Cautiously Optimistic

Go ahead, you can say it. "UVM Football: Undefeated Since 1974". It sure does feel good to hear. So, the T-shirts can be worn proudly for a few more weeks. I know I'll be sporting mine once or twice before the next game.

And while the team earned a much-deserved, 17-12 victory over the Northern Berkshire Kings on Saturday, I remain cautiously optimistic about the remainder of the schedule.

Don't misunderstand what I'm saying here - a win, under any circumstances, is a good thing. But a lot went wrong Saturday and the team understands that we've got to play a lot better to keep winning. There were the three turnovers we committed, the blocked field goal, and the miscommunication that allowed the Kings to recover a kickoff deep in our territory. Mistakes like that can cripple your chances to win a football game.

A prefect example was the disastrous stretch in the first quarter that allowed the Kings to put up 12 points in less than five minutes. It started with the loss of our starting quarterback due to a hit to the knee. On the very next play, we threw an interception. After holding the Kings to a four-and-out, we fumbled the next play, which was recovered and run in for a touchdown. The ensuing kickoff wasn't fielded and the Kings recovered with unbelievable field position. It only took one more play for them to return to the endzone, and we were down 12-7.

But our boys showed tremendous resolve in winning this game. After losing the lead, the offense marched right back down the field twice and added ten points in the second quarter. From that point on, it was a stellar defensive effort and excellent ball control by our offensive line and running backs that allowed us to grind the clock down and win. I couldn't be more proud of these young men to show so much heart after only ten practices.

I promise you, if we commit three turnovers in our own half against the Vermont Ravens on September 8, the outcome will be very different. But I am encouraged by the fighting spirit of this football team. They weren't going to give up no matter what the score or situation. And that's the silver lining in the cloud! If we can learn from our mistakes, we're going to be a very tough team to beat.

So now it's time to look forward to the Vermont Ravens. They're a well-coached team that will bring a wealth of experienced players with them. Many of them played with the Vermont Ice Storm, a team used to playing football at a much higher level. Just like us, they are a first year football team that is learning how to play together. Unlike us, they will be playing their fifth game of the year when they face us.

If we can keep the game close, we have an excellent chance to win. No matter what the result, it will be a very exciting football game. Hopefully, I'll still be wearing my "Undefeated" T-shirt on the 9th.