State Championship, November 5, 2008
Franklin

Having has time to reflect on this game, I am still puzzled by lack of energy and enthusiasm we brought for participation in the match. I recognize that the tempo was set by the incompetent officiating crew as they shared with us the knowledge they possessed about the appropriate fashion that we should wear when it comes to skids. I have often experienced that officials that spend so much time in that regard, generally do not have the competence to officiate a match of the quality that was provided to them. While this is a requirement, no one except the Memphis officials required this during the season. You may recall that I also had to provide them with written parental permission in Memphis for Gwen, even though we had a medical release.

But as seasoned veterans, we should have been able to play through that psychologically. But, as the result showed, we did not. As we dominated the first 14 minutes of the game, we were suddenly dealt with a setback, the first goal. Yes, it is easy to recognize the mistake; however I have often seen other mistakes that were far worse. This should not have been an issue for us. But, if we look back into our season, there were very few times when we had to come from behind, so that is one issue we were never challenged with. The second and third goal very questionable, and in my humble mind should have never been allowed. But as a team, we should have been strong enough not to allow an officiating crew to bother us or have the outcome of the game in their hands.

I don't believe we suffered from burn-out. I just believe we chose to play a bad game at the wrong time. But that should not hamper the great season we had. It has been a great ride, one that should always be remembered.

Back to the game. For me, a key was the break down in the midfield. While we knew Franklin had an exceptional midfield, so did we. We created few opportunities that were worthy of consideration that could have led to scoring opportunities. The front runners did not work efficiently so that we were able to find them and allow easy opportunities and the creation of scoring chances. The midfielders needed to pass the ball quickly. We either got caught in possession, or our passes did not have the pace to find the spaces we were looking for. Too many touches, not enough pace in the midfield. That is where the battle should have been decided, or was it?

Our defenders played well. Especially in the second half when we played with three. One cannot ask more of players than that, as the Franklin team proved that they are by far the fastest transitioning team we have seen in the state. But then again, the defense has been the anchor of our team all season.

Our 4-1-4-1 system should have matched perfectly with the three central midfielders, and I believe would have been fine without the early x-mas presents provided by the officiating crew. But I also saw that we can easily play with a three back line, having to only work a bit harder.

I do appreciate the hard work and effort that was given. I know that no player steps on the pitch wanting to make mistakes or not giving an effort, as such, I have accepted the final result, as painful as it is. This was however the best run, the best team to get that crown, and the greatest opportunity that has managed to slip away from us.

For some of us, we now have a year to think about this game, which should serve as an impetus and fire the desire to once again return to the state tourney and finish the job that we started this year.

Match grade: D