2010 District Re-Alignment Projections:

The Padilla Poll came out today. If you haven't heard of it- every 2 years a man named Carl Padilla does PROJECTIONS on the what districts and classifications that each school will move to. According to a lot of coaches- he is pretty accurate.

So this morning the Padilla poll came out and if you are brave enough- read on to find out which district we are PROJECTED to end up in.
Also- take note that on the school that I leave off- which was a huge sign of relief, but again- its just a projection- not the real deal.


District 25-4A

1) Rouse High School
2) Cedar Park High School
3) Vista Ridge High School
4) Hutto
5) Pflugerville Connely
6) Pflugerville Hendrickson
7) Marble Falls
8) Vandergrift


That's the projection! Keep in mind that it could change, but keep your fingers and toes crossed and knock on wood, and hopefully Lake Travis will not be in our District come February 2nd!
I also know the tentative 3 teams that we will play in non-district next year, but my lips are sealed until Coach Mann gives me the ok to open my big mouth! ha

2009 Fall Sports Banquet

For the second year in a row, our 2009 Fall Banquet was well organized, beautifully decorated, thanks to the banquet committee. Unfortunately for me, seeing that I am not on Josh's payroll, I wasn't allowed to make a speech, so with that I personally, have several people that I want to thank!
In no particular order:

1)Joe and Bertha Gadison and Brandon and Lisa Pelt for being amazing Sports Reps. You guys did an amazing job at getting things together for Josh, sometimes in a few hours notice. Thank you for pushing the HuttoFm - because of that, our families were all able to listen to our games- which is great. Oh and Jace REALLY wants to say thank you for pushing the tunnel. I have never seen a kid so pumped about something in my life. Only my child:)

2) Lisa Pelt- you have not only turned out to be my football buddy- but a great friend too. (I don't know ANYONE else that would put up with me talking about Jason and Sam nonstop:)and while I am at it- I guess I should thank Brandon and Josh too for not getting angry with me and Lisa for texting each other at 12am about our favorite 2 people. (and yes- our favorite 2 people are fictional:)

3) Linda Zarsky for orchestrating the entire banquet and thank you to your helpers as well- Ann Vise, Carey Nabb, Lisa Pelt, Liza Gonzales, Margerite Swilling and I know that I am leaving someone out and I am sorry!! Someone remind me who it is!!!

4)Liza Gonzales for taking care of our amazing program. It was great and thank you for taking the time to help me with the Lady Raider Football Camp packet you spent a LOT of time helping me when I know you needed to be taking care of other stuff. Thank you.

4) Bill and Deanna Rogers- THANK YOU for taking over the Concession stand. I can't believe I am saying this, but the nachos were the BEST that I have ever tasted in a concession stand. PLUS, it was professional, and well ran. Thank you mostly for taking on the project when no one else would and spending so much time behind the counter- I know you missed a lot of game watching, but I am grateful that I was able to keep my kids hydrated and well fed:)

5) Liz Boyles and Rhea Unger for taking over the Spirit wear. I KNOW better than anyone that SW is NOT an easy task, but I have to say that you both did an amazing job and I LOVED everything that you purchased. You both deserve a HUGE thank you for taking on that project.

6) Chad Taylor for standing on the sidelines at every game and snapping pictures. WOW, I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE all of them. Nothing is better than action shots and you took great ones! I know you likely would have liked to sit in the stands and actually watch a game, but we really appreciate all that you did!

7)The Raider Mom's Gang! WE kicked butt with our signs and I hope to keep up with this tradition next year!!

8) The RHSABC Board Members- I know it was a rough start, and we are only halfway through the year, but you have managed to turned this BC around and the result has been fascinating!!Board members: Ed Butts, David Price, Scott Jacobs, Kim Zauzig,and Keith Stewart. I don't envy you- you have tough jobs, but I do appreciate you!!

9)The Coaching Staff!! Without you, and your players, I wouldn't have anyone to thank!! You have wonderful families and thank you, thank you for choosing to come with us to Rouse. I can't say that I have ever been a part of a better coaching staff as a whole. We kick butt and have fun! and if I haven't said this a million times, we have the BEST staff and I would put our up against any other coaching staff in the state of Texas. Our staff includes ALL the coaches- not just football- both the guys and girls staff are wonderful.

10)Gerald Spencer and Joe Gadison for doing the HuttoFM announcing! You are a great team and both give a different angle on the game. Its great and I hope you continue to do it next season!!

11) The guys that set up the tunnel and lug it back and forth at all the games. Our tunnel is beautiful, but without you- we couldn't set it up!!

12) ALL of the Player and Parents- thank you for being such great people. I know I can get on a soap box sometimes when it comes to being a fan in the stands, but you are all great and I don't have a lot to complain about. You are all truly amazing people with amazing kids and I have enjoyed getting to know all of you. And I am looking forward to meeting more of you and learning new names and faces next season. I hope that by year 4- I will know everyone!

13) Anyone that I left out- I am sure I will edit this a gazillion times in the next few hours because I will remember someone that I left out- so if you did something and didn't get thanked- don't fear- I will remember you and add you to this list- it just might take me a few days:)

Boy for the Sainz!

Looks like we are adding to the already heavy boy's side! Robert and Kristen Sainz will be providing Jacob with a little brother in April!!!
We are excited about having ANOTHER boy on the Coaching Kids staff!!

Greyson Glenn Walker

We have a name!

Greyson Glenn Walker
8lbs 15oz
Mom is doing great! They are so glad to have Greyson here! Not sure how Brixton feels about it, but I am sure he is excited!

Defensive Tackle or a Cheerleader????

It looks like we are going to have enough boys to almost fill an entire defensive side of the ball!

The Walkers had a sweet, healthy baby BOY a few hours ago!! They kept the name a secret, so we are waiting to hear what they named him. I will let you all know asap!

Prayers!

Prayers needed for Steve and Melissa Walker today!

We are anxiously awaiting the arrival of our newest Rouse Raider! They aren't sure if Brixton will be a big brother to a cheerleader or a defensive end, but we are all ready to know!!

Pray for a safe and healthy delivery.
Keep checking the site and I will hopefully be updating it very soon!!!

The Walker baby will be the first of 5 new babies that will be arriving within the school year!

Battle of the Raiders and the Vipers

Last week was a strange week... who plays a Varsity game on Wednesday? I bet only a handful of coaches can say that they have played a Varsity game on any night other than Thursday, Friday, or Saturday!

Josh has played a Varsity game on a Monday night (2005) and now on a Wednesday night!

Before I talk about the actual game, I would like to say how neat it was to be on the field at Bible Stadium and look into the stands and see so many wonderful cheering fans looking down on the field. You were all decked out in your maroon and gold and cheering loud.

The Raider Rousers on the field were in awe and were having a great time hanging out on the field waiting for the football players to come out of the tunnel.

I got to have my chills as I listened to Josh give the first pre-game speech at Bible Stadium.

When the players came out of the locker room, they looked tough and stood tall in their awesome new uniforms. It was a site to see.

The players came running out of the tunnel with the Raider Rousers right behind them, but one of the kids didn't know what to do, so he went running out onto the middle of the field and I had to go chase after him. He was almost to the Viper sideline before I caught up with him. (I was running with a football, camera and in a pair of shoes that were way too big- so I wasn't fast:)

I got the child safely to his parent and then headed into the stands for the kickoff!

After the opening drive, I was pretty nervous, but we bounced back and I KNEW that it was going to be a back and forth game. Games seem to be that way sometimes. Either its back and forth or an all out blowout. I like back and forth games because they keep you on your feet- Or at least I liked it when I was just a fan. Now that i am married to a coach, my game preferences have changed quite a bit!

I still like back and forth games, but only when we come out on top!

I don't have a lot to say about the game. We played a tough team that got better. They weren't bad the first time we played them- we just came out on top. They were out for Raider blood and they weren't letting up.

I thought we played well- obviously there were things we could have done better, but all and all we played hard.
We had a tough season and for us to lose only 3 games, well that's pretty damn good I think- especially when one of those losses was to a 3a, ranked Varsity.

We won the first battle, the Vipers won the second.

I think the Raider and the Vipers are going to be big rivals come next year:)
Redemption.......

Last Game Tonight

This is it! The last JV game that we will play this season. The last time you get to PRETEND to be a Varsity team, because come tomorrow- you are a Varsity team.

Tonight will be an exciting night- on so many levels. It might be Wednesday, but you will forget all about that when the lights come on and the band starts playing!

Good Luck Raiders, Make us Proud!

Yesterday, Tashard Choice (#23), running back of the Dallas Cowboys came to Rouse to speak to our football team. What a neat experience for our players!

He spoke about the importance of grades and how the team and football effects you later in life. He talked to the boys about girls and even gave them a short, sweet and to the point "sex" talk. I wasn't within ear shot of this, but I heard about it!

He also spoke about the importance of running, which was funny because after he left and practice was over- more than half the players stayed and ran on their own!

Here is a video and a few pictures. If you want to hear part of his speach, be sure to turn off the music and turn your volume up as loud as you can. My speakers didn't pick it up very well!







A little about him: (via the internet)

#23, Dallas Cowboys Running Back
#22 when he played at Georgia Tech
4th Round pick in 2008
Coach Sainz has him as one of his Fantasy Football Players!


Visit his official Website!!! www.tchoice23.com
http://tashardchoice.org/
A Neat Article in the DMN: http://cowboysinsiderblog.dallasnews.com/

( Currently Working on the Video- check back around 3pm:)

Rouse Raiders beat the Sunnyvale Raiders

The Rouse Raiders and the Sunnyvale Raiders met halfway to play in what is one of my favorite staduims! Waco ISD. I LOVE that stadium, it reminds me of Memorial Stadium in Wichita Falls.

The Rouse Raiders beat Sunnyvale 14-7. It was a pretty good game, and it was a lot of fun getting to see the game up close as this stadium does not have a track around the field like most do!

Dorian and Ed had great games. I hate to single kids out, but I am looking forward to watching Dorian and Ed when they are Seniors. Dorian just has some beautiful, heart stopping hits and Ed can run with such grace and they are just so exciting to watch. With 2 more years of experience, they are going to be fun to watch!!

Our crowd was alright for an away game on a Thursday night. Those of us that were there were loud and having a lot of fun. We all sat close and I am sure we were louder because of this.

This week we have our last game at Bible Stadium at 7pm on Wednesday night. This is not only a BIG game for us, but it is also going to be a mock run for us for next year. Playing at Bible is going to be a lot of fun and will be exciting for not only us fans, but you players as well!!

Raiders coming off a loss...now the Raiders are ready to take on the Raiders!

****First, I would like to say one thing about last week's game that I was SOOO impressed with:
Our Fans. WOW... I was SO happy and we were LOUD! I loved it. And for a 3 hour trip- we traveled VERY well! It was cold, but a lot of fun

Last weeks game didn't end so great for us Raider, with a 35-21 loss to the Boerne Greyhounds. But we are ready to bounce back and now our Rouse Raiders are ready to take on the Sunnyvale Raiders at Waco ISD stadium, tonight at 7pm

Like Rouse, Sunnyvale is a new school that has 1 Freshman team and 1 Varsity.


I couldn't find much about their team, but here is the website in case you would like to see for yourself!
http://sunnyvalefootball.com/web/?p=footballschedule

I hope that we can travel tonight, as well as we did last week and I hope that we can be as loud as we were last week also!
We only have 2 games left- lets make the most of it and see who can lose their voice faster:) ha

For those of you that travel- be careful and for those of you staying at home (shame on you:)- listen to www.huttofm.com!
Go Raiders!!!

Boerne Confident that they will beat the Raiders

The following link is courtesy of Jim Potts!! Thank you!

Prove em wrong and lets go beat some Greyhounds!!!!
www.boernestar.com/articles/2009/10/20/sports/boerne/doc4ad7773aa094d866746647.txt

Raiders Beat Eastside Memorial Varsity!

Raiders beat the Eastside Varsity Panthers 28-20 on Thursday night. (By the way- it was REALLY cold)

Eastside Memorial is a "new school" so to speak. It was the old Austin Johnson school that got shutdown a few years ago. They have 4 full classes, but they are a smaller school. They have Juniors and Seniors on their team. 16-18 year old boys.

I say this because I am about to make a huge point.

In our game this week, we were missing 12 starters... 12 STARTERS- that's more than one side of the ball.

Do not get me wrong, or misinterpret my words, I am paying a compliment to our players.

We were missing 12 Starters... this means that we had 12 kids that are either backups, or kids that have switched positions, or they were Freshman that have moved up, OR they were last years B team kids.

12 new kids that helped make all of our plays.
Another shinning week for Jacob Gomez. I couldn't be prouder of that kid.. maybe because I know his parents, (and got to meet his grandparents! Another highlight of being a coaches wife) Jacob went both ways this week. I know that is tough and you get gassed quick, but he didn't show it.
Austin Herring, got 2 tackles- he is a Freshman
Ryan Henry- shined as well- lots of big plays
Charlie Stewart has been shinning all year and gets better by the week. I know his parents must be proud.
Brady Stewart made a big play.
I know that I am missing so many other players.

I am just incredibly PROUD of our team. With 12 new players: Freshman and B teamer's- and they played and WON against a VARSITY team. That says so much.
Football is really the only TEAM sport that their is. You can't win without EVERYONE on the field doing what they are supposed to do against a good team. Eastside Memorial had a LOT of speed, but our guys managed to do what they needed to do to get the job done.

I think I HAVE to be the proudest High School Coaches wife right now, and just when I think that I can't get any prouder- you guys go an do something like you did this week.
Congrats Guys!

You are about to face your toughest challenge yet. You are about to play a team for the 2ND time that you have already beat.
It is the toughest thing in the world to beat a team that you have already beat.

Never underestimate your opponent- they might surprise you.

Good Luck and go kick some Greyhound Tail!!!!

Jay Sevier Update

I (along with several others!) received this email from Coach Sevier's mom and I was wanting it!
I thought this was awesome and I am so happy for the Sevier family!

All,
Today I was lucky enough to attend a memorial service for Jay Sevier at FT Bragg, NC. After the service, one of the Colonels in charge of Special Forces training at FT Bragg presented his parents a certificate designating Corporal Jay Sevier a Green Beret. For those that don't know this is an enormous and unheard of honor. When it was initially proposed the commanding General dismissed the idea out of hand. However the COL persisted, encouraging the General to look into the matter further. After learning about Jay's life and talking with those who knew him best, the General received permission fromthe Secretary of the Army
to posthumously award Jay the Green Beret. The Army held a fantastic memorial to Jay and demonstrated true brotherhood.
JB

Raiders Get a WIN over Vandergrift 17-14

Friday night at 7:30 the Raiders played the Vandergrift Vipers. We won 17-14 and while the score looks close- let me just say that it wasn't nearly as close as it appeared to be.

I am going to touch on the Positives and the Negatives, starting with Negative:

1) Our Fans/Crowd
The number one thing that I (and Josh) was absolutely dissappointed in was how few traveled with us. Our side of the stands were pathetic compared to theirs. We had very few that came and if it weren't for the band and dance team, the amount of fans that came would have only filled up 1 section of the stadium.
I hate to harp- but when you come to a game- especially a BIG game- we need to be cheering. We have a few parents that cheer the entire game, but other than that small group and the coaches wives, we don't cheer much unless there is a big play.
My biggest pet peave is when the players are on the sidelines looking into the stands and they are lifting their arms to get the crowd to cheer.
That is not their job- so they shouldn't have to do it.

One of the best things that I have ever heard Mack Brown say in reference to a football crowd:
Fans are a huge part of what makes a football game. The players on the field can't nessassarily hear you, but those on the sidelines can and it keeps their motivation going to hear people in the stands cheering for you.
If we win or lose, they are a large part of the game.
and I quote: "You can question/ blame the coaches and the players, but did you do your part as a fan and SHOW UP to the game, and CHEER while you are at the game?"

I have a lot of respect for Coach Brown, he does a lot for the high school players as well as a lot for the HS Coaches, so I listen when he talks- and that made a lot of sense to me.

*Our fans are important and we need you and when you come, we need you to cheer. Right now, we will just settle for your body. We will teach you to cheer once we get you there!

2)Our Special Teams

There was not one person in particular, but our Special Teams just weren't clicking. We missed a lot of great opportunities and the Vipers only scores came from our mistakes on Special Teams. Its ok though- for now, we will need to get those mistakes fixed and we will need to work on that before November 4.

3) Concessions
--I was REALLY dissapointed in the fact that I couldn't get hot chocolate. I mean literally EVERY time I went to the concession stand to get a hot cup of warm chocolate- they were out. EVERYTIME! My brother in law mirraculously was able to get HC 3 times.
WE were definitely the stepchildren because you had to walk onto the other side of the stadium to get the good stuff- chik fil-a and a McDonald's Big Mac. Our side had sliced pizza- but were out by the end of the 1st quarter.
--The home side of the stadium was as mean as can be to our Coaches Wives. They would not allow them to go through the Home side and walk to the visitor side. EVENTHOUGH, the visitors could walk from our side to the concessions. Didn't make sense and 3 of our wives missed the first few minutes because of this.
--They didn't allow wives onto the field after the game. Ok- so this always makes me angry- infact at Georgetown, I was almost in handcuffs over this issue (long story and NO it wasn't my fault).
Anyhow- the thing that makes me angry is the fact that it is an LISD school stadium and (Bible allows their wives to go onto the field) AND that the Viper wives were allowed onto the field.

Now for the positives:

Our Team, I mean wow- we played lights out. So many kids had great games. All the usual ones like Ed Butts, Micheal Botello, Dorian McNeil. Ryan Henry had a great game. But one in particular that I was impressed with was #52. He is a new starter- but not a new Raider. #52 would be Jacob Gomez- who also happens to be my neighbor:)
Jacob started out in the game a bit rough- he was probably nervous, which is to be expected. I normally would NEVER point out a flaw that a kid had in a game, but I wanted to make sure that you all knew that the kid that started out our game with us gritting our teeth, is also the same kid who had 7 tackles and the sack at the very end of the game.
This was his first game to be a starter and wow did he give us a show! He was a B team kid last year and is now a starter for our JV.

I point that out because it goes to show that any kid on the B team can contribute big for the Raiders in the future.
Way to Go #52- Coach Mann and I are VERY proud for you!

Our defense their offense to 131 yards and our Raiders outplayed them everywhere except for special teams.

Raiders- I get more and more proud of you each week. I am not ready for the season to end- but I am so ready for Friday Night Football that I can hardly stand it.
I can't wait to see you out at Bible (our HOME stadium) playing with the big boys! Everything you are doing now is to prepare you for that moment!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY COACH MANN.....

Dear Coach Mann,
Just wanted to say that I hope you have a wonderful birthday today. I hope that you get a big Freshman win over Vandergrift and I hope that you get your big JV win over the Vipers tomorrow.
You are an amazing husband, father, coach and mentor and I thank God every day for bringing you into my life.
We just celebrated 6 years of marriage and now we are celebrating your 32nd Birthday!!
We love you SO much,
Brandi, Jace and Judson

Lots of Raider Action!

This past week the Raider JV played Pflugerville Hendrickson's JV at home. The game was called during the 3rd quarter due to lightening, but we were up 34-0, so I was ok with that! I am just happy that we won considering all of the unhealthy kids that we have!

Our poor Freshman were so banged up from the flu that they actually had to combine the 2 teams into 1 to even play. They played Del Valle and unfortunately came short by 1 touchdown. 12-6 Del Valle was the final score.

In other news, I am VERY, VERY proud to announce that for the 2nd year in a row- we SMOKED all of the LISD schools in the area and brought in more money than any other LISd school for the Chili's St. Judes Charity event!
We brought in $1438.00. The closest to us was Vista Ridge who brought in $1100.
We beat them by $338.00, which is pretty dang impressive if you ask me!!
Thank you to all of you!!!

Raiders for St. Judes Children's Medical Research!

I just want to send a big huge thank you to ALL Raiders!
Parents, teachers, athletes, student body, Coaches and their families!

Josh and I went home last night with chills.
#1- We knew we had a great Raider community, but it was proven last night. We hosted the event at the Chili's on the other side of town and we had MORE of our OWN people show up than any other school. That says a LOT.

#2- Yesterday Josh went into the cafeteria at school, with a decorated jar and told the students about the Charity Event. In a matter of 2 lunch periods, the Raider STUDENT BODY filled the jar with $210 and some change. One kid pulled a $10 bill from his wallet and said that the Children's Medical Research was more important than anything else he would do with that $10. We are talking about Freshman/Sophomores.

#3- With your help, we raised more money in 1 night than all 4 of the LISD schools.
2nd year in a row!!!! We totaled a little over $1200. Close call with Vista Ridge who totaled $1100. Josh is competitive, so I knew we wouldn't lose.

I really wanted to point out something about Chili's. Most companies adopt a charity, but Chili's is really not only genuine with the community, but they are good to their employees. Josh worked there in college. He played football and they kept him on and gave him good hours during the season. They also would send him home with a sack load of food so that he was fed well!
Also one of our coaches on staff has a sister that worked at Chili's and she got cancer while working there. Chili's paid for almost all of her medical costs associated with her cancer and kept her on as an employee, allowing her to work when she could.
I know that the Chili's we choose to use for this event is further away and we have one about 5 minutes from the school, but the managers at the one by Lakeline are so wonderful and PASSIONATE about this. They have fun and are grateful for everything anyone does. Toni Donohoo is the manager and she has a very supportive husband who is as passionate about the charity event as she is. He is actually the one that we call to make plans for the St.Jude's week!

So your money really does go to a cause that is genuine.

Thank you Raiders for making this a huge success, This says so much about us and our character. It was a lot of fun seeing all of you outside of the school or athletic field.

And THANK YOU coaches for taking the time out of your free time to give back to the community. If I have said it once, I will say it until I am blue in the face: We have the MOST amazing Coaches that I have ever been around. As a whole- they are the best of the best. Thank you!

Doc and the Trainers!!

Yesterday, I was at the top of the stairs and I looked down into the living room and was watching Jace and Judson playing football. All of a sudden Jace is down on the ground and "can't get up". Judson takes off his helmet, moves it off the "field" or rather my carpet and then stands over Jace. Helps him up and helps a "wobbly" Jace to the couch to lay him down.

I was rather confused by this as I knew Jace was not hurt.

Then all of the sudden, Jace is moaning and Judson is lifting his leg up in the air. He yells for me to get bandaids. I yelled to him " Judson, we are NOT waisting bandaids"

To which he replies "My name is NOT Judson, it is Doc. Now please get me some bandaids for my injured player."

Wow. I mean, I knew the boys paid attention, but to the Trainer??? That's awesome!

I was a trainer in High School. Actually, I was technically a stat's keeper for our defensive coordinator on the sideline, not really a trainer during the game. But I had the same responsibilities as all the other trainers and it is a HARD job. I never thought it could be hard, but it was. It taught me a lot and I am proud to say that I did that.

I loved the head trainer at Rider, but I had been around a few that I couldn't stand. They each have a unique quality, but I have to say that our trainer, Doc is exceptional.

He takes pride in his job and will do anything for anyone. I cant begin to tell you what he has done for me and my family!

We are ALL very lucky to have him at Rouse and I certainly hope that you all take the time to thank him at some point and not take him for granted.

And you know- the student trainers work long hours. They are all there before practice and then stay longer than the players- sometimes even the coaches. And they do not get any glory!

They do not get the privlegde of winning games or competition to get recognized, so if you get a chance, meet a trainer, meet Doc and tell them how much you appreciate them taking care of our athletes. These are the guys that keep our players healthy and who hydrate them.

We all think the world of Doc!!!

Boerne Star Newspaper

Here is the article on last week's game against Boerne. Thank you to Scott Jacobs for sending me the link!!!

http://boernestar.com/articles/2009/09/30/sports/boerne/doc4ac241c0dd98f063648864.txt

And Scott and Sarah make 5!!!

Yep, you read it right!
Scott and Sarah Brennan will the 5th Coach to add to the Raider Coaching Families!!!

Before long we might have an offensive line and a full cheerleading squad!!

Alright Coaches, Who is Next?????

32-27 Beating the Greyhounds..... wasn't easy.

Have I ever told you about my favorite, most memorable football game at Cedar Park High School? It was 2006, we were 6-0 and we were about to face a VERY stable and tough Pflugerville Panthers. As luck would have it- Friday Night Lights- the TV series was AT our game, filming in the stands, so this game was even more hyped up than normal.
I won't go through the entire game, but so I will fast forward to the 4th quarter. By this time, our starting QB was hurt and our star Running back (Tyler Smith- now at Rice) was also hurt. I remember specifically every detail of what happened. I was in the stands, my football fanatic aunt had came to the game to watch and I was a nervous wreck. Me and Jace, then 3 years old were standing the entire 2nd half of the game. Judson, 9 months old was sitting in the lap of a football mom who was sweet enough to hold him for me because I was shaking so bad. ALL I wanted was a touchdown, but instead, there was 1 minute left in the game and Pflugervilles Offense was driving the field. Our defense was number 1 in the district thanks to Josh and Brent Brittain and I was praying that they could hold them just a few seconds longer.
Thankfully we were able to hold them to a field goal attempt. ATTEMPT being the key word.
They missed the FG and we were tied with 30 seconds remaining in the 4th quarter.

If you know me and have ever seen me at a VARSITY game, you know that I get OVERLY excited. So here I am, with Jace, my aunt and my high heels, and my huge filled backpack and shaker bottles JUMPING and screaming and ready to take on this overtime. My heart literally was about to pop out of my chest. I got my stuff together to truck it quickly to the field, but still watching the last 30 seconds of the game. Pflugerville kicks the ball, we take it to the 50 and bam... I thought we would take a knee.

I couldn't have been more wrong.
With 8 seconds left in the 4th quarter, tied at 24-24, Travis Watson (2nd string QB) throws a deep pass to Jamie Knight and he runs it in for a touchdown with ZERO seconds on the clock.

To view this play go to www.youtube.com/watch?v=bj236TnBAt8&feature=related
Fast forward to 5:55 and watch from there.
_______

Two different teams, but our scenerio's were the same.
That Cedar Park game does not even compare to what I was feeling last night.

I don't know if it is because now I am the HEAD Coaches wife vs. the Defensive Coordinators wife, but the feelings that I had last night were so much more.

I can not even begin to describe how proud I was. Not only was I proud of our coaches, but I was more than anything- proud of our team.

At the Rockdale game, remember how I said I was proud that we never gave up on trying to win the game? Well that proved to be true; more so last night than last week.

We were down 2 touchdowns with 1:38 in the 4th quarter!!!!

We could have easily said, we fought a good game, but really we can't come back with 2 touchdowns. I mean, people were seriously leaving the game thinking that we had already lost.

You know what I have always said: When people start leaving a game- that's good, because something big always happens.

We had 1min 38 seconds to go. We were in the Greyhound territory and we went 60 yards to score with 37 seonds to go in the game.

THEN we got the onside kick.

Do you know how many times that happens? Rarely. But unfortunately for the Greyhounds and fortunately for the Raiders and Will Zarsky it happened for us.

So, just like at the CP/Pflugerville game, I was standing there again- except this time I RAN to get down on the sideline so that I could be there to watch if we scored.

We went on to score with 8 seconds left on the playing clock, kicked the PAT and time ran out.

Raider Win 32-27 in the BEST game I have ever witnessed on the RHS playing field.

You would have thought that the Raiders had one a state championship by the way we were jumping up and down and screaming. It was all I could do to not rush the field, but I think the Head Coach would have been pretty upset with me if I had caused a penalty.

Finally the team went to shake hands and then they started jumping up and down hugging each other, as were the coaches wives on the sideline.
I have never been more happy to give Josh a hug.

Thank you Raiders for making this an exciting game

and thank you for Winning this game for our dear friend Coach Jay Seviere.

I am sure he was helping you out as an Angel on our Field

As I am sure he was watching over Cedar Park with their huge win over Georgetown. 57-13

AND, I just realized that Round Rock McNeil won for the first time this year against a good Round Rock High and that is where Jay graduated from.

Seems that he was watching out for all of our teams:)

Boerne Star Newspaper

9-25-09

To read Boerne's Pre-game write up- visit
www.boernestar.com

All Gave Some.... Some Gave All

All Gave Some... Some Gave All

Josh uses this phrase a lot with his football players. It is a military motto that most of the Armed Forces use. If you think about the phrase and break it down- its pretty powerful and it stands for bravery, commitment and determination.

Josh didn't google military quotes, he had a good friend that used it.

That friend was a High School Football Coach and a Trainee in the United States Army.

Josh and I moved to Cedar Park in 2005 and he and Jay knew each other because all middle school coaches help out the High School coaches on the weekends and he was at Canyon Ridge MS with Coach Darrell Knight at the time. Over that first year, Coach Sevier showed a ton of promise- he was a hard worker and wanted to learn more and more.

In fall 2006, Coach Sevier joined the the Cedar Park staff and he started helping Josh with coaching the Linebackers. Coach Sevier was amazing with the players and worked really well with all the coaches.

We had a lot of time to hang out with him on the weekends and he was really such a nice, sweet and good-looking young man.

In June of 2007- Jay went to Coach Ross and told him that he had always wanted to join the United States Army and after a lot of conversations with his mother and father, he made the decision to end his teaching contract and join in the Special Forces of the United States Army.

Because he already had his degree, he was able to join the Army as a Lieutenant and went straight into Special Ops. He wrote us a few letters and we received several emails. He was still in training in the US and he was learning Arabic.

This past Saturday we received a call from one of Josh's friends that is coaching at Pflugerville Hendricks, who also knows Jay. Josh and I were at Corey and Taylor Elrods watching the UT game when Coach Killian called and told Josh that he was not sure exactly what had happened but that Coach Sevier had passed away that afternoon.

It was a shock to us and to all of us that knew him. Mostly because he was still here- he was not overseas. We have no idea exactly what happened, but all that matters to us is what his family must be going through this past week. We will be attending his service.

Jay was an amazing, courageous young man. It is a huge loss to us in the coaching profession, but we know that Coach Sevier got out of coaching to do something that he felt like he was called by God to do and even though he was not in battle, he died doing what he felt like God was calling him to do. He made an important choice concerning what he felt was the best way to give back his community and his nation and he served our nation for us, to protect me and my family and you and yours. If my boys grow up to be like someone, I hope it is Coach Sevier.

*I want to point out that this next part comes from an article that Brad Cone wrote in 2007 about Jay Sevier. I wish I could take credit for this, but honestly the way he wrote it was amazing and I wanted to share it with you.

There are many who question the value of football, and indeed all scholastic athletics. Some wonder at the spectacle we make of the competitions. They question the proportionate gain football might provide for the young men. The answer could be found in Jay Sevier. Football is a concentrated laboratory that provides for the rapid development of all the attributes a young man will need to succeed at life. It is fertile ground for growing character, drive, determination, and honor. Football builds a solid foundation for the human experience. Football builds men like Jay Severe.

When we talk about heroes and courage in football, we're talking about what we see in young men that later in life enables them to do the extraordinary things, among these the making of that most honorable of all choices; the choice that Jay made 2 years ago, he took it upon himself to suborn his own wishes in order to defend a nation that remains the last, best hope for mankind, to expend the currency of courage to purchase our right to live with liberty, and justice for all.

When we talk about dedication, drive, character, ethics and victory, the certain knowledge that our young men will grow up to be like Jay Sevier is exactly what we have in mind.

Rest in Peace Coach Jay Sevier. Thank you for all that you did for us as a valued Coach and friend. But most of all thank you for standing up and doing something that you felt strong about and serving our country and protecting me and those that I love. You were and will continue to be an inspiration to us all and I am sure that even now- you are watching over us and will continue to protect us.

On Friday night, our forthcoming, we will be playing the game to honor you!

"All gave some,

some gave all...

some stood through for the red, white and blue,

some had to fall....

and if you ever think of me,

think about all your liberties and recall...

some gave all."

Rouse vs. Rockdale

Well... a lot has happened over the weekend, so I am sorry that I have not written my post sooner.

Rouse Raiders fell to the Rockdale Tigers 56-0.
Sounds worse than it actually was.

Factor One,
the Rockdale Tigers were ranked #10 in class 3A, so when you look at the score and you think about that- its really not so bad. Also consider the fact that we are a group of Sophomores and 4 Freshman. They had 18 Seniors and 15 returning starters. That is enough said right there.

Factor Two-
From my own personal point of view, I was nervous. I was nervous from the get-go. I am always this way on game day, so it was actually quite exciting. I realized how much I miss the Varsity, Friday Night atmosphere. I also realized that our players have never experienced this type of excitement before and unfortunately for them- they don't have anyone to look up to and see what they go through on game day to get ready for a Varsity game.
The JV Field and the Varsity Field are very different Fields. Sure they look the same and they are have the same measurements, but the experience and the pressure is much different.
Not only is it an eye opening experience for the players, but it is also much different for the parents.

This was all put into prospective for me when, right before the game, I did my normal routine: search for Josh walk down to the fence and give him a good luck speech. However, I couldn't find him, so I am searching, searching , searching the field, the sidelines and no Josh.
I notice the players in the tunnel getting ready to come out and finally I found Josh. He was in the tunnel gearing the players up. Typically a coach will give the team a pep talk and walk to the sidelines and let the team finish pumping each other up.
So, it seemed strange to me to see Josh in the tunnel with the guys.
Then, it dawned on me that the boys probably had no idea WHEN to run out of the tunnel themselves. They have never done it and they have never seen it done either. They have NO ONE to look up to. Everyone is Looking UP TO THEM!
That in itself had to be overwhelming.

They had to be nervous and really, it showed in the first few drives of the game. If I could have yelled anything knowing that the players would hear me, the only words out of my mouth would have been "Calm down"

Factor Three-
We were unhealthy the entire week leading up to this game. That is a factor that NO ONE can help and unfortunately everyone that was sick, were all sick during the same week!

Good things-
1) we gained some Varsity experience! That is great and it was fun. Whether we won or lost, I was excited to watch some Friday Night Football.

2) Our players NEVER gave up. Never- they played the entire game and never gave up, or quit trying to make a play. They played all 48 minutes of the game. They TRIED and tried. That team was just plain better than us and they had Varsity playing experience and they have Seniors AND did I mention that they are a #10 3A team? The score really should have been a lot worse and believe me when I say that they did not back off of us in any way. They would have scored more if they could have, so really when you look at the scoreboard 56-0 isn't that bad considering you have Seniors playing Sophomores/Freshman.
Think of it like this: a Good College Team up against a GREAT NFL Team. (maybe that is a bit far fetched, but its all I could come up with)

I was upset for our team because I thought Josh would be upset. However, at the end of the game, I looked at him on the sidelines and I could tell he was fine. I know his looks and I know when he is mad, upset, confused and he was ok. Obviously there isn't a coach alive that is good with getting beat 56-0, but when you look at all the variables and who we were playing- he was ok and he was PROUD that they played and fought till the end. A lot of teams will just give up- and we never did, which counted for something to him.

3) We made some good plays. We took some hard hits. (By WE- I mean the players- sorry:)
We made some mistakes, but they were mistakes that Freshman and Sophomore make- that unfortunately, Junior/ Seniors do not make. Again, because they have more experience.

4) This isn't something that had to do with the game, but I have to say that Rockdale was wonderful. They take pride in their school, which was something I could tell right off the bat. They were nice to us- the opposing team. For the first time in a while, I walked into a field and no one knew that I was a coaches wife. So, I felt that their actions were genuine. They just thought I was another fan and they were nice to us. I felt good about that.
THEN, at the end of the game, watching both teams come together in a circle in the middle of the field and praying together gave me chills. I thought that was awesome.
AND to top it off- we went to hear our band play the Alma mater and Rockdale's team came to OUR SIDE OF THE FIELD and put their hands in the air and stood there, facing our crowd and listened to the Alma mater right behind our players. It was breath taking. In my 29 years of watching High School football games, I can honestly say that this was the ONLY time that I have ever seen this happen. I thought it showed class and respect for us and I really hope that the Raiders adopt this tradition. It was wonderful.

Raiders- I am sorry about our loss. I know it is hard, but we fought hard and we stuck with it until the very end and I am proud for all of us.
Now, lets put this game behind us and go beat up some Greyhound's!!!!!

What Time is it????

GAME TIME!
I am 20 minutes away from leaving my house to head to the game. Just wanted to wish ourselves a big huge good luck! I will write about our game the minute I get back!

Good Luck to our Raiders!!!

Freshman Gold and Maroon!

Last night our Freshman Gold and Maroon played.
Gold team played the Rockdale Freshman and didn't have the best turnout- and I am not even sure of the score.
Gold team: I know a loss is TOUGH, but keep your head up and I promise it will get better. That doesn't help right now, but you will understand in the future.
I was not able to be at that game because Taylor Elrod and I decided to shoe polish our cars and tag some of the coach's cars. We also hung up signs in the stinky JV locker room!! We had fun so the smell wasn't too bad!

Maroon team- what a game! Our first half was a battle through and through, but they managed to pull out a win. 13-6.
Something you should know- our Freshman maroon beat a GOOD Rockdale JV. It wasn't easy, but they pulled out in the end!

Tonight we travel to Rockdale to take on the Tigers and I get to see what I have wanted to see for a year and a half: The Coaches wear their Headsets. Sounds silly, but with heatsets and wristbands, it feels like a Varsity Game.
I am ready to see my Coaches: butt chewing, high five'in, side jumping, bad looks to the referee,
hats turned backwards, running down the sideline when our guys make an 80 yards touchdown run and I am ready to give Josh a BIG HUGE hug at the end of the night after our hard fought Victory.

I am ready for the Friday Night Lights baby!!!!
and I am ready to get some Tiger Blood on our Hands!!!!

Go Raiders- make us proud.
Win or Lose, come out with your heads up high and be ready to be 1-0 at the end of tonight.

Raiders, What is your Profession??

Early Ticket Sales

You may purchase tickets to the game on Friday in the Raider front office with Jennifer Chandler.
Tickets are $6 for adults and $3 for students

You may also purchase them at the gate for the same price, but be prepared to wait in line!

Alright Coach Harrison or Coach Thompson- QUIT voting for Robert- I can SEE that Georgetown people are on my blog- and I know it is ya'll.... remember who my husband is- you need to be on MY side.... happy wife=happy boss

Our FIRST OFFICIAL Pre-Game (pre-VARSITY) game write up, straight from Rockdale Reporter!!!!!

I had to pay $30 just to get the full article online for me to read and post it, but it was the BEST $30 we have ever spent!!!!

If you want to get this too, just go to http://www.rockdalereporter.com/news/2009/0917/sports/058.html


Rouse bent on building a solid foundation
Tigers are Raiders' first varsity opponent

Starting a new high school football program is all about baby steps and Leander Rouse is going to take its biggest one Friday night right here in Rockdale.

When the Raiders suit up against the No. 14 Tigers, it will be their first experience against a varsity team.

"Rockdale is going to be a huge challenge and we're looking forward to it," said Rouse head coach Joshua Mann. "We're going to find out how our kids are going to respond to that adversity."

Rockdale wound up with Rouse on its schedule after Midland Christian decided it didn't want to make the extremely expensive trip to Waco this season to face the Tigers at Waco ISD Stadium as was the case in 2008.

(You may remember, Midland Christian was a replacement for Austin Johnston).

So, in searching for yet another replacement, Rockdale Coach Jeff Miller found Rouse, which is in its second season of competition.

When the UIL goes through its bi-annual reclassification next February, Rouse will be placed in a Class 4A district with approximately 900 students.

Like District 24-3A mate Bryan Rudder, the Rouse roster is made up of freshmen and sophomores. Fifty sophomores to be exact.

However, unlike Rudder, Rouse's players have been together longer.

This week's game will also mark Rouse's first time playing under the Friday night lights.

"Going back and forth between Thursday and Friday night schedule, it changes the complexity and balance," said Mann. "We'll have to be consistent throughout the year.

"There will be challenges, but we're excited about the Friday night games. It allows us to find out what we are now with the band and the crowd. The kids and community are ready for that."

"Ever since we scheduled the game six months ago, they have had this circled on their calender," Rockdale Coach Jeff Miller said. "The band is travelling for the first time, students buses are filling up. The excitement around Rouse is really neat."

The Raiders—who were idle last week—are 2-0 so far this season with victories over the Academy (45-8) and Liberty Hill (49-0) junior varsity teams.

While Rockdale will initiate Rouse into varsity play, the Raiders will also take on the Boerne and Vandergrift varsity squads, twice each.


Vandergrift is Rouse's sister school in the Leander school district which is in a similar situation as a new program and could create an early rivalry between the district schools.

Despite being a well established school, Boerne is attempting to re-start its football program.

"We are trying to start a tradition others have to live up to," Mann said.

Surprisingly, Rouse is loaded with talent at the skill positions— quarterback, running back and wide receiver.

"The skill position kids are the depth of our team," said Mann.

Perhaps the area w ith the strongest talent and leadership for the Raiders is at quarterback, which has two athletes, Tai Gadison and Michael Botello, vying for the position.

"They are both strong leaders and very gifted athletes for their age," Mann said of the pair.

Botello will start Friday against the Tigers, while Gadison will have plenty to keep him occupied, lining up at wide receiver on offense and cornerback on defense.

While the race is on at quarterback, Rouse has a load of talent at wide receiver and running back with players like Ed Butts and Ryan Henry at running back and Brady Spencer, Andras Vega and Will Zarsky ready at receiver.

"We're going to have to be on our toes," Miller said. "They've been ready for six months. This game is good for both teams. They do a lot of the stuff that we'll see in district."

"We've got a tough schedule, but we're gonna be in every single one of these games," said Mann. "We're not cocky, but confident."

This report contains information from the Hill Country News.

Tiger Tracks

• Two-way starter Tai Gadison of Rouse is a cousin of Rockdale's Justin Gadison, except the two have never met.

• Leander Rouse is named after Charles Rouse, who was the principal at Leander High School for 16 years (1981-1997).

• The Tigers were banged up pretty good against Marlin. Senior lineman Chris Ware twisted a knee and he is questionable for Friday. Junior running back Terral Dixon twisted an ankle and is also questionable. Junior lineman Dillon Schnerr had trouble with his shoulder and is day-to-day. Logan David's hand is not broken as first thought and he played Friday. Senior linebacker Shane Barcak (shoulder) is still a couple of weeks from playing and could be ready for the district opener against Cameron.

• The Tigers slipped to No. 14 in the Associated Press poll, tied with old friends Cleveland and China Spring. The Old Coach's poll has them at No. 9 and Texas Football at No. 10. Navasota jumped up from No. 10 to No. 9 in the AP. Gilmer and Carthage remain 1-2 in the poll.

• Waylon Boyd has now made 34 consecutive extra points (8-for-8 in '09) and is 53-of-55 overall. Boyd attempted just his second field goal Friday and is one-for-two in his career.

• Justin Elliott led the Tigers in tackles against Marlin with 10. He was followed by Logan David's eight, while Casey Burrough and LeRaven Clark tallied seven each. David is the leader on the season with 38.

• With the win Friday, Jeff Miller is now 18-18 as head coach of the Tigers. He is tied with Ricky Ray (1990-93) for fifth on the all-time list. Since starting here at 3-14, Miller has guided the Tigers to a 15-4 mark ever since and two of those losses are in the playoffs. In nine years, Miller's overall record is 53-39.

• Rockdale has allowed just 39 yards passing so far this season.

• Ten receivers have shared the 17 completed passes for the Tigers, led by Brandon Gibbs' five.

• Rockdale is 13-of-32 (40.6 percent) on third down efficiency and 2-for-5 (40 percent) on fourth down.

• Joe Sanders is averaging 119 yards of total offense per outing.

• District 24-3A went 6-1 last week, highlighted by Bryan Rudder's very first win as a football program. The Rangers bested Brookshire-Royal 21-19. Madisonville suffered the only loss at the hands of Palestine Westwood.

• Rockdale is ranked second in defense in District 24-3A, allowing just 186 yards a game to Taylor's 147.

• Cameron's Steven Townsend leads the district in passing with 567 yards and six touchdowns, but conversely, the Yoemen lead the district in passing yards allowed.

• In three games, Caldwell has already rushed for 1,023 yards, led by Kyson Woolverton's 421 and 10 touchdowns. The Hornets also lead the district in fumbles lost with seven.

• Taylor's Mark Jackson leads the district in both punt and kickoff returns as well as scoring.

• The surprising Ducks are 3-0 on the season (matching last year's win total) but will face their first real test on Friday when they trek to Llano to take on the Yellowjackets (0-2). The three teams Taylor has beaten, (Manor, Reagan and Elgin) are a combined 1-8.

TIGER SEASON LEADERS

Rushing—Brooks 18-211 3 TD; Chelf 33-162 1 TD; Sanders 24-93 1 TD; Dixon 19-129; Peters 4-35; Wright 1-(-1).

Passing—Sanders 17-44-1, 264 yards, 2 TD; Wright 1-3-1, 49 yards, 1 TD; Chelf 1-1-0, 17 yards. Receiving— G ib bs 5 - 55 1TD DeBault 3 - 85; Mynar 2- 67 1TD; Elliott 3 - 45; Sanders 1- 49 1TD; Torres 1-10; White 1-10; Dixon 1-5; Brooks 1-3; Chelf 1-1.

Tackles—David, L. 38, Burrough 27, David, D. 25, Elliott 25, Clark 21, Mynar 17, Estrada 15.

THE STARTING LINEUPS
ROCKDALE OFFENSE ROUSE DEFENSE
No. Pos. Player, Ht.-Wt. Class No. Pos. Player, Ht.-Wt. Class
18 QB Joe Sanders, 6-2, 190 Sr 78 DE Wesley Scott, 6-1, 230 So
22 RB Greg Chelf, 5-7, 150 Sr 71 DT James Schubert, 6-4, 250 So
31 WR J.B. Debault, 5-11, 175 Sr 90 NG Doug Mathenia, 6-3, 230 So
9 WR Justin Elliott, 6-3, 180 Sr 57 DT Lucky Torres, 6-0, 185 So
8 WR Brandon Gibbs, 6-1, 170 Sr 74 DE Christian Smither, 5-11,200 So
88 WR Derrick Mynar, 6-4, 205 Sr 27 LB Dorian McNeil, 6-2, 190 So
62 LT LeRaven Clark, 6-6, 230 Jr 38 LB Charlie Stewart, 5-9, 190 So
65 LG Chris Ware, 5-10, 265 Sr 25 S Dakota Unger, 6-2, 190 So
50 C Patrick David, 6-0, 235 So 5 CB Tai Gadison, 6-0, 190 So
64 RG Clemente Diaz, 5-11, 235 Sr 22 CB Ryan Henry, 5-9, 175 So
76 RT Dillan Schnerr, 6-4, 250 Jr 7 S Caleb Boyles, 5-11 So
ROCKDALE DEFENSE ROUSE OFFENSE
64 NG Clemente Diaz, 5-11, 235 Sr 12 QB Michael Botello, 5-10, 175 So
62 DL LeRaven Clark, 6-6, 230 Jr 22 FB Ryan Henry, 6-0, 189 So
77 DL Logan David, 6-4, 300 Sr 5 RE Tai Gadison, 6-0, 190 So
88 LB Derrick Mynar, 6-4, 205 Jr 3 LE Brady Spencer, 6-0, 175 So
34 LB Anthony Montoya,5-10, 200 Jr 8 H James Potts, 5-10, So
9 LB Justin Elliott, 6-3, 180 Sr 54 LT Tyler Hawkins, 6-3, 265 So
6 LB Derek David, 6-3, 225 So 50 LG Tommy Noriega, 6-0, 185 So
8 CB Brandon Gibbs, 6-1, 170 Sr 75 C Nick Rogers, 6-0, 220 So
11 CB Terral Dixon, 5-9, 160 Jr 56 RG Michael Hoang 6-2, 230 So
15 S Tyler Wright, 6-3, 180 Jr 78 RT Wesley Scott, 6-1, 230 So
2 S Casey Burrough, 5-7, 160 Jr 32 Z Ed Butts, 6-2, 190 So




Ok- so they have our heights and weights off quite a bit, but either way I thought it was a dang good article and one that I will keep forever!!!!

Go Raiders! Stay Healthy and Make us Proud!!!!