Lord Gonchar

Football season is back. Today the kids had their “Premier Game” which is just a nice name for a practice game that doesn’t count (think preseason NFL).

We found ourselves at the same field where the season ended last year. Sadly, our opponents strategy stayed mostly the same – play cheap and eventually get away with it – and the clock issues were still there, but the end result was much different. Actually, in all fairness, it wasn’t nearly as bad as last year’s game…but still. This time the kids redeemed themselves a little and squeaked out a 20-19 win in a nail-biter.

The Beavercreek Orange Bantam team seems to be more well rounded this year with several players who are threats and a defensive line that can make a stand like nobody’s business. (yes, my little guy is a part of that line) In fact, while he got a decent share of play time last year based mostly on his effort and willingness to try even if the results were less than great, this year he’s actually having to ask to be taken off the field to catch his breath and get a drink. He’s on the line for the main offense in a Guard position and only gets breaks when the less experienced 2nd offense comes on and he’s not on any discernable rotation on defense in that he’s always on the field in a DT position.

So it’s all a little more fun this year as more of the ideas are starting to ‘click’ with him and, being one of the bigger kids this year, we’re seeing him break through the line quite a bit. Now we just need to find him some speed and he’ll be a serious threat. Right now he’s good for tying up one or two guys on the line which helps open up holes for some of the quicker kids to get through and make tackles in the backfield. Kind of thankless, but important to the overall attack.

We’ll see how the season goes. I think this year’s team has the potential to be a lot better than last year’s (3-3-2).