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.  

Playoff Time in Oak Ridge

So, as you know and have hopefully read from the previous blog a few days ago, it is playoff time in the city of Oak Ridge, TN.  The Oak Ridge Wildcats finished the season on a 5 game win streak, finishing the season at 7-3 (5-1 in district) and have been invited to participate in the TSSAA 6A Division State Playoffs.  Now with the wins and losses recorded and the substance of our losses to some good competition, one would think we would be positioned in a place in which a home playoff game would be in our future.  This is one of the few tasks this coaching staff has yet to accomplish in our three year tenure and were looking forward to with this season's accomplishments.  To our surprise yet again for another year, we were (in my opinion) mistreated on our seeding and received a #7 seed in our quadrant for the playoffs.  We were seeded lower than some of our district opponents, who had fewer wins, more losses and less competitive teams.  Some of the opponents in which we beat pretty badly, ended up with higher seeds and are hosting home playoff games, as we were tagged as the #7 seed and will be on the road traveling to play #2 seed (8-2) McMinn County.  I am not worried about the opponent, just a little upset about our seed in the playoffs, how it affects our playoff run and on our fans and community.  Our kids were actually looking forward to playing at home for once in playoffs and starting the run off right in our own backyard.  As it is, the brackets have been set, teams are matched and playoffs go underway tomorrow evening.  We had the same type of set up last year as a 6-4 #5 seed in our quadrant and went on a nice run until the state semifinal game.  We would love nothing more than to do the same this year and get over that hump and get to the state championship game.  And now that I am off my soap box for this issue.

SHOUT OUT TO MY PEOPLES

Before I talk about this week of practice and my thoughts on our 1st round game I would like to give a special shout out to my favorite fans, that come to every game, are there every week, wear the Coach Rosser buttons, throw confetti and bring me snacks pre/post game, my peoples: Connie, Katie and Odie.  I love you guys and want to thank you for all the support the last two years.  It has been fun and we hope to make more memories starting tomorrow night. I got you Katie.  I see you Odie.  That's right miss Connie.  

BACK TO BUSINESS

Tomorrow night's game v. McMinn County involves a rematch of two years ago, our first year as a coaching staff in Oak Ridge, taking over a renewed Oak Ridge football team on the road to battle this team in the first round of the playoffs.  Unfortunately for us, we went into the game battered and bruised with our starting QB out, two freshman and 5 sophomores participating in one of the biggest games of their careers.  We had a hard fought game, which was a defensive battle which we lost 13-7 and ended our season in 2009.
This year is a bit of a different story.  We come into this game with an offense that is on a roll, averaging approx. 40 points/game and a defense that is settling into the scheme and believing in the philosophy at the right time.  With a focused and aggressive week of practice, I am very optimistic about this week's game and am looking forward to watching the Wildcats on the road tomorrow night.  We have done extensive film work, been on the board, continued conditioning, done our work in the weight room and revised our game plan to fit our team just right.  With the results from two years ago, I know the coaching staff is mentally conditioned and feel ready for a little payback tomorrow night.  This is a team that is definitely beatable.  We must take advantage of our opportunities when they are presented, do what our game plan has included, limit our mistakes and play with passion knowing that we don't want tomorrow to be our last Friday night.  Win or Lose there will be a follow up blog to the game and there will be updates via my twitter account.  Follow me @CoachBR814 or updates on Facebook.

Last but not least, I want to give a shout out to the faculty, students and staff at Glenwood Elementary School where I work.  Check out this picture of the decorations on my classroom door this morning when I arrived, done by Mrs. W (great supporter and proud parent of the program).  I mean, its pretty cool to see an environment such as that, an elementary school, so excited and supportive of one of their teachers and the results of his football team.  Thanks guys.

   

Last but not least, I want to thank any and everyone that followed the blog, read one blog or just looked at the site during the football season.  It has meant alot to me and has been a very fun activity thus far. (Thanks for the idea Miss L) The blog will continue, but just wanted to say a special thanks.  Please don't forget to leave a comment via my blog, facebook, email or just let me know you read it.  I am looking forward to continuing this and as always.  STAY THIRSTY MY FRIENDS.

PEACE

End of the Regular Season

Good evening, afternoon, morning, whenever you are reading this.  I have been away for two weeks and will get you caught up with the season, the school year and where I am in the world as of today, November 1st.  Before I start I must say every time I wrote the date on paper today, I thought about how cool it was to be all ones (11/1/11) and will be even cooler when its 11/11/11, LOL.  Don't take much for me to enjoy life.  But these dates will never be written or here again in life so hope you had a special day.

Anyways, a football update about the Oak Ridge High School Wildcats and the final two weeks of the season.  As you have been reading, we got off to a rough start of 2-3, lossing some close games and having some key injurties to our team.  As it seems, we were looking kind of shaky and were hoping that with our tough part of the schedule being completed we could make a run and hopefully have a chance at the playoffs.  Well, you will be happy to hear that we did finish the season winning 5 straight games and will be playing this Friday night in the first round of the TSSAA State Playoffs for the 6A Division.  I talked about us having a short week of practice as we were preparing for crosstown rivals and a TV game on Thursday night against Clinton high school.  Let's just say we are peaking at the right time.  The mercy rule was in effect at halftime (35-0) and one of my receivers/playmakers tied a school record of 6 touchdowns in one game as we went on to beat the Clinton HS Dragons 42-7.  It was our 3rd straight game bringing about the mercy rule on our opponent which means a running clock and needless to say, our team was clicking on all cylinders and brought bragging rights to the town of Oak Ridge for yet another year against our rivals.   Check out this video shot by a local group for our team for this game

The group that does this have done a spectacular job and it has been great watching these for our home games.  Hopefully there will be more to come.

Moving along
The last week of the season (last week) jumped on us quick.  We were on Fall Break from school and still practiced with our kids every morning from 9-11 with our usual weights, film study and meetings as a regular work week.  The kids responded well all being on time, coming ready to work and continued focused on the task at hand of finish the season on a good note.  Not to mention it was Senior Night and possibly the last game at our home field until next season, we wanted to make sure we showed our best for the home crowd and keep momentum heading into the playoffs.
Fortunately, we were able to keep our offense, defense and special teams moving along as we put the mercy rule in effect once again by halftime and rolled on to beat our opponents 42-7 as well in this game.  We were able to get everyone on our team in the game for the last home game and even had 3 seniors score touchdowns on there final game at Blankenship Field.  It was a sentimental, yet exciting night for all those in attendance, especially for the coaches, players and families of our kids.

So we finished the season on a 5 game win streak going 7-3 (5-1 in district) and our preparing for the playoffs.  There WILL be a blog coming before the end of the weeks to discuss playoff scenario, brackets, possibilities, gameplan and outlook on this Friday night.  Below is an attachment to a website which kind of gives some of our season outlook and some information about our football program as it pertains to the season, opponents, scores, stats, etc.

http://www.coacht.com/tennessee/inside/team.cfm?schoolid=373&sportid=1&seasonid=149


Thanks again for checking out my blog once again and please check in before the end of the week to check out the synopsis on this weekend before playoffs begin.  School year and my view on the world updates will come later.  Playoffs are just more interesting.  Go Hard or Go Home. It has been a fun ride and thanks for hanging on, cheering and just being intrigued by my team, my outlook and our results.  Talk to you soon, have a good night and God Bless.  

Roll Wildcats Roll

Welcome back to the blog of Mr. Rosser, the school teacher, the coach, the mentor, the role model.  This is blog is an update on the season of the Oak Ridge High School Wildcats and our results from this past Friday night and our progress as a team.
The Oak Ridge Wildcats took our show on the road this evening against Harding Valley High School, a team that beat us last year and just about put a damper on our playoff hopes last year and our senior night last season.  Needless to say, we were out for revenge and looking to show that we were the better team in this "Battle of the Bridge" as its called by locals on week 8 of the season.

As you can we had a pretty good showing for our 3 consecutive district win beating the Harding Valley Hawks 42-7.  It was a game in which we went in to slightly battered and bruised but were looking to get out to a fast start and that we did.  We had a 14-0 lead at the end of the 1st quarter and extended that lead to a 35-7 score at halftime.  Our offense was clicking on all cylinders as it has for the 3rd straight game and we never had to punt thee entire night.  We put the nail in the coffin on our 1st drive of the 3rd quarter with a 3 play 60 yard drive that gave us a 35 point lead and started the running clock rule.  Due to this rule, the 4th quarter went by pretty quick but the result was another win for the Wildcats which gives us a 5-3 overall record (5-1 in district play) putting us in sole possession of 2nd place and hopefully a likely position in the playoffs.  

Me and my Oak Ridge parents (Naomi and Phil) after the game

Next up, we have a short week of practice because we have the game of the week this Thursday and our cross town rivals the Clinton Dragons are coming to town.  We are very happy to be coming back home after a month long road trip during our season.  Our kids are extremely pumped about this game and will come out the shoot, at home, ready to go to battle.  I for one, will be very excited coming off this win and knowing what is at stake for us and will keep practice for the next two days very intense and focused for our kids.  My parents are coming into town for this game and my dad's birthday is coming up this weekend, so Mr. Rosser (me) will be looking for his offense to have a spectacular performance in front of the home crowd and continue to be on a roll as we have been for the last 3 weeks.  

Also, we have one more week of school until Fall Break, which is a week off from school and even though we still have football preparing for our last game of the season, it will be a much needed break from at least one of my professions for a moment, LOL.  

Hope you enjoyed this small yet precise update and look for another blog coming later this week with pre or postgame insight to our team and the season.  As usual, thanks for tuning in and as always STAY THIRSTY MY FRIENDS.  

Battle of the Bridge Trophy which is exchanged between schools to the winner each year

Yours truly, B. Rosser

Signing out, PEACE

Friday Night Lights and School Days

So, it is about that time again.  This time tomorrow we will know part of our destiny as a football team and in what direction we can possibly go as we come down the stretch to this 2011 football season.  Tomorrow night we will be going on the road for our final district road test after a month on the road agains Hardin Valley Academy.  Both teams are currently tied for 2nd place in the district behind Powell H.S. and with a win either team can just about sure up a playoff spot for the first weekend in November (just about).  This will be a very evenly matched game with a few athletes, opportunities for big plays and a chance to continue our season.  Due to weather this week, including today, we were forced to be inside for practice which meant more film time, more specific drills and more insight on our gameplan and how we will like for it to work.  Sometimes not going outside is not always a bad thing.  We got some good work in and feel good about what we have drawn up for tomorrow night.

Last week's game was full of big plays by us and we jumped out to a big lead and are hoping for a similar start tomorrow evening.  We come into to this game mostly healthy, with injuries at key offensive and defensive positions, we believe we have the right combination of kids and talent to execute the task at hand.  We will look to a strong showing from our big boys up front in the run game and will expect the discipline of our defense to keep a talented running back for them at bay.
We understand what this game means to us and our season and we will come out ready to go to war, do what we plan to do and hope for the best.  Weather should be fine, a lil cool and a damp, moist field and it will be a great October night of football.  Make sure you stay tuned for an update this weekend from the game or check us out on our school website or radio station.

FOR MY EDUCATORS OUT THERE

Often my colleagues and I over at GW Elementary School discuss how taxing, tiring and just hard our school year has began.  With tomorrow ending the first nine week grading period, we feel as though we have already ran the good race and are barely keeping our heads above water.  Between pow wows in the hallway, meeting each other up at the school on the weekend and supporting one another through observations/evaluations, it has made for a very stressful first two months of school.  And if this is any indication of the rest of the year (which it is) all we can do is continue to help one another, pray for another, laugh with one another and ENDEAVOR TO PERSEVERE.  Sounds like alot?  Well, it is and we are doing everything we can to do the best job we can with these students in making them responsible citizens and able students for this year and the next.  If you know a teacher, tell them you appreciate the work you do. We don't get enough money or enough credit for what we do and it is ashame the way the world views our profession as a business when it is the foundation of civilization.  Anyways, as I could talk about this forever, my devotional today gave me a great word which I wanted to share on my blog.  Read it, take it in and apply to your life in which ever way seems best. Enjoy.

“This job is too heavy…to handle…by yourself.”     Ex 18:18 NLT

…One Bible teacher writes: “One of our greatest challenges…is determing what God doesn’t want us to do!  We love God, we love His people, and we see many needs.  But sometimes good intentions cause more harm than good…When you becaome aware of a need, don’t automatically assume God wants you to meet it.  The only reason to perform ministry is when God clearly tells you it’s His will.  If you’re overwhelmed…you’re probably doing more than God asked.  Pray about the assignments you take on, so you don’t rob yourself and other of God’s best.”  Jon Walker adds: “Imagine if God created you to be the Michelangelo of this age but you stayed so busy doing all kinds of things – good things – that you never got around to paintin and sculpting.  You’d end up missing the best because you got distracted chasing the good.  What a disappointment…for God…and all the people who would have been blessed if you’d stayed focused on your original purpose.”  Learn to delegate.  Release the burdens God never meant you to carry, and focus on what He called you to do.  

Yet another episode of the life of Coach/Mr. Rosser.  A man just doing the best he can in this world of water and sand.  (Check the rhyme, LOL)  Thanks for checking in again and as always, STAY THIRSTY MY FRIEND.  

Pleasures and Pressures of the Week/World

Good evening/morning or whatever time you read this blog.  Thanks for taking the time to check back in see how Mr. Rosser is coming along with the season, school year and just life as a whole.  An interesting title to this blog, "The Pleasure and Pressures of the Week/World" is so fitting in my life right now I feel like I could blog on this topic forever.  It is not a title or blog in which I complain or just give up my heart, it is just insight into my crazy world and the way I see life right now.

First, I have struggled alot this week with confidence in my abilities as an educator, coach and a person and the effect I am having on those around me.  It is very easy to let your emotions control your world, which adversely affects the people around you and can have everything crashing down on you at once.  In the same token, having a positive outlook on life and just keeping a smile on your face can be the one thing that catapults another person's day and keep you believing and achieving.

As I stated previously, I felt as if my best wasn't enough and that I was in fact bringing those around me down with a negative attitude and outlook on life.  Now, most of this I believe comes from fatigue and not getting enough rest (which I am still struggling with staying asleep a whole night) and the other just from a lack of faith, which I know better.  But on three different occasions this week, I was confronted by some people in which I work with, see or just pass during my week and they all said, "Thanks for being such a great role model, man of God and positive influence for our kids."  WHAT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!  ME!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!  I felt like this was my job, but I was not doing a great job at it and here are people that I work, interact and sometimes rarely see thanking me for having a positive influence on their kids and the community.  Needless to say, this definitely brought back up my spirits and had me thanking the higher power for keeping me during what I thought was hard times, but really was just him showing me that I was doing right and to continue doing the right thing (with HIS help).  I mean, they say 3rd times a charm and tonight when I heard it, it brought me back to the center and reaffirmed that I WAS doing what I should with the talents and abilities I have.  I am grateful for the opportunity and am just in awe that others recognize the influence I have in the community.  Such an honor.

Me and my starting quarterback doing our pregame prayer before the game last week.  Thanking God for his blessings and love over us and for our abilities.  Great pic.  

And as if that wasn't enough, my daily devotions continued to talk to me through the WORD and strengthened my faith in the Lord and to remember where my help comes from. Psalm 121.  Here are some excerpts from the following week that spoke to me and kept me going.  Hope they do the same for you.

Strength in Fellowship (this was an excerpt from my daily devotional for October 8th)

Those who are not teachable are trying to talk themselves into security and confidence.  They appear sure of themselves, but deep down they aren't.  Those who are teachable, however, hear from God.  There is no greater boost to one's faith than to know that however strange or countercultural the voice we've heard, it is the voice of the Almighty -- the invincible warrior God, the Sovereign who sways human affections, the Beginning and the End.  There's a calm assurance in the one who knows he or she is in fellowship with the Creator.  A heart sensitive to Him will go forth in intensely certain faith.  It has met with God.

"He wakens me morning by morning, wakens my ear to listen like one being taught."  Isaiah 50:4

Hope you enjoyed.  There is another to follow but this blog can stand alone about my week and where I am on so many levels.  Stay tuned for more to come.

ENDEAVOR TO PERSEVERE

Words to live by taught to me through a hard but fair process and restated to me by a good friend of mine.  Often said but never really implemented into our everyday life.  I said I would go back and review the last month of the season for those readers and followers that are keeping up with the team I coach, the Oak Ridge Wildcats.  It has been a very interesting and difficult month for Coach Rosser, coach of Quarterback, Wide Receivers and co-offensive coordinator.

FRIDAY NIGHT LIGHTS
About 3 weeks ago we went on the road to play to district rivals, Powell High School, winners of the district last season and one of our two district losses last year.  There is quite the fire between these two teams and with it being on a spotlight Thursday night and the "game of the week", it was primed to be a good one.  We went into the game full of energy, a great game plan and ENTHUSIASM.  We broke out to a 17-7 lead at the half, squandering away opportunities to put this team away.  Unfortunately, one of the plays prior to the half, we suffered an injury to our 3rd year starting quarterback.  He is honestly thee toughest kid I may ever coach in my career, but this night, an injury of a kidney bruise would not bring him back to us this evening to finish the game.  We had to put in our backup quarterback, who is my starting slot receiver and main play maker, but there definitely was a timing and consistency phase that altered our progression as an offense.  Short story made long (Haha) trying to stick to the same game plan with a different QB we blanked out in the 2nd half and came up short losing 24-17 (hence the 4-1) in district play.  The status of our starter was unknown and we have to find a way to persevere through the adversity we had to face this season.

With a full week of practice, extra film study and work with my back up, the offensive staff was able to put together a good game plan that had us a little restricted in the air but put up almost 400 yards rushing to get a win on homecoming night against Halls High School. This was our 2nd district win on the season keeping us 2nd in the district at 2-1 and overall 2-2.

The following week, we took a confident yet battered Wildcat team back on the road to face a very strong Maryville High School team.  State ranked in our region and known for winning multiple 6A championships in the last decade.  With our back up QB still in and another week of practice under his belt we felt good about the game plan and what we had coming into the game.  Unfortunately, this talented team with several division 1 commits put a beating on us giving us our 3rd overall loss and leaving us emotionally beat down but happy to be looking forward to only district games from this point on.

Me and my QB doing a pre-game prayer

Starting our road trip of the next 3 district games on the road, we went into this game, having our starter back at about 75% but yet a game plan and positive emotional state that we felt would give our team a boost.  As we were yet another team's scheduled homecoming, we took our show on the road to Anderson County in which we came out and put up the most point we have scored since I have been here and only in 3 quarters (49 points).  We were party busters on homecoming and got another big district win of 49-20 I believe giving us an overall record of 3-3 and having high hopes of going on the road for the next two weeks and being in control of our own destiny as it pertains to the postseason.

THE SYNOPSIS' ARE GETTING SMALLER AS I CONTINUE ON BECAUSE OF FATIGUE, LOL.

Anyways, moving from the past to the present, we took our show on the road once again to district foes, Karns High School in which we were looking to win consecutive games for the first time this season.  With a completely healthy quarterback back and packages within our offense that made us extremely explosive, our high powered offense were out to make a statement.  And that we did, scoring 35 points in the first half with two turnovers (which should have made it 49 points) and causing a running clock for the remainder of the game.  We got yet another district win, 35-14 and continue to be in the driver's seat of our destiny at 4-3 overall (4-1 in our district).

We are very happy with our progress at the moment and are hoping that our team continues the hard work they have put in and the trust they have in their coaches.  With this mindset and winnable games in place we will continue to ENDEAVOR TO PERSEVERE and do what it takes to make this season what we want it to be and continue our hopes to a postseason.


This should have me caught up from the past month.  Thanks for reading this.  As always, if you get a chance please share with someone else, choose to follow this blog or just continue to check it out.

Thanks for tuning in and STAY THIRSTY my friends.

Been A While

Almost a month and a no blog, no update, no nothing.  I am truly slipping on the blog tip and for those that were keeping up with me and the season I apologize for the lapse in updates.  Because of the time and fatigue this will be brief but there will be more to come in the near future and that is a promise.  Anyways, after getting a win this evening on the road against district woe, Karns High School, the Oak Ridge Wildcats are now 4-3 (4-1 in the district) and are looking to roll on and continue success for a shot at the postseason.  It has been a bumpy road for our team with key injuries, like our 3 year starter at quarterback, to tough games lost, to just a bad night by us against a really good team, to back to back convincing wins on the road the last two weeks.  Similiar to last year, the team is starting to play together and our best football at the right time of the season.  Kids are believing in the coaching, coaches are busting our tails to watch film and have the kids prepared and the results are us winning games when we need to.
From here on out we have district games which have a huge influence on your selection for the weird TSSAA playoff system.  If we continue to roll and win out, we could be looking at a great opportunity at the postseason and possibly a home playoff game at that.  Which would be SWEEEEEEEEEEEEEET.  As is, we will continue the work, do our part and let the cards fall where they may.  Stay tuned for a more in-depth look at the last month on the next update.

As for the school year, it is getting off to a rough and turbulent start.  The evaluation process of teachers is quite an experience which does nothing but stress out the educators and puts more on our plate than what can already fit.  My students are settling in well, they are getting used to me and me to them with a few minor behavior adjustments to be made, but overall, I can say that I have a good class.  They are a smart bunch which makes teaching them a thrill and challenge, but the overall growth of them as responsible citizens is a continuous process we will thrive to achieve.

I am staying in a strong mental state, continuing to eat, exercise and live healthy and staying grounded in knowing that "I  can do all things who Christ who strengthens me."  I am really focusing on not letting life stress me out, especially during the season and I continue to strive to make a difference and be a positive role model for my students, players and community.  With this attitude, I can't lose.

Thanks for tuning in and check back soon for another update to come. Thanks again and stay thirty my friends.