Patsfb#52

Looks like DB is getting a tough lesson through the realization that all football programs (especially at the high school level) go through some tough years at times. I like the looks of Friday night for the Patriots if they play like I saw them play against west and like I heard they played last week. They just can't shoot themselves in the foot like the greenville and campbell county games, especially when you're playing a team like DB (regardless if DB is up or down)!! I'll definitely be in Dumplin Valley Friday night. This is the chance for a great group of deserving players and coaches to cash in the struggles of the past two years. The west game started the process and a win Friday night would really put an exclamation point on it and present a bright future for the remainder of the season. All I can say is... GO JEFF CO!!!

Having palyed for Coach U and his staff for three years, I feel that they do a sufficient job of encouraging kids to play. It's not that kids haven't tried to come out. I can't count the times that someone new came to a workout or practice only to not show up the next day. I was a freshman when Meadows was coach and experienced some of his workouts and they do not even compare to the current workouts. It can get hard! A lot a kids simply can't hack it! Remember on thing with Mo East and West. Those programs are experiencing success at the moment... and Jeff Co currnetly isn't. Success breeds interest. Most kids only want a part of it when it's going good. They can't handle a little adversity. Fans and parents are going to be the main reason for increase in numbers. Currently, most middle schoolers hear only negative things about the program due to previous seasons and recent events. We should be encouraging kids to play instead of downplaying the coaching staff and team. That is what it's going to take to get the Patriot spirit back into these kids. And just for clarification, PatriotMan, I have not yet been accepted to the academy but hope to be. Just didn't want anything getting around that isn't certain yet.

It's attitudes like this that are far too common and have a negative impact and things such as the football program at the high school. There is an obivious difference in interest at the middle school and high school levels. However, the situation should be reversed if anything. Why do students and athletes get to the high school level and feel no need to participate? I honestly believe that today's teenagers are simply lazy! Not all, but it is becoming more and more of an issue. It's sad to say, but there is only one way that issue can be dealt with and it starts at home. Where are the tough and hard working attitudes that flourished on the football team in the 80's and 90's. I'm by no means downplaying my teammates because I admire everyone of them, but we could have used some help the past two years. I'm not saying there is God-given talent throughout the school, but numbers are a must on any successful football team. It is safe to say that we lost several games due to a lack of depth. I wish school spirit was higher than it currently is, but it's not all about that. It's also about life and challenging yourself by taking on multiple things at once and experiencing the family-like atmosphere of a team or group.

I would like to give a player's perspective of the Jeff Co football sitution. I was a senior captain on this year's team(#52). I started three years on the offensive line and played both ways as a senior. I plan to attend the Naval Academy where I hope to play college football and pursue a career in engineering if accepted. Due to all the negativity surrounding the program I feel that a different veiw should be presented. Having been a student and football player at JCHS for the past four years, I strongly believe there is not a coaching problem. I know numbers are down. I've heard all the excuses: "I've gotta work," "Don't like the coach," "you all are no good." They are countless and everyone just as sorry as the last. Maybe kids can't handle a little "yes sir" and "no sir" or can't hack the hard work required by Coach U. I mean, is it too much to ask? This is the problem. It's generational. Just think, how many kids laid around whining and making excuses back in the 80's when this football program was thriving? Oh, by the way, what ever happened to the term student-athlete? I have the upmost respect for Coach U and his staff. Not only do they teach the great game of football but they build men of character!! It's common for fans to complain when things are not going smooth. Complaining is what has brought all the negative attention to this program. Look at the lawsuit... I proudly supported Coach U as a witness in court one week before the Morristown West game. I admired the boys involved in the ordeal before it happened. They were some of the hardest workers on the team and were respected by the other players and coaches. I have no earthly clue why those boys don't like coach u but it was their choice and now they are having to face the results. But you can't bring down everyone you don't like in life. This program needs to put that whole situation in the past and hope that certain people will realized they messed up and drop it. For Jeff Co football to get back on track it's going to take getting everyone on the same page. Especially the student-athletes of JCHS. I know for a fact the coaches want better. We all do! Bringing all the middle school players into the fieldhouse for pregame of the homecoming game was a start. By no means have the coaches and players in that fieldhouse begun to fall into a status quo. For those of you who think it means nothing to be a Patriot anyomore, think again. I walked off a football field at Bearden about three weeks ago with one feeling...pride. I was thankful and proud to put on a Patriot jersey on Friday nights. I have a dad and uncle that played in 80's. I've heard the stories and what it means to be a patriot. Granted, I wanted so bad to play in a playoff game or on the turf a MTSU but walking off that field, I realized that my teammates and I had learned more in two years than most people can in a lifetime. I have a great love for the game of football and strived every week along with teammates and coaches to win. But I also came to the realiztion the it's just a game. It's the lessons football teaches us that makes it so great!! Joe Paterno was once asked of one of his national championship teams if this team had been his most successful one. He responded with, "We will know in about 25 years." I wish the best of luck to the fellow teammates, coaches, parents, and fans of Jefferson County football. I hope that teenagers at JCHS will get a sense of pride about their school and strive to better themselves instead of being quick to point fingers. As for the fans... I hope you all will quit being so negative and encourage kids to play for Jeff Co instead of downplaying the coach. Get behind your coach, program, and school! So the next time you want to discuss coaching changes just think about how much it will help a teenage generation already in need of guidance to simply run off the coach and put the blame on his shoulders. This coaching staff is going no where (and shouldn't!) so get behind them and bring back Jeff Co Football. I would like to say to the players on the team that I appreciate the past four seasons and hope to see Jefferson County back on top. I hear workouts for next season have already started...the clock is ticking! I'm proud to be a Jefferson County Patriot! Good luck to the Jefferson County Patriots!