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.
Thursday, October 29, 2009
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.
Wednesday, October 14, 2009
“Head Coach In Waiting, Part II”
I continue this week with more thoughts on the situation at Florida State with Head Coach Bobby Bowden and Head Coach in waiting Jimbo Fisher. As I said last week I didn’t like the Head Coach in waiting idea in 2007 when Bowden, Fisher and FSU all agreed to the concept. And I don’t like it any better these days.
Bowden has made two statements recently that are dead on the money. Last week he said that winning would take care of everything. Before Saturday’s game against Georgia Tech Bowden told the players that it is not about him but it is about the team. I agree with him 100%.
The problem is they lost again and are off to their worst start (2-4) since Bowden’s first year at FSU (1976). They are 0-3 in ACC for the first time since joining the conference. Clearly something is not working. The team or program doesn’t appear to be heading in the right direction.
After some public officials said Bowden should call it quits after this season, FSU has reiterated that Bowden can coach through 2010 if he so chooses. However they are also rewording Fisher’s contract at the end of this season to give him sole authority for hiring and firing assistant coaches. While winning will take care of everything, losing doesn’t take care of anything. Rumors of coaches not getting along and dividing into factions are swirling. While none of us know for sure just how accurate these rumors are, it would be no surprise if there is some truth to the rumors. Finger pointing is not uncommon when you are 2-4 and 0-3 in conference play.
So what is going to happen at the end of the season? Bowden will decide if he wants to coach another year. And Fisher will begin assembling the assistant coaches for next season, which includes replacing out going longtime defensive coordinator Mickey Andrews.
I am a big time admirer of Bowden, both on and off the field. He ranks in the top three all time college football coaches in my book. He has certainly earned the right to coach another year if he so chooses. But I would hope that Bowden would truly be honest with himself in answering two questions. Will his staying for one more year make FSU a better football team and better football program? And will it help in the transition from the Bowden era to the Fisher era. Because, as Bobby said it so well, this should not be about what is best for Bobby Bowden, but rather what is best for the FSU football team and program. And as much as it pains me to say it, I am not convinced his staying will make them a better team or help in the coaching transition. If he decides to stay I hope I am wrong. But either way, Simply Put, Go ‘Noles.
From the front porch: Coach said that we are motivated by our goals and paralyzed by our fears.
Bowden has made two statements recently that are dead on the money. Last week he said that winning would take care of everything. Before Saturday’s game against Georgia Tech Bowden told the players that it is not about him but it is about the team. I agree with him 100%.
The problem is they lost again and are off to their worst start (2-4) since Bowden’s first year at FSU (1976). They are 0-3 in ACC for the first time since joining the conference. Clearly something is not working. The team or program doesn’t appear to be heading in the right direction.
After some public officials said Bowden should call it quits after this season, FSU has reiterated that Bowden can coach through 2010 if he so chooses. However they are also rewording Fisher’s contract at the end of this season to give him sole authority for hiring and firing assistant coaches. While winning will take care of everything, losing doesn’t take care of anything. Rumors of coaches not getting along and dividing into factions are swirling. While none of us know for sure just how accurate these rumors are, it would be no surprise if there is some truth to the rumors. Finger pointing is not uncommon when you are 2-4 and 0-3 in conference play.
So what is going to happen at the end of the season? Bowden will decide if he wants to coach another year. And Fisher will begin assembling the assistant coaches for next season, which includes replacing out going longtime defensive coordinator Mickey Andrews.
I am a big time admirer of Bowden, both on and off the field. He ranks in the top three all time college football coaches in my book. He has certainly earned the right to coach another year if he so chooses. But I would hope that Bowden would truly be honest with himself in answering two questions. Will his staying for one more year make FSU a better football team and better football program? And will it help in the transition from the Bowden era to the Fisher era. Because, as Bobby said it so well, this should not be about what is best for Bobby Bowden, but rather what is best for the FSU football team and program. And as much as it pains me to say it, I am not convinced his staying will make them a better team or help in the coaching transition. If he decides to stay I hope I am wrong. But either way, Simply Put, Go ‘Noles.
From the front porch: Coach said that we are motivated by our goals and paralyzed by our fears.
Thursday, October 8, 2009
“Head Coach In Waiting”
Over the past three years in writing this column I have written several times regarding the Florida State Seminoles football team and coach. In fact I just wrote one a couple of weeks ago titled “It Ain’t Hard To Be Humble” when you’re a Seminole fan. The following week the Noles soundly beat BYU and appeared to be righting the ship. Well the last two weeks have been a return to the land of the humble.
In fact things have digressed to the point that some public officials associated with the school are now calling for Bobby Bowden to announce that he will retire at the end of the season. And if he chooses not to retire, the call is for the school to make the change themselves. Let the feeding frenzy begin.
I’ve been reading some of the blogs related to the story and there appears to be a consensus among the bloggers. Most say that they are huge Bobby Bowden fans and appreciate all that he has done for FSU football. But most are also saying that the time has come to end the Bowden era. Bowden for his part has said that he will not respond to the comments made by these public officials. In the video footage I saw he appears defiant, and even uncharacteristically disrespectful to a female reporter when he commented “that sounds just like a female.”
But there is another sentiment that is voiced by many of the bloggers in which I whole heartedly agree. It should not have come to this, i.e. folks publically calling for Bowden to call it quits. Surely there could and should have been a better way for all this to unfold. And I don’t think the worst has yet to come. If FSU can’t start playing better on the field, which is very possible, the calls for his ouster will only intensify. This thing could get really ugly.
Two years ago some were calling for his ouster and the promoting of Jimbo Fisher to head coach. I wrote that I felt Bowden should have more time to right the ship. I wanted to believe that he could turn things around. He had done it before. Then FSU did this “head coach in waiting” deal with Jimbo Fisher. I didn’t like it then and I don’t like it now. And I don’t think it has worked. There must be one head coach, and it should have been either Bowden or Fisher. As the old saying goes, you can only serve one master. Well a football team can only serve one head coach, not two. Simply Put, this “head coach in waiting” is for the birds.
So what to do now? Tune in next week for my idea on what should be done.
From the front porch: Uncle Bob said the peak years of mental activity are between the ages of 4 & 18. At 4 they know all the questions and at 18 they know all the answers.
In fact things have digressed to the point that some public officials associated with the school are now calling for Bobby Bowden to announce that he will retire at the end of the season. And if he chooses not to retire, the call is for the school to make the change themselves. Let the feeding frenzy begin.
I’ve been reading some of the blogs related to the story and there appears to be a consensus among the bloggers. Most say that they are huge Bobby Bowden fans and appreciate all that he has done for FSU football. But most are also saying that the time has come to end the Bowden era. Bowden for his part has said that he will not respond to the comments made by these public officials. In the video footage I saw he appears defiant, and even uncharacteristically disrespectful to a female reporter when he commented “that sounds just like a female.”
But there is another sentiment that is voiced by many of the bloggers in which I whole heartedly agree. It should not have come to this, i.e. folks publically calling for Bowden to call it quits. Surely there could and should have been a better way for all this to unfold. And I don’t think the worst has yet to come. If FSU can’t start playing better on the field, which is very possible, the calls for his ouster will only intensify. This thing could get really ugly.
Two years ago some were calling for his ouster and the promoting of Jimbo Fisher to head coach. I wrote that I felt Bowden should have more time to right the ship. I wanted to believe that he could turn things around. He had done it before. Then FSU did this “head coach in waiting” deal with Jimbo Fisher. I didn’t like it then and I don’t like it now. And I don’t think it has worked. There must be one head coach, and it should have been either Bowden or Fisher. As the old saying goes, you can only serve one master. Well a football team can only serve one head coach, not two. Simply Put, this “head coach in waiting” is for the birds.
So what to do now? Tune in next week for my idea on what should be done.
From the front porch: Uncle Bob said the peak years of mental activity are between the ages of 4 & 18. At 4 they know all the questions and at 18 they know all the answers.
Sunday, October 4, 2009
“Finally, A reprieve”
I don’t know about you folks, but I for one am glad to see some cooler weather arrive. The past couple of days have been a welcomed relief for the heat and humidity that seems to have gripped us for the past month. I know that we had some hot days this past summer but the humidity in the past couple of weeks has been almost unbearable.
This past weekend appeared to be the apex of humidity. At Friday night’s football game at Marianna (vs. Walton County) I saw more players cramping than I have in a long time. The heat itself wasn’t so bad but the humidity left both teams, especially the defenses, out of gas by the second half. Basically neither team’s defense could stop the other team’s offense. And to adding insult to injury, the game went into overtime (at least Marianna won).
I took in the festivities both Friday and Saturday at the Marianna Day Festival. The poor folks wearing all the uniforms and other garments from the 1860’s era had to be downright miserable. Just imagine wearing wool uniforms or petticoats and southern belle dresses on a hot muggy September afternoon. And while the overall festival appeared to go really well and had a good turnout for the first year, the heat and humidity didn’t make for a relaxing outdoor experience.
I got home Saturday night and caught the weather report and low and behold I heard those magic words. Cooler and dryer air is on the way. I began to take notice of the change as early as Sunday night and by Tuesday and Wednesday the fall weather was in full force. And I know that this won’t last, as warmer weather is already on its way back. But maybe at least we’ve seen the last of the heavy duty humidity for another year.
I was talking with Stephanie Parker’s folks on Saturday at the festival. They are down from Illinois for a visit. When I asked how they were enjoying the visit they replied that they were having a great time and were even getting used to the humidity. I chuckled when I replied that I have lived here all my life and I’ve never gotten used to the humidity. But Simply Put, we finally have gotten a reprieve. Here’s to hoping we’ve bid farewell to the humidity until next summer.
From the front porch: Coach said there is no dollar sign for peace of mind
This past weekend appeared to be the apex of humidity. At Friday night’s football game at Marianna (vs. Walton County) I saw more players cramping than I have in a long time. The heat itself wasn’t so bad but the humidity left both teams, especially the defenses, out of gas by the second half. Basically neither team’s defense could stop the other team’s offense. And to adding insult to injury, the game went into overtime (at least Marianna won).
I took in the festivities both Friday and Saturday at the Marianna Day Festival. The poor folks wearing all the uniforms and other garments from the 1860’s era had to be downright miserable. Just imagine wearing wool uniforms or petticoats and southern belle dresses on a hot muggy September afternoon. And while the overall festival appeared to go really well and had a good turnout for the first year, the heat and humidity didn’t make for a relaxing outdoor experience.
I got home Saturday night and caught the weather report and low and behold I heard those magic words. Cooler and dryer air is on the way. I began to take notice of the change as early as Sunday night and by Tuesday and Wednesday the fall weather was in full force. And I know that this won’t last, as warmer weather is already on its way back. But maybe at least we’ve seen the last of the heavy duty humidity for another year.
I was talking with Stephanie Parker’s folks on Saturday at the festival. They are down from Illinois for a visit. When I asked how they were enjoying the visit they replied that they were having a great time and were even getting used to the humidity. I chuckled when I replied that I have lived here all my life and I’ve never gotten used to the humidity. But Simply Put, we finally have gotten a reprieve. Here’s to hoping we’ve bid farewell to the humidity until next summer.
From the front porch: Coach said there is no dollar sign for peace of mind
“Marianna Day”
“This weekend brings the first edition of Marianna Day, a weekend of fun and festivities for the whole family. For a full run down of what will be taking place and when, see the ad on page B4.
The entire festival is centered around the Battle of Marianna, the historic event that took place during the War Between The States (or Civil War as most call it) on September 27, 1864. I learned to call the war “The War Between The States” from longtime history teacher at Marianna High School, William Grant. I know that I am not alone when I say that Mr. Grant, who is now deceased, single handly instilled in me, like he did so many students over his lengthy teaching career, a life long love of our local history. And that certainly includes the Battle of Marianna.
When the festival, along with the parades and battle re-enactments were first announced, the reaction was mixed if you read some of the blogs on the local media outlets. Some folks welcomed the idea and concept. Others didn’t. Some said it would be good for tourism, others liked the history aspect with a re-enactment on the actual battle site (first time ever). Others, like myself, were thrilled that it would all culminate with a bluegrass festival at Citizen’s Lodge Park. But there are some in our community that have not really warmed up to the festival. Based on some blogs that I have read, some folks don’t share the enthusiasm for all the festivities. I take from their blogs that they see nothing honorable about fighting and dying for the cause of slavery and they feel that festivals of this nature do just that. And the site of all those Confederate Battle Flags is a bit much for them.
My column is not long enough to articulate all my thoughts about the War Between the States. But I’ll say this about the Battle Flag. It is a part of our history and as such should be displayed in a historical context. The problem is that there have been many of my own race that have used the flag as a symbol of hatred and violence. And I think if the brave men who fought to save this town from destruction saw how some folks, like the skin heads, Neo-Nazis and the KKK have used the battle flag, they would turn over in their graves.
So the battle is part of our history and I hope folks will turn out to enjoy a couple of days of good history lessons. I suspect that the Mr. Grant would have thoroughly enjoyed it. And besides all that, the festival concludes with a bluegrass festival on Saturday. Simply Put, for me it don’t get no better than good history and good pickin’ and grinnin’. See y’all at the festival.
From the front porch: Uncle Bob said a lot of trouble in the world is caused by combining a narrow mind and a wide mouth.
The entire festival is centered around the Battle of Marianna, the historic event that took place during the War Between The States (or Civil War as most call it) on September 27, 1864. I learned to call the war “The War Between The States” from longtime history teacher at Marianna High School, William Grant. I know that I am not alone when I say that Mr. Grant, who is now deceased, single handly instilled in me, like he did so many students over his lengthy teaching career, a life long love of our local history. And that certainly includes the Battle of Marianna.
When the festival, along with the parades and battle re-enactments were first announced, the reaction was mixed if you read some of the blogs on the local media outlets. Some folks welcomed the idea and concept. Others didn’t. Some said it would be good for tourism, others liked the history aspect with a re-enactment on the actual battle site (first time ever). Others, like myself, were thrilled that it would all culminate with a bluegrass festival at Citizen’s Lodge Park. But there are some in our community that have not really warmed up to the festival. Based on some blogs that I have read, some folks don’t share the enthusiasm for all the festivities. I take from their blogs that they see nothing honorable about fighting and dying for the cause of slavery and they feel that festivals of this nature do just that. And the site of all those Confederate Battle Flags is a bit much for them.
My column is not long enough to articulate all my thoughts about the War Between the States. But I’ll say this about the Battle Flag. It is a part of our history and as such should be displayed in a historical context. The problem is that there have been many of my own race that have used the flag as a symbol of hatred and violence. And I think if the brave men who fought to save this town from destruction saw how some folks, like the skin heads, Neo-Nazis and the KKK have used the battle flag, they would turn over in their graves.
So the battle is part of our history and I hope folks will turn out to enjoy a couple of days of good history lessons. I suspect that the Mr. Grant would have thoroughly enjoyed it. And besides all that, the festival concludes with a bluegrass festival on Saturday. Simply Put, for me it don’t get no better than good history and good pickin’ and grinnin’. See y’all at the festival.
From the front porch: Uncle Bob said a lot of trouble in the world is caused by combining a narrow mind and a wide mouth.
"It Aint’ Hard To Be Humble"
In writing this column I’ve never tried to hide the fact that I am a FSU football fan. I was raised as a Seminole football fan and plan to be one until my time on earth is done. I must admit that I’ve gone through times in my life when I was more than just a fan. You might say I was a bit overzealous about Seminole football. I credit that overzealous passion to arising from the days when they weren’t very good, in fact they were downright bad, and for $5 you could sit anywhere in the stadium you wanted.
But then came Bobby Bowden and the program began moving in the right direction. The program went from a nobody to a somebody. With each passing year of progress, my zealousness for Seminole football grew. Throw in a few good rivalries with Florida and Miami and you had the makings of some intense passion for Seminole football.
Then came "Wide Right", the infamous failed field goal attempt in 1991 that cost us a win against Miami and possibly a national championship. I was at that game and must confess the loss was too much to bear. I went into a state of despair after the loss and did not come out for three days. When I finally emerged from my tailspin, it occurred to me that I might be taking this football stuff a little too seriously. So I tried to back off the throttle so to speak and not get so worked up.
During the past few seasons it has been easier not to get so worked up about Seminole football. The Seminoles just have not been the same team they used to be. Last year was better, but still not like the good ole days. Each year I’ve hoped for a return to the glory days, only to be disappointed. But by not getting my hopes up too high, it softened the fall.
So there I found myself Labor Day evening, watching another classic Miami vs FSU game. It reminded me of the old days and both teams seemed to be playing like they used to play. It went right down to the final seconds, all the while I’m telling myself to not get my hopes up to high. You know, it softens my fall if my hopes aren’t too high. I wasn’t doing real well with that though and sure enough, FSU came out on the short end of the stick. I didn’t figure to rest well so I grabbed a book, read a few minutes and drifted off to sleep. But before I went to sleep I thought, oh well, it least it wasn’t wide right. And my final thought that night was, Simply Put, it ain’t hard to be humble when you’re a Seminole.
From the front porch: Coach said freedom is not worth having if it does not include the freedom to make mistakes.
But then came Bobby Bowden and the program began moving in the right direction. The program went from a nobody to a somebody. With each passing year of progress, my zealousness for Seminole football grew. Throw in a few good rivalries with Florida and Miami and you had the makings of some intense passion for Seminole football.
Then came "Wide Right", the infamous failed field goal attempt in 1991 that cost us a win against Miami and possibly a national championship. I was at that game and must confess the loss was too much to bear. I went into a state of despair after the loss and did not come out for three days. When I finally emerged from my tailspin, it occurred to me that I might be taking this football stuff a little too seriously. So I tried to back off the throttle so to speak and not get so worked up.
During the past few seasons it has been easier not to get so worked up about Seminole football. The Seminoles just have not been the same team they used to be. Last year was better, but still not like the good ole days. Each year I’ve hoped for a return to the glory days, only to be disappointed. But by not getting my hopes up too high, it softened the fall.
So there I found myself Labor Day evening, watching another classic Miami vs FSU game. It reminded me of the old days and both teams seemed to be playing like they used to play. It went right down to the final seconds, all the while I’m telling myself to not get my hopes up to high. You know, it softens my fall if my hopes aren’t too high. I wasn’t doing real well with that though and sure enough, FSU came out on the short end of the stick. I didn’t figure to rest well so I grabbed a book, read a few minutes and drifted off to sleep. But before I went to sleep I thought, oh well, it least it wasn’t wide right. And my final thought that night was, Simply Put, it ain’t hard to be humble when you’re a Seminole.
From the front porch: Coach said freedom is not worth having if it does not include the freedom to make mistakes.
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