What a ride! We finished our regular season with a 7-3 record. All 3 losses came against teams from higher divisions- bigger enrollments than us. And… all 3 were playing for the state championship in their division over the weekend. So, we felt pretty good about our season and team going into the playoffs this year.
I announced my retirement from coaching after our last regular-season game (took a page from the Frank Beamer book!) and gave the players a weekend to process things… then down to work. In our state association, like the NCAA FBS, we play a Final 4. It means that your regular-season record is critical to getting into the state-wide final 4. We were seeded second behind a team that was undefeated. We won our semifinal game pretty handily which set up the showdown this past Friday.
We had them 24-0 (we still always go for 2 after scoring!) and went in at halftime up 24-6. We scored twice more plus a safety in the second half to complete our season and the state championship! What a way to finish the season! What a way to finish a 41 year coaching career! Our kids were great. We played with passion and persistence. Our defense was “lights out”– recording 8 sacks and causing 4 turnovers. They got a lot of passing yards between the 20’s but couldn’t finish.
It finally “hit me” in church on Sunday. The pastor announced to the congregation what had happened on Friday night and we got a nice round of applause. The reality of a state championship (my first after 41 years!) sunk in. I was overcome with joy and gratitude to Jesus, my Lord. yep, I cried!!!
Our family has a LOT to be thankful for tomorrow. Every time I think of Friday night, I get that stupid grin on my face again. God is gooooooooood!!! ALL the time!!!
I wish all of my friends who follow these posts a Happy Thanksgiving!!!
Congratulations Coach! I read each of your blog posts. It is great to see you finished off your career with a state championship. Best wishes in all that you do!
Kevin Steele
H.F.C.
Bedford HS
Bedford, PA