win, lose or draw but we will give thanks in advance to the Lord for giving us this opportunity and claim the VICTORY!!!!!!!!!!!!!  Hope you enjoyed another one of my blogs and look forward to hearing from you on here or wherever you follow.  Remember you can keep up with me on facebook or twitter as well @CoachBR814.  By the way, 11/11/11 is tomorrow the coolest day of our lifetime so enjoy it for more reasons than just one. LOL.  Thanks again, much love and be blessed.

PEACE

Survival of the Fittest

Team Intro - Let's ride boys

Thanks for checking back in on the blog of Coach Rosser throughout the intense days of preparation and practice during the playoff season.  If you haven't heard by now, the Oak Ridge Wildcats kept their season alive this past Friday night with a win over #2 seed McMinn County 35-6 and are moving on to the second round of the Division 6A State Playoffs.  We are guaranteed at least one more episode of Friday Night Lights in which we will be traveling west this weekend (about an hour) to face #4 seed Cookeville High School who also won there first round playoff game.  We feel good about our performance this past weekend, have been in the film room to correct mistakes and to watch next week's opponent, we have had our first weight session and conditioning and are ready to start a new work week.

Pregame prayer with some of my players

WE MEET AGAIN

For all our new supporters and some old ones out there, this is a rematch between two teams that played each other last year in the playoffs.  Up until last year Oak Ridge went into a slump of playoffs and playoff victories.  Last year we squeaked into the playoffs as a #6 seed in which we were matched up with Cookeville High School and had to travel to their field for a first round playoff matchup.  With an inexperienced postseason team we went on the road and beat Cookeville 28-21 I believe and advanced to the 2nd round.  It was a hard fought game that could have went either way and we were fortunate enough to be on the winning side of this game and advance.
On the flip side, bringing someone else's season to an end in the playoffs is always a great feeling for the victor and the worse feeling for the loser.  As we had a sense of urgency in getting payback on McMinn County for beating us two years ago in the first round, I am sure Cookeville will be full of emotion at home and will be looking to end our season in return.

Coach Rosser talking to the offense

SHORT BUT SWEET

We are happy with the results of the weekend, but know that we have higher aspirations than just the 1st round and will work as hard as we possibly can to reach the highest point, State Championship game.  We came out of the game healthy, scored on most of our offensive possessions, caused a few turnovers and did what we had to do to win.  We are looking forward to another great week of practice, will have great weather and will have an intense week of practice.  At this point, we know now that is "GO HARD OR GO HOME" and we are not ready to go home.  We will keep the routine "same as usual" with additional film work for our players to learn their opponents and will keep pressing towards our goal.  With a great message at church with the reflection of "Remember your calling", I have my motivation to keep the kids focused, working hard and create relationships/memories in which they will never forget.  It has also motivated me to remember my purpose at work and to teach the students not just to be smarter, but to be responsible citizens in this world.  Though I am very fatigued at this point on many levels, my continued strength and energy comes from above and I will not lose my faith in God.

Thanks for tuning in again and look for another blog coming toward the end of the week before game time.  I will update you on our game plan, week of practice, evaluation of opponent, mindset of the team/coaches and my outlook on the game.  Until then, STAY THIRSTY MY FRIENDS and God Bless.