I once heard a pretty interesting statement made after a football game when I was with Detroit. Back in the ’90’s the Lions won on a Monday night in Dallas. It was billed as Barry Sanders vs. Emmitt Smith showdown. We both had good solid teams and we won in overtime on a Jason Hanson FG. (Barry out rushed Smith by a few yards by the way)
(Let’s not start the Barry vs. Emmitt discussion again!)
Wayne Fontes was our coach and after he got done talking to a jubilant locker room he came into the coaches room and really made what I think was a very true statement. He said that “if anyone could ever find a way to bottle how we feel right now after a win – they would make a fortune.”
He is right and anyone who has ever played a sport and felt that thrill, release, exhilaration, relief all at once that lasts for a nice warm period of time knows exactly what he meant.
Well – we were lucky enough to get that feeling last Saturday afternoon after a well played game vs. Dickinson. Games like that make you feel good on many levels.
It was a game where the Hounds played like a “team.” It isn’t that we don’t try to do that in every game. But, in this instance I really felt the synergy you always strive for.
The running game blended with the passing game. We punted and kicked with precision and the defense was able to stop the running game and control the passing. Also the offensive attack meshed well with the way we played on defense which flowed into the special teams play.
It was a great game to watch – then later enjoy while having a beer (or ten).
I suspect that the tailgate party was a huge success and later the evening the Senior tribute was probably a blast as well. One thing that I am sure of is that our fans are going to have a good time. As well you should!
Well this week – we travel across the river to play our neighbor Muhlenberg. (My alma mater by the way – only PE major ever at the school.). They have had a tremendous season to this point. Playing undefeated football to attain the number 5 ranking in the country.
Just as we do here at Moravian I am sure that the coaches at ‘Berg are doing the same thing. We always preach the need for players to approach each play as an individual effort and then at the end of the game those “Mano o Mano” tussles are added up and that leads to the final tally on the scoreboard.
If you worry about the scoreboard and lose sight of the old saying “one play at a time” you are bound to have a long day. The goal is to “clear the mechanism” on each play.
Sometimes it is hard to overcome the emotion of the game on individual plays. But the most accomplished performers can do it. Those athletes that are at the top of their game can do it.
Just think how many times after a great performance you will hear a performer talk about “Being in the Zone” or in the “Flow” of the game.
Those are truly accurate observations. The best of the best can stay in the game and perform in that moment without looking back at what might have happened previously (good or bad) or what is coming up in future plays.
The goal is to get a small win on each play – gain an edge as often as possible and then you can separate the emotion from the actual competition.
GO HOUNDS!
Here is a look at the Muhlenberg season: