:dsfl: Year 0, Conference Week :dsfl:
I am kicking myself for not starting this journal sooner. You’d think that after making it to Division 1 football I would’ve have something meaningful to say? Or that I’d want it to put it pen to paper. Clearly not. Because some of those college games… oh man… there are stories. Some of the comeback victories we had, and some of the uplifting speeches that I experienced in those locker rooms are Hollywood worthy. Not to mention there is a multitude of stories of times off the field which are pretty good, too. Perhaps that is something I’ll do later. Perhaps I’ll write some old stories over the next few entries in order to make up for some lost time. Although, the more I think of it, I’m not so sure that I would want them written down somewhere. Now that I have the potential to become a public figure, I’m not trying to mess that up by airing out the skeletons in my closet! So, I’m not about to start rehashing college as fun as it may be. Because right now… in this moment… I have to stay in the present. I have to stay focused. I have to enjoy this. Why?
I. AM. IN. THE. PLAYOFFS! It feels weird to say it. Time flies in this league. I announced my eligibility and was placed on waivers just a few weeks ago expecting to sit around and maybe do some workouts in preparation for the draft down the road. All of a sudden I was claimed off waivers and told I had to be in London by the end of the week. Like, how insane is that? I wish I could say that I partied and enjoyed it, but watch how fast you have to move if you have to pack up your life, find a place to live in a country you have never been to, and book a flight in a few days time. Luckily, my parents were there to help. So, I fly to London, and I was just hoping to learn a thing or two from some guys that had gone through the process. To get an inside look in a DSFL locker room prior to a draft is special. Truly special. Then I get a memo to get ready because I was starting the same week. “Stunned” doesn’t even begin to cover it. I don’t every that I was ready, but I wasn’t. I told everyone I wasn’t nervous because I had been preparing for this, but I had more butterflies in my stomach than ever before. But… I went out and I played.
Boom. Tackle. Boom. Tackle. Boom. Tackle for loss. It was like I was at home. I can’t explain it. It came natural. Now, all that begin said... let me make something very clear. These guys are strong and FAAAAAST. Oh, man are they fast. I'm going to need to hit the weight room and work a little cardio in if I am going to keep going here, because I got some tackles for sure, but not like I did in college. This is a new element, and I have to rise to the occasion. So, I will.
I feel like my future self will appreciate the details in the off-chance that I read these details later on…
Week 11 – Portland Pythons
I didn’t need to wait too long for my first career tackle. I stopped Petrongolo dead in his tracks for no gain in the first drive of the game. I wish I could say that it stopped the drive or saved a touchdown, but it gave me the confidence boost that I needed that I can perform in this league. After all, I haven’t even gotten drafted yet, so the fact that running backs aren’t running circles around me motivated me. The second quarter earned me another tackle for no gain. This time however it made a statement. First down, tackle for no gain by yours truly. Second down, ball thrown away because our defense was nipping at O’Donnell’s heels. Third down, completed pass, but only for a measly 4 yards. Possession change. Given the fact that I don’t play on defense, all I can do is provide other members of my team opportunities, and that is what I feel like I did. I had to wait until the fourth quarter for my next contribution (something I hope to change moving forward). For some reason I must really like tackles on first down, because that is what happened again. Royals win: 29 to 20.
P.S. – I joked in the locker room, “Funny how the losing streak gets snapped in the first game that I start in? Coincidence? I THINK NOT.” Lol. Good think this locker room can take a joke, because otherwise I would’ve looked like the most pompous… not even rookie… *pre-draft* rookie on the planet!
Week 12 - @ Myrtle Beach Buccaneers
This game can just be summed up with one simple phrase: too little, too late. It took us until the second half for us to get points on the board and by that point the defense already had given up 22 points. Did I have 3 tackles, 2 for loss? Yes, but stats seem kind of hollow without a victory. I always wish I could do more. Maybe I could, maybe I couldn’t. Maybe my head was not altogether there simply because I was too busy focusing on the week after…
Week 13 – Dallas Birddogs
Speaking of stats, I have none here. No tackles. No sacks, Nothing. No evidence I even played. Ha. Figures. This was a defense grind. We had the Jack Bowl going on with Monty and Colby going head-to-head. Then we had the Montain Bowl going down on the other side of the ball. No wonder this game had 13 punts between the teams. The first quarter didn’t have a point scored, but the Royals edged out in the fourth quarter. Royals win 11-8.
I think the emotional peak of this journey so far was Week 13 – the Dallas Birddogs. Was there a playoff spot on the line? Yes. Was that why? No. It is because Tyler was across the field, and it was like we were kids again keeping track of stats in our heads and competing even though we were on the same side of the ball. I never was on the gridiron at the same time as him, but I still felt like it was a battle. I did not cheer when he got a tackle. I did not cheer when he pressured Colby. I wanted him to do well, but not at our expense. So, when the game clock had zeros across the board with our victory in hand, it was not only a victory to get us towards the playoffs, it was the first victory I had ever had against Tyler. I’m not sure which was more special, but what was special was post-game when the two of us had a chance to grab some drinks, catch up, and even help each other out. I did not have narly as much to contribute as Tyler did, but even as opponents in the same league, he still had the heart to point out some flaws in my stance that he noticed from the sideline.
Week 14 - @ Minnesota Grey Ducks
We knew this was going to be a tough road game, and it was. Although we didn’t end up winning, I was proud that our team didn’t let it turn into a blowout like we did in Week 7. It is hard to hold your head up high when you are beat 37-7. That is just an old school ass-kicking – with home-field advantage, no less. But, we kept things closer this time around. And with a few tackles under my belt, I clearly had shaken the emotional baggage off my shoulders from the week before.
I thought it was all over in Minnesota – that the season was a wrap – but with Portland’s loss, we slid into Number 2. Although we needed Portland’s loss to secure it, I was happy that we put ourselves in that position was some late wins in the season – including a win over the Pythons in my first game! When I got claimed off of waivers, the Royals were on a 5 game losing streak after starting off the season relatively strong winning 4 of their first 5 games. So, to have earned a playoff spot after that is nothing short of amazing. Now, I am fully aware that we are the only team in the playoffs with a losing record, but have you seen our conference? At one point we had a three way tie for second place.
But here we are. Playoffs. Minnesota, again. *At* Minnesota, again. We lost last week 28-13, but we are stronger now. Faster now. Smarter now. We kept it somewhat competitive last week, and I have no doubt that we can do the same again now that we know our enemy that much more.
As I write this in the hours leading up to our conference matchup… well, as I write this I really think that I just need to get some sleep… but, I realize that what is done is done. I trained as much as I could. I studied as much as I could. All there is to do is hope to perform on the field and hope that our game plan is sound.
No matter what, this part of the season is going to be special. Every game could be our last. Not only are DSFL rookies going to be called up, but I am only here off waivers. The draft is a few weeks away, and… do not even get me started on the draft. That is a topic for another day. But, there are no guarantees that I come back to the Royals, meaning every game – including this one in front of us – could be the last time we are on a field together. It’ll be bittersweet, because while I’ll miss everyone, we all have such excitement in front of us, and who wouldn’t wish that excitement on people they care about, right?
But this is just the Conference Game. While I am proud of where we got in our second season ever, I know this team can go further, and, if I had to choose a “final game” for us to all play together, what better of a story book ending is there than having our last game be the biggest of them all? Let’s make it happen.
I am kicking myself for not starting this journal sooner. You’d think that after making it to Division 1 football I would’ve have something meaningful to say? Or that I’d want it to put it pen to paper. Clearly not. Because some of those college games… oh man… there are stories. Some of the comeback victories we had, and some of the uplifting speeches that I experienced in those locker rooms are Hollywood worthy. Not to mention there is a multitude of stories of times off the field which are pretty good, too. Perhaps that is something I’ll do later. Perhaps I’ll write some old stories over the next few entries in order to make up for some lost time. Although, the more I think of it, I’m not so sure that I would want them written down somewhere. Now that I have the potential to become a public figure, I’m not trying to mess that up by airing out the skeletons in my closet! So, I’m not about to start rehashing college as fun as it may be. Because right now… in this moment… I have to stay in the present. I have to stay focused. I have to enjoy this. Why?
I. AM. IN. THE. PLAYOFFS! It feels weird to say it. Time flies in this league. I announced my eligibility and was placed on waivers just a few weeks ago expecting to sit around and maybe do some workouts in preparation for the draft down the road. All of a sudden I was claimed off waivers and told I had to be in London by the end of the week. Like, how insane is that? I wish I could say that I partied and enjoyed it, but watch how fast you have to move if you have to pack up your life, find a place to live in a country you have never been to, and book a flight in a few days time. Luckily, my parents were there to help. So, I fly to London, and I was just hoping to learn a thing or two from some guys that had gone through the process. To get an inside look in a DSFL locker room prior to a draft is special. Truly special. Then I get a memo to get ready because I was starting the same week. “Stunned” doesn’t even begin to cover it. I don’t every that I was ready, but I wasn’t. I told everyone I wasn’t nervous because I had been preparing for this, but I had more butterflies in my stomach than ever before. But… I went out and I played.
Boom. Tackle. Boom. Tackle. Boom. Tackle for loss. It was like I was at home. I can’t explain it. It came natural. Now, all that begin said... let me make something very clear. These guys are strong and FAAAAAST. Oh, man are they fast. I'm going to need to hit the weight room and work a little cardio in if I am going to keep going here, because I got some tackles for sure, but not like I did in college. This is a new element, and I have to rise to the occasion. So, I will.
I feel like my future self will appreciate the details in the off-chance that I read these details later on…
Week 11 – Portland Pythons
I didn’t need to wait too long for my first career tackle. I stopped Petrongolo dead in his tracks for no gain in the first drive of the game. I wish I could say that it stopped the drive or saved a touchdown, but it gave me the confidence boost that I needed that I can perform in this league. After all, I haven’t even gotten drafted yet, so the fact that running backs aren’t running circles around me motivated me. The second quarter earned me another tackle for no gain. This time however it made a statement. First down, tackle for no gain by yours truly. Second down, ball thrown away because our defense was nipping at O’Donnell’s heels. Third down, completed pass, but only for a measly 4 yards. Possession change. Given the fact that I don’t play on defense, all I can do is provide other members of my team opportunities, and that is what I feel like I did. I had to wait until the fourth quarter for my next contribution (something I hope to change moving forward). For some reason I must really like tackles on first down, because that is what happened again. Royals win: 29 to 20.
P.S. – I joked in the locker room, “Funny how the losing streak gets snapped in the first game that I start in? Coincidence? I THINK NOT.” Lol. Good think this locker room can take a joke, because otherwise I would’ve looked like the most pompous… not even rookie… *pre-draft* rookie on the planet!
Week 12 - @ Myrtle Beach Buccaneers
This game can just be summed up with one simple phrase: too little, too late. It took us until the second half for us to get points on the board and by that point the defense already had given up 22 points. Did I have 3 tackles, 2 for loss? Yes, but stats seem kind of hollow without a victory. I always wish I could do more. Maybe I could, maybe I couldn’t. Maybe my head was not altogether there simply because I was too busy focusing on the week after…
Week 13 – Dallas Birddogs
Speaking of stats, I have none here. No tackles. No sacks, Nothing. No evidence I even played. Ha. Figures. This was a defense grind. We had the Jack Bowl going on with Monty and Colby going head-to-head. Then we had the Montain Bowl going down on the other side of the ball. No wonder this game had 13 punts between the teams. The first quarter didn’t have a point scored, but the Royals edged out in the fourth quarter. Royals win 11-8.
I think the emotional peak of this journey so far was Week 13 – the Dallas Birddogs. Was there a playoff spot on the line? Yes. Was that why? No. It is because Tyler was across the field, and it was like we were kids again keeping track of stats in our heads and competing even though we were on the same side of the ball. I never was on the gridiron at the same time as him, but I still felt like it was a battle. I did not cheer when he got a tackle. I did not cheer when he pressured Colby. I wanted him to do well, but not at our expense. So, when the game clock had zeros across the board with our victory in hand, it was not only a victory to get us towards the playoffs, it was the first victory I had ever had against Tyler. I’m not sure which was more special, but what was special was post-game when the two of us had a chance to grab some drinks, catch up, and even help each other out. I did not have narly as much to contribute as Tyler did, but even as opponents in the same league, he still had the heart to point out some flaws in my stance that he noticed from the sideline.
Week 14 - @ Minnesota Grey Ducks
We knew this was going to be a tough road game, and it was. Although we didn’t end up winning, I was proud that our team didn’t let it turn into a blowout like we did in Week 7. It is hard to hold your head up high when you are beat 37-7. That is just an old school ass-kicking – with home-field advantage, no less. But, we kept things closer this time around. And with a few tackles under my belt, I clearly had shaken the emotional baggage off my shoulders from the week before.
I thought it was all over in Minnesota – that the season was a wrap – but with Portland’s loss, we slid into Number 2. Although we needed Portland’s loss to secure it, I was happy that we put ourselves in that position was some late wins in the season – including a win over the Pythons in my first game! When I got claimed off of waivers, the Royals were on a 5 game losing streak after starting off the season relatively strong winning 4 of their first 5 games. So, to have earned a playoff spot after that is nothing short of amazing. Now, I am fully aware that we are the only team in the playoffs with a losing record, but have you seen our conference? At one point we had a three way tie for second place.
But here we are. Playoffs. Minnesota, again. *At* Minnesota, again. We lost last week 28-13, but we are stronger now. Faster now. Smarter now. We kept it somewhat competitive last week, and I have no doubt that we can do the same again now that we know our enemy that much more.
As I write this in the hours leading up to our conference matchup… well, as I write this I really think that I just need to get some sleep… but, I realize that what is done is done. I trained as much as I could. I studied as much as I could. All there is to do is hope to perform on the field and hope that our game plan is sound.
No matter what, this part of the season is going to be special. Every game could be our last. Not only are DSFL rookies going to be called up, but I am only here off waivers. The draft is a few weeks away, and… do not even get me started on the draft. That is a topic for another day. But, there are no guarantees that I come back to the Royals, meaning every game – including this one in front of us – could be the last time we are on a field together. It’ll be bittersweet, because while I’ll miss everyone, we all have such excitement in front of us, and who wouldn’t wish that excitement on people they care about, right?
But this is just the Conference Game. While I am proud of where we got in our second season ever, I know this team can go further, and, if I had to choose a “final game” for us to all play together, what better of a story book ending is there than having our last game be the biggest of them all? Let’s make it happen.
Code:
1792 Words
![[Image: hood5.png]](https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/758471909196562442/841015508723826768/hood5.png)
![[Image: 023p.jpg]](https://i.postimg.cc/g06XQLFQ/023p.jpg)
