Unless you’ve been hibernating in a cave you’ve heard by now that FSU Head Football Coach Bobby Bowden has announced his retirement. I wrote a column a few weeks back about the subject, saying in essence that he should be allowed to coach another year if he wants to, but that I was not convinced that it would be the best thing for the program.
Supposedly Bowden was recently offered two choices for next year, (1) remain in an “ambassador type” role or (2) retire. I suspect he viewed option one as an insult so he choose option two. I also suspect that this whole situation did not play out like Bowden wanted it to, that is going out on top or at least after a real good year so that he could feel like the program was back to where it used to be. He probably wanted to be like his counterpart Joe Paterno at Penn State and prove that he could right the ship. He kept hoping for that one good last run, but it never came.
He has won 388 games, second most in the history of college football. He has won two national championships and will have coached in 28 straight bowl games. For 14 straight seasons, 1987 – 2000, they finished in the AP Top Five and won 10 or more games each year. They only lost 19 games in all 14 years.
It’s been said that the only thing more difficult than getting to the top is staying at the top. In the last nine years they have won 10 games once. They’ve lost five or more games five out of those nine years. In the last four seasons they’ve had 6 losses three times and lost a total of 22 games. Last year things seemed to improve (9-4) and the Seminole nation, including Bowden, felt like we were on the verge of righting the ship. But they finished this regular season 6-6 and need a bowl game victory to avoid a losing season.
Nobody in the Seminole Nation wanted it to end this way. Everyone would have loved it if Bowden could have gone out on top or with the program on the rebound. If anybody ever deserved to go out on top it would be Bowden. And not for just what he has done on the field, but what he has done off the field as well. But life doesn’t always work out that way. We all know, painfully, sometimes life just isn’t fair.
So after 34 years of having Bobby Bowden as our Head Coach he is retiring. Simply Put, it’s been my privilege and honor as a fan to be a part of the Bobby Bowden era, from beginning to end. We likely will never see another era like this again in college football. Tune in next week as I’ll give Bowden some unsolicited advice on his departure.
From the front porch: Coach said life is what it is, not what it was.
Thursday, December 3, 2009
Friday, November 27, 2009
“Holidays Can Be Hard”
This edition of the Times will come out on turkey day, i.e. Thanksgiving Day. That also means that Christmas is not too far away either. So like most families, our family will be gathering to celebrate the holidays.
This past Sunday night our pastor shared with us that one of our members had asked him to keep her in his prayers during the holidays. You see this Thanksgiving would be her first without her husband who has past away. Our pastor encourgaged us to do two things. One, keep folks like this lady, and many others that have lost loved ones, in our prayers.
So often folks get so busy with the holidays, with all the cooking and running around, that it is easy to forget that there are many around us that are hurting during these times. When you turn on the TV, pick up the newspaper or turn on the radio you are bombarded with images, sounds and stories of folks gathering around their families, eating, laughing and having a good time.
But those of us that have lost close loved ones know that after that loss the holidays are never quite the same. The first holiday season after we’ve lost that loved one is downright dreadful. It brings back to the surface all the grief that we have tried to move past. After that first holiday season the next few are only a little better. The emotions are still pretty close to the surface. Hopefully as times goes by you no longer dread the holidays but can actually enjoy them with your remaining loved ones. But again, the holiday season will never quite be the same for you.
The second thing our pastor encouraged us to do during the holidays was make sure that we tell those folks about our loved one that is not with us anymore. In doing so, we can keep their memory alive and ease the pain just a little bit.
This will be the 28th holiday season without my father being present. It will be the 23rd holiday season without my brother in-law. Our families are well past the grieving phase so it’s not so much that it is painful or dreadful anymore. We can and do enjoy the holiday season. It’s just that each time we gather there remains a void that can never be filled.
Over the years, especially during the holidays, I have tried diligently to tell my kids about their grandfather and uncle, both of which they never knew. So I encourage everyone to follow our pastor’s advice for this holiday season. Simply Put, keep those folks that are hurting in your prayers and tell someone about your loved one (s) that have passed away.
From the front porch: Coach said change is difficult but often essential to survival.
This past Sunday night our pastor shared with us that one of our members had asked him to keep her in his prayers during the holidays. You see this Thanksgiving would be her first without her husband who has past away. Our pastor encourgaged us to do two things. One, keep folks like this lady, and many others that have lost loved ones, in our prayers.
So often folks get so busy with the holidays, with all the cooking and running around, that it is easy to forget that there are many around us that are hurting during these times. When you turn on the TV, pick up the newspaper or turn on the radio you are bombarded with images, sounds and stories of folks gathering around their families, eating, laughing and having a good time.
But those of us that have lost close loved ones know that after that loss the holidays are never quite the same. The first holiday season after we’ve lost that loved one is downright dreadful. It brings back to the surface all the grief that we have tried to move past. After that first holiday season the next few are only a little better. The emotions are still pretty close to the surface. Hopefully as times goes by you no longer dread the holidays but can actually enjoy them with your remaining loved ones. But again, the holiday season will never quite be the same for you.
The second thing our pastor encouraged us to do during the holidays was make sure that we tell those folks about our loved one that is not with us anymore. In doing so, we can keep their memory alive and ease the pain just a little bit.
This will be the 28th holiday season without my father being present. It will be the 23rd holiday season without my brother in-law. Our families are well past the grieving phase so it’s not so much that it is painful or dreadful anymore. We can and do enjoy the holiday season. It’s just that each time we gather there remains a void that can never be filled.
Over the years, especially during the holidays, I have tried diligently to tell my kids about their grandfather and uncle, both of which they never knew. So I encourage everyone to follow our pastor’s advice for this holiday season. Simply Put, keep those folks that are hurting in your prayers and tell someone about your loved one (s) that have passed away.
From the front porch: Coach said change is difficult but often essential to survival.
Thursday, November 19, 2009
“It just Ain’t Right”
Last Saturday the Sneads Lady Pirates volleyball squad was ousted from the FHSAA Regional Finals for the second straight year by Maclay. After the match Sneads Head Coach Shelia Roberts voiced her frustration with public schools having to play private schools in the playoffs. (See related article on this page).
I’ve used this column previously to express my agreement with Coach Robert’s opinion. It is an opinion that is greatly shared by numerous public school coaches and administrators. My previous columns about this matter have laid out some of the advantages that private schools have over public schools so I won’t take up space repeating those advantages. Instead I’ll lay out some numbers that will demonstrate the stranglehold the private schools have on the lower classification playoffs (there are no large classification private schools) and how it directly impacts our Jackson County high schools.
For the 2009 volleyball playoffs in classes 1A, 2A & 3A Sneads was the only public school out of 24 teams in the Final 8 teams for all three respective classifications. The 2008 volleyball playoffs were exactly the same. All three State Champions for both years were from private schools. Think volleyball is unique? Wrong.
In the 2008 football playoffs for class 1B 15 out of all 16 teams making the playoffs were private schools. Graceville was the only public school. In classes 1A, 2B & 2A 7 out of 12 of the final four teams were private schools. All state champions for the four lower classifications were private schools.
In the 2008 boy’s basketball playoffs 10 out of final 12 teams in classes 1A, 2A, & 3A were private schools. Marianna was one of only two public schools to make it to Lakeland. All three state champs were from private schools. The numbers are exactly the same for the girls. Cottondale was only one of two public schools to make it to Lakeland and again all three state champs were from private schools.
Think baseball and softball are any better? Wrong again. Malone was the last remaining public school in the final 8 teams of the Class 1A 2008 baseball playoffs. Class 2A actually had two public schools make it to the final four but Class 3A was all private. All three state champs came from private schools. In softball Graceville was the last remaining public school team in the final 8 in Class 1A. In the lower three classes only 5 out of 24 teams were from public schools and the private schools claimed all three state championships.
So out of 19 2008 state championships in the above sports and classifications, there was not a single state champion that came from a public school. A check of the years prior to 2008 reveals very similar numbers. Like Coach Roberts said, Simply Put, that’s not right and it ought to be fixed.
From the front porch: Uncle Bob’s son in law said that if he just had some humility he’d be perfect.
I’ve used this column previously to express my agreement with Coach Robert’s opinion. It is an opinion that is greatly shared by numerous public school coaches and administrators. My previous columns about this matter have laid out some of the advantages that private schools have over public schools so I won’t take up space repeating those advantages. Instead I’ll lay out some numbers that will demonstrate the stranglehold the private schools have on the lower classification playoffs (there are no large classification private schools) and how it directly impacts our Jackson County high schools.
For the 2009 volleyball playoffs in classes 1A, 2A & 3A Sneads was the only public school out of 24 teams in the Final 8 teams for all three respective classifications. The 2008 volleyball playoffs were exactly the same. All three State Champions for both years were from private schools. Think volleyball is unique? Wrong.
In the 2008 football playoffs for class 1B 15 out of all 16 teams making the playoffs were private schools. Graceville was the only public school. In classes 1A, 2B & 2A 7 out of 12 of the final four teams were private schools. All state champions for the four lower classifications were private schools.
In the 2008 boy’s basketball playoffs 10 out of final 12 teams in classes 1A, 2A, & 3A were private schools. Marianna was one of only two public schools to make it to Lakeland. All three state champs were from private schools. The numbers are exactly the same for the girls. Cottondale was only one of two public schools to make it to Lakeland and again all three state champs were from private schools.
Think baseball and softball are any better? Wrong again. Malone was the last remaining public school in the final 8 teams of the Class 1A 2008 baseball playoffs. Class 2A actually had two public schools make it to the final four but Class 3A was all private. All three state champs came from private schools. In softball Graceville was the last remaining public school team in the final 8 in Class 1A. In the lower three classes only 5 out of 24 teams were from public schools and the private schools claimed all three state championships.
So out of 19 2008 state championships in the above sports and classifications, there was not a single state champion that came from a public school. A check of the years prior to 2008 reveals very similar numbers. Like Coach Roberts said, Simply Put, that’s not right and it ought to be fixed.
From the front porch: Uncle Bob’s son in law said that if he just had some humility he’d be perfect.
Thursday, November 12, 2009
“Ole Roy Gets a FACELIFT”
Last Thursday night several hundred folks gathered in Malone for the ribbon cutting ceremony and grand opening of the renovations made to the Roy B. Beall Sr. Gymnasium. (See related article “ Malone Gym Undergoes Renovation” on page 3 of sports)
It’s no great secret that I am not from Malone but that I am from Marianna. Those two schools have been arch rivals on the basketball court since the two schools began playing in the 1920s. If the walls of the Roy B. Beall Sr. Gym could talk they could tell us some exciting tales about great games in Malone between the two schools.
Malone’s gym has been legendary in regards to being a tough place to play. Most Malone fans don’t care for the nickname given to the gym by other schools. But “The Cracker Box” is notorious for being a place to play that opposing teams dread. That has been even truer in the later years when the 3 point line came into effect. The opposing teams knew that if Malone got hot from the outside you could hang it up. And get hot they often did. No doubt that the Roy B. Beall Sr. Gym played a part in Malone’s tradition and winning 13 boys state championships (second most in the state) as well as the girls run to a state title and being state runner-up five times.
Malone’s current gym was built in 1949 and named after Mr. Beall in 1976. Many of the other county schools also had gyms built in the late 40’s and early 50’s. Over the years however those other schools in the county began to replace their gyms. First there was Graceville when they built a new school in the late 70’s. Next was Sneads who built a new gym after a fire at the school forced some major renovations. The next new gym came at Grand Ridge. About five years ago Marianna got a new ‘Dog House when the new school was built out on the Caverns Highway.
That left only Cottondale and Malone with the older gyms. Cottondale’s gym underwent renovations a couple of years ago similar to that of Malone’s recent renovations. In addition to cosmetic renovations, both gyms have now been brought into the 21st century with the installation of heating and cooling systems.
I know that some folks had hoped Cottondale and Malone would get new gyms. But I for one am glad to see the renovations rather than new buildings. The old gyms have so many memories and so much more character. I just hate to see the old gyms, like the old ‘Dog House, put out to pasture. And from all appearances last Thursday night the fans, former players and coaches all enjoyed seeing the facelift for the “house that Roy built.” Simply Put, I think Ole Roy would have been proud.
From the front porch: Coach said that he’s noticed a turtle only makes progress when it sticks out its neck.
It’s no great secret that I am not from Malone but that I am from Marianna. Those two schools have been arch rivals on the basketball court since the two schools began playing in the 1920s. If the walls of the Roy B. Beall Sr. Gym could talk they could tell us some exciting tales about great games in Malone between the two schools.
Malone’s gym has been legendary in regards to being a tough place to play. Most Malone fans don’t care for the nickname given to the gym by other schools. But “The Cracker Box” is notorious for being a place to play that opposing teams dread. That has been even truer in the later years when the 3 point line came into effect. The opposing teams knew that if Malone got hot from the outside you could hang it up. And get hot they often did. No doubt that the Roy B. Beall Sr. Gym played a part in Malone’s tradition and winning 13 boys state championships (second most in the state) as well as the girls run to a state title and being state runner-up five times.
Malone’s current gym was built in 1949 and named after Mr. Beall in 1976. Many of the other county schools also had gyms built in the late 40’s and early 50’s. Over the years however those other schools in the county began to replace their gyms. First there was Graceville when they built a new school in the late 70’s. Next was Sneads who built a new gym after a fire at the school forced some major renovations. The next new gym came at Grand Ridge. About five years ago Marianna got a new ‘Dog House when the new school was built out on the Caverns Highway.
That left only Cottondale and Malone with the older gyms. Cottondale’s gym underwent renovations a couple of years ago similar to that of Malone’s recent renovations. In addition to cosmetic renovations, both gyms have now been brought into the 21st century with the installation of heating and cooling systems.
I know that some folks had hoped Cottondale and Malone would get new gyms. But I for one am glad to see the renovations rather than new buildings. The old gyms have so many memories and so much more character. I just hate to see the old gyms, like the old ‘Dog House, put out to pasture. And from all appearances last Thursday night the fans, former players and coaches all enjoyed seeing the facelift for the “house that Roy built.” Simply Put, I think Ole Roy would have been proud.
From the front porch: Coach said that he’s noticed a turtle only makes progress when it sticks out its neck.
Thursday, November 5, 2009
“Fascination ”
“ This past Saturday evening I took in a couple of the festivals put on by two local churches as alternatives to traditional Halloween festivities. Both festivals were well attended and once again reminded me that the volunteer spirit is alive and well in our local community. These events don’t just accidently happen. A ton of planning and preparation goes into putting on a successful event.
For all the enjoyment that everyone seemed to derive from these events, two moments stood out in my mind. At First Baptist Church’s Hallow Him Festival a big crowd was on hand and enjoyed entertainment, numerous activities, boiled peanuts, hot dogs, popcorn and cotton candy. Also there was a life flight helicopter from Sacred Heart Hospital. Visitors were invited to see the helicopter up close and learn more about the mission of the life flight helicopters.
The main attraction seemed to have occurred though when the helicopter made its departure. Most of the other activities came to a stop and hundreds of folks gathered to watch the helicopter take off. It began with the slow revving up of the chopper blades. As the blades gradually increased in speed, the wind likewise began to pick up. It culminated when the pilots went to full throttle for lift off. Folks had to hang on to their hats and everything else to keep them from blowing away. As the helicopter lifted off the ground it made a full rotation so that all could get a glimpse of the pilots in action. The crowd, young and old a like, gave a round of applause to express their delight. And then the chopper went up, up and away, kind of like Superman.
After leaving First Baptist I journeyed to Citizen’s Lodge Park where Evangel Worship Center was hosting a Halleluiah Festival. A large crowd was on hand for this festival as well, and likewise were treated to a host of activities, food, fun and entertainment. The evening culminated with a fireworks show over the pond at the park.
Like the helicopter’s departure, the fireworks show had young and old alike watching with delight. Folks gazed into the cool clear fall evening to watch round after round of fireworks light up the sky. And as usual there was a thundering finale that had the crowd cheering. And when the last firework was gone, the crowd gave a round of applause to express their enjoyment.
This certainly was not the first time I had watched a helicopter take off or watch a fireworks show. But as I watched the crowds that evening it struck me that no matter our age, most of us are still fascinated by flight and by fireworks. Fascination is one of the little pleasures in life and Simply Put, I hope we never lose that fascination.
From the front porch: Uncle Bob said it is a fine line between being warmed up and worn out.
For all the enjoyment that everyone seemed to derive from these events, two moments stood out in my mind. At First Baptist Church’s Hallow Him Festival a big crowd was on hand and enjoyed entertainment, numerous activities, boiled peanuts, hot dogs, popcorn and cotton candy. Also there was a life flight helicopter from Sacred Heart Hospital. Visitors were invited to see the helicopter up close and learn more about the mission of the life flight helicopters.
The main attraction seemed to have occurred though when the helicopter made its departure. Most of the other activities came to a stop and hundreds of folks gathered to watch the helicopter take off. It began with the slow revving up of the chopper blades. As the blades gradually increased in speed, the wind likewise began to pick up. It culminated when the pilots went to full throttle for lift off. Folks had to hang on to their hats and everything else to keep them from blowing away. As the helicopter lifted off the ground it made a full rotation so that all could get a glimpse of the pilots in action. The crowd, young and old a like, gave a round of applause to express their delight. And then the chopper went up, up and away, kind of like Superman.
After leaving First Baptist I journeyed to Citizen’s Lodge Park where Evangel Worship Center was hosting a Halleluiah Festival. A large crowd was on hand for this festival as well, and likewise were treated to a host of activities, food, fun and entertainment. The evening culminated with a fireworks show over the pond at the park.
Like the helicopter’s departure, the fireworks show had young and old alike watching with delight. Folks gazed into the cool clear fall evening to watch round after round of fireworks light up the sky. And as usual there was a thundering finale that had the crowd cheering. And when the last firework was gone, the crowd gave a round of applause to express their enjoyment.
This certainly was not the first time I had watched a helicopter take off or watch a fireworks show. But as I watched the crowds that evening it struck me that no matter our age, most of us are still fascinated by flight and by fireworks. Fascination is one of the little pleasures in life and Simply Put, I hope we never lose that fascination.
From the front porch: Uncle Bob said it is a fine line between being warmed up and worn out.
Thursday, October 29, 2009
“The Rivalry Thrives”
The Marianna vs Chipley football rivalry added another log to the fire (reference last week’s Simply Put) this past Friday night as the Tigers pulled off an exciting 49-42 victory over the Bulldogs. The game didn’t say much for either teams defense but the offensive fireworks made this a game that will be remembered along with the many great games in this long time rivalry.
As I noted last week a check of the record book reveals that the only team that Marianna has played more than Chipley is Walton. By the way I compiled that record book after realizing years ago that there is not one central record book that contains all the records for the past Bulldog football squads. That record book was compiled from old yearbooks and old newspaper articles that I painstakingly researched on microfilm. It should also be noted that my “record book” is missing most records from 1926-1936 because I have been unable to locate much or any information about those years. All that said, here is what we do know. Marianna played Walton and Chipley during the Bulldog’s first season in 1925. The Bulldogs tied Walton 6-6 and beat Chipley 13-0. And so the rivalries were born. Counting 1925 and since 1936 Marianna has played Walton 73 times, winning 43 and losing 25. There have been three ties (back before the tie breaker system was implemented) and there are two games (1937 & 1938) in which I know they played but do not know the outcome. Since 1936 there has only been five season (1980, 81, 82, 95, 96) in which Marianna did not play Walton.
Counting 1925 and since 1936 the Bulldogs have now squared off against Chipley 67 times. Since 1936 there has only been seven season (1937, 42, 43, 69, 75, 76, 79) in which we did not play Chipley. If you think the Chipley rivalry has been close you would be right on target. Going into this past Friday nights game both teams had won 31 apiece and there had been four ties. So after this past Friday night Chipley now has a 32-31 edge on the Bulldogs.
And that is what makes great rivalries, close games and each side winning their fair share. If you’ve ever noticed, it’s not much of a rivalry if your team wins all the time. Some will recall that a few Chipley folks were downplaying the rivalry during the late 80’s and early 90’s. That’s because Chipley won 9 straight games before the Bulldogs broke the drought with a 29-20 win in 1995. After four straight Bulldog wins from 1997-2000 it was once again a big game to the Tiger fans.
So this past Friday night’s was another great game in this age old rivalry. And even though the ‘Dogs were on the losing side, the game was one for the record books. Simply Put, the rivalry is alive and well.
From the front porch: Coach said to learn from yesterday, live for today and hope for tomorrow.
As I noted last week a check of the record book reveals that the only team that Marianna has played more than Chipley is Walton. By the way I compiled that record book after realizing years ago that there is not one central record book that contains all the records for the past Bulldog football squads. That record book was compiled from old yearbooks and old newspaper articles that I painstakingly researched on microfilm. It should also be noted that my “record book” is missing most records from 1926-1936 because I have been unable to locate much or any information about those years. All that said, here is what we do know. Marianna played Walton and Chipley during the Bulldog’s first season in 1925. The Bulldogs tied Walton 6-6 and beat Chipley 13-0. And so the rivalries were born. Counting 1925 and since 1936 Marianna has played Walton 73 times, winning 43 and losing 25. There have been three ties (back before the tie breaker system was implemented) and there are two games (1937 & 1938) in which I know they played but do not know the outcome. Since 1936 there has only been five season (1980, 81, 82, 95, 96) in which Marianna did not play Walton.
Counting 1925 and since 1936 the Bulldogs have now squared off against Chipley 67 times. Since 1936 there has only been seven season (1937, 42, 43, 69, 75, 76, 79) in which we did not play Chipley. If you think the Chipley rivalry has been close you would be right on target. Going into this past Friday nights game both teams had won 31 apiece and there had been four ties. So after this past Friday night Chipley now has a 32-31 edge on the Bulldogs.
And that is what makes great rivalries, close games and each side winning their fair share. If you’ve ever noticed, it’s not much of a rivalry if your team wins all the time. Some will recall that a few Chipley folks were downplaying the rivalry during the late 80’s and early 90’s. That’s because Chipley won 9 straight games before the Bulldogs broke the drought with a 29-20 win in 1995. After four straight Bulldog wins from 1997-2000 it was once again a big game to the Tiger fans.
So this past Friday night’s was another great game in this age old rivalry. And even though the ‘Dogs were on the losing side, the game was one for the record books. Simply Put, the rivalry is alive and well.
From the front porch: Coach said to learn from yesterday, live for today and hope for tomorrow.
Sunday, October 25, 2009
“Put Another Log on the Fire”
This Friday night the Marianna Bulldogs play host to the Chipley Tigers. This game has always been Marianna’s biggest rivalry on the grid iron. In fact the two squads hooked up in 1925 in Marianna’s first football season and have played almost every year since. A check in the record book reveals the only team that Marianna has played more is Walton County.
Throw into this year’s game that it’s homecoming, and Chipley is now in Marianna’s district again. A win by the Bulldogs puts them into the playoffs. And oh yeah there is one more twist that will make this year’s game even more interesting. Chipley’s current Head Football Coach was Marianna’s Head Football Coach for the last two seasons.
Rob Armstrong came to Marianna for the 2007 football season. For two years he put a solid team out on the field that made the playoffs as the district runner up. Last year’s squad won 8 regular season games, the most by a Bulldog squad since the 2000 season. But after two seasons he departed this past summer and took the job at Chipley.
Another check of the record books reveals no previous Marianna Head Football coach that left to take the same job at Chipley. In fact I don’t know of any Marianna Head Football Coach that has ever been a Head Football Coach at Chipley. So Armstrong’s departure to Chipley, and return to Marianna this Friday night, is history in the making.
I’ll be the first to admit that I was not close enough to the situation to know exactly why Armstrong left Marianna for Chipley. I do know that he was close to Marianna’s Principal Randy Ward, who hired Armstrong in 2007. The two had coached together at Graceville years ago and both liked each other. With a new superintendent of schools there were some shuffling of principals and Ward was one of those principals. He was transferred to Grand Ridge.
Like most folks I suspect I have heard some of the other reasons he might of left. But I don’t know what is factual or not. I’ve never asked Armstrong and don’t plan to, ‘cause I figure it ain’t any of my business.
What I do know is that it is going to be very interesting this Friday night. As far as I know, both Armstrong and the current Bulldog coaches and players have nothing but mutual admiration for each other. But while neither side would publically admit it, rest assured both want to beat the other awfully bad. Not out of disrespect or dislike, but rather out of respect. So an already intense rivalry, Simply Put, just got another log put on the fire.
From the front porch: Uncle Bob says he is not a brick shy of a load, as some have claimed. He does admit however that the load has shifted a bit.
Throw into this year’s game that it’s homecoming, and Chipley is now in Marianna’s district again. A win by the Bulldogs puts them into the playoffs. And oh yeah there is one more twist that will make this year’s game even more interesting. Chipley’s current Head Football Coach was Marianna’s Head Football Coach for the last two seasons.
Rob Armstrong came to Marianna for the 2007 football season. For two years he put a solid team out on the field that made the playoffs as the district runner up. Last year’s squad won 8 regular season games, the most by a Bulldog squad since the 2000 season. But after two seasons he departed this past summer and took the job at Chipley.
Another check of the record books reveals no previous Marianna Head Football coach that left to take the same job at Chipley. In fact I don’t know of any Marianna Head Football Coach that has ever been a Head Football Coach at Chipley. So Armstrong’s departure to Chipley, and return to Marianna this Friday night, is history in the making.
I’ll be the first to admit that I was not close enough to the situation to know exactly why Armstrong left Marianna for Chipley. I do know that he was close to Marianna’s Principal Randy Ward, who hired Armstrong in 2007. The two had coached together at Graceville years ago and both liked each other. With a new superintendent of schools there were some shuffling of principals and Ward was one of those principals. He was transferred to Grand Ridge.
Like most folks I suspect I have heard some of the other reasons he might of left. But I don’t know what is factual or not. I’ve never asked Armstrong and don’t plan to, ‘cause I figure it ain’t any of my business.
What I do know is that it is going to be very interesting this Friday night. As far as I know, both Armstrong and the current Bulldog coaches and players have nothing but mutual admiration for each other. But while neither side would publically admit it, rest assured both want to beat the other awfully bad. Not out of disrespect or dislike, but rather out of respect. So an already intense rivalry, Simply Put, just got another log put on the fire.
From the front porch: Uncle Bob says he is not a brick shy of a load, as some have claimed. He does admit however that the load has shifted a bit.
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