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. 
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
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