CHARGER NATION: GAME #11

 

 

Charger Nation, 

 

               Seems like forever since we have played a game.  I am excited and fired up to play tonight and I know our boys are as well.  This is a huge game as it is a playoff game against one of the top 16 teams that survived to make the playoffs.  There is also another big game in ELCA football this week.  Our 3^rd and 4^th grade team has made it to their championship game.  Tom Mertz, Al Hosford and their staff have done a fabulous job this year.  They play tomorrow at 2pm at Lamar County High School.  We have a successful high school program because of the hard work and dedication of coaches at our younger levels.  I cannot thank them enough.

            Tonight’s game is a challenge for a 15-18 year old boy.  They have already beat Mt. Pisgah in a convincing fashion this year in game #4 which was more than 2 months ago.  It is very hard for them not to get their eyes set on future games in the play-offs that could happen.  In their minds they naturally think all we have to do is show up and do what we do and move on to the next round.  That is probably a common thought process among any common person.  BUT—great teams and great individuals do not think like a common person.  Excellence is an uncommon thing.  Common is mediocre and where most people live.  Therefore, we had to change our thinking.

            There are no guarantees in life.  I love football because it teaches boys who are still in the homes of their mommy’s and daddy’s that they have to work their tails off in order to be successful.  Competitive sports assist in the man making process.  Two weeks ago 60% of the football playing teams in Georgia were done.  After last Friday night another 15% went home.  Tonight about 25% of the high school football teams are playing football.  In our county alone, there are 11 GHSA football playing teams and only 2 still left in the playoffs.  To be playing tonight is an accomplishment in itself we always take for granted here at ELCA.  So I commend our boys for the achieving the right to play tonight. 

            Once we get into the playoffs it is do or die time.  Play well and win and you get to move to the next round.  Play bad and lose and you are done.  It’s a reality we all know and understand.  3 years ago our coaching staff set down together as we entered into the playoffs and came up with 7 things that we believe would lead us to success in the playoffs.  We have been 9-2 in the playoffs with this plan.  Yes I realize a plan without great players doesn’t work but I do want to share it with you.  

1.)  Be humble and hungry.  The humble man realizes he must work his tail off and earn the right to fight on.  Humility sets the tone to accomplish points 2-7.

2.)  Respect each opponent.

3.)  Practice with intensity each day.

4.)  Practice with a desire to get better each day.

5.)  Expect a war each game.

6.)  If you give everything you’ve got every single day, you will prevail. 

7.)  Play with an intensity that cannot be matched.

 "You save a humble people, but your eyes are on the haughty to bring them down.”  2^nd Samuel 22:28

      Humility sets the tone of our 7 points.  We are always at war battling arrogance and pride.  Arrogance and pride destroy everything in its path!  I believe it is important that each and everyday we humbly thank God for the life he has given us and then humbly submit all things to him.  Not only has he given us life but also he sustains our life.  Our heart beats because He wills it to beat.  Most importantly, He sent Christ to save us from our sin and rebellion against him.  Therefore, humbly we praise God, our Creator, Sustainer and the Savior of our souls.  The proud and arrogant man can never submit to God eternal reign over our souls.  So I pray, Lord make us a humble people and open our eyes to yourself! 

 

“The horse is made ready for the day of battle, but victory belongs to the Lord.” 

 Proverbs 21:31

 Wholly for Christ,

 Coach Gess