High School Football

Ah, those were the days. Freshman football. I'll leave my high school football experience for another day (you'll thank me later, it's a long rant). My godson started high school football. He's never played tackle football before so it's funny seeing how awkward he looks out there, even though he's a very gifted athlete.



Yes, all his extra gear, that was me. Gotta spoil the godson, ya know? Anyway, it was only a scrimmage, which is basically practice, just against another team. His team did not seem prepared at all. It's frustrating, but you have to remember it's freshman football. Most of these kids have never played tackle football before.



I kinda wish I had the time to coach him myself. He just needs some concentrated attention, and he could be decent. It's tough though, freshman football at public schools usually don't get much attention (i.e. coaching staff, equipment, practice time).

One of his classmates from the school I work at is also on the team.



He's one of the shorter players on the team, but he's got it put together a little more. I hope he continues to play all 4 years.

Some more pictures...

Doing some drills before the scrimmage

Water break.

My godson's sister; not camera shy

Father and son.

The Week In Review

Yes, I know it's only Thursday. It's week enough for me. So quite a few happenings this week. Staff meetings started up this week. The usual from the teachers (worried, stressed, tons of questions) while I sit back and ask myself (what the heck is the problem?!!?one!!1). I know I'm not a teacher so I don't have the same problems, but a lesson in crisis management and such would be helpful for them. It's going to be ok, gosh.

I also had 3 days to recreate my daycare facility and office. It's been set in stone for the past 20 years and I now finally got a chance to make it my own. It's been hell, I gotta say. My office is about 52% done (pictures soon), but the supply room, that's about 12.8% done. The actual day care center is fine, operational, it will do for now. I've got Friday and the rest of the 3 day weekend (3 day weekend!!!) to finish. I want to FINISH by the weekend. I definitely don't want to start the year falling behind, this is a big year for me. I've got alot planned.

The other day I was office shopping at Target and I see Hugo Sanchez at the cash register. Holy crapolio it's Hugo Sanchez! In San Diego! In Target! Yeah, for those not in the know, legendary Mexican soccer player. Not quite as inept as a coach, at least for the national team (see false promises, shortcomings, and fracaso) . Now, I'm not one to approach celebrities or famous people, but I almost did. It came down to, is he an ass who will shun me, or do I bother a person while paying for items, who is obviously on some kind of vacation (no job, ya know?). I ended up walking away. In short, he's short, his mistress is tall blonde and leggy, and he looks like your average Mexican.

Tonight was the back to school BBQ for the kids. For me it meant a bombardement of parents asking questions and filling out paperwork. It wasn't too overwhelming, but I was a tee bit concerned that I had quite a few registration forms left. I need a key number to be met this year, so we'll see. I was told not everyone showed up so hopefully everything went well.

Tomorrow starts the official school year. Hoo....ray. I'm hoping for a fantabulous year. We'll see...

LIGHTS OUT...for good?

We've all heard the recent news regarding Shawne "Lights Out" Merriman and his lingering knee problem. And now with reports that he has both LCL, and PCL damage there's a likelihood that he may need that surgery after all. The question is whether it will be minor surgery to stabalize his knee and keep him out several weeks, or the full reconstructive surgery that would keep him sidelined for the season.

It's interesting to note that his contract expires at the end of the 2009 season. If Merriman were to have the reconstructive surgery, that would leave him the 2009 season to get back to his All-Pro status. More important would be his status as a Charger after the 2009 season. A.J. Smith is known for being a no nonsense kind of guy, in that once he sets the value of a football player, it's his way or the highway. A.J. Smith doesn't 'low-ball' athletes, but he also doesn't fall for the hype that any agent or stats present.

One one hand you can see Merriman returning to his 2006 form, where he led the league in sacks while only starting half the season, or he could have an 'average' year with 6- 8 sacks. His 2009 season will drastically affect the type of contract he would be offered by the Chargers.

The Chargers are not afraid to shy away from damaged goods. In 2006, the Chargers drafted Antonio Cromartie with the number 19th overall pick, despite missing his entire junior season with Florida State recovering from a torn ACL.

Whether Merriman has the minor surgery or opts for reconstructive surgery, he is an invaluable part of the Charger defense, who have led the NFL in sacks (149) since Merriman has been with the Chargers. Interestingly enough, the Chargers only amassed 98 sacks in the previous three seasons before Merriman was drafted in 2005.

Sacks don't tell the whole story. Countless times has Merriman made a key play to him a game. Whether it's tripping Peyton Manning on a fourth down play when the Indianapolis Colts were poised for the endzone, or recovering a causing a fumble during a playoff game, Merriman has an instinct for being at the right place at the right time.

With the looming thought of having to sign key players in the following years (Philip Rivers, Marcus McNeil, and Antonio Cromartie) it is important for the Chargers to think long and hard on their decision with Merriman. It is a crucial time for the San Diego Chargers franchise. With the window of opportunity closing in, will Merriman be the guiding light, or will the Chargers seek alternative energy? Power outage concerns in San Diego, go figure.

Where The Eff Were you?

So last week my brother decided to have one of our OLSH gatherings. I told him it was a bad idea and that no one would show.










Partially correct.

Most of the people that showed were from my sister's class. I had 3 of my friends show up (Thanks Cristina, Rassan, and Demetrious for showing). The rest of you...shame.


D snuck out before the photo op. All in all it was alright. I think I've decided that I'm over 'planning' these things. Let someone else plan the get-togethers, I'll just attend from now on. I put too much effort into them for just a couple people to show up. I appreciate those who attended, but come on people...


Where's the love?! Entertaining my imaginary friends, pfft.