First W

Played Monday evening at our house vs. the defending champs of my main league (NJJBL). This team beat us in semis last year then went on to win league championship. We won BTB championship instead.

So we played four tough quarters...and at the end we had a tie game. So on to OT. Which we pulled out despite ourselves. Yowza.

Now I also have a new philosophy. In the past as 4th, 5th, 6th graders I tried my best to get all the boys some good minutes, no matter what. I actually had some sleepless nights when I couldn't do it, feeling I let somebody down. But this is travel and playing time not guaranteed. As outlined:

Playing time is not guaranteed in travel. We will do our best to get all boys in games. Please know that the following factors effect any decision: practice attendance (tracked), understanding the offensive and defensive plays and formations, game situation at any particular time, attitude and effort.

So missing practices and not learning what we are doing becomes a problem for some. At least I have a clear conscience and can go into season looking ahead.

Tonight we play a team I consider dirty. Whooped 'em last season. We see tonight what has changed.