What a game this one was. As expected when the #1 and #3 teams get together for a tilt, it lived up to the expectations of being a close, hard fought game by both teams. Congratulations to the Bulldogs on advancing to the third round, and also to Garden City on a great season. The kids on both sides played their butts off and gave it everything they had tonight. The game was full of momentum swings, crucial 4th down conversions on offense, outstanding defensive stands on 4th and short, and of course the big play we're all accustomed to seeing from explosive 6-Man offenses such as these. Both teams exhibited very good running attacks and solid defense. Ira jumped out to an early lead and held onto it going into halftime, as both teams seemed to trade scores and defensive stops throughout most of the first half. On the opening drive of the second half, Garden City was stopped on a 4th and short situation and turned the ball over on downs. Again late in the 4th quarter, the Ira defense was able to force a turnover on downs as Garden City threw a pass into the end zone, and was narrowly deflected by an Ira defender. That pass, had it gone for a touchdown, very easily could have turned the momentum back to Garden City and changed the outcome of the game. There were many pivotal moments in this game, but these two stood out to me as being game changers. Not sure how much of a factor the weather played (about 30 degrees and windy the whole game), and there was a decent amount of ice on the field that would fly up every time the ball hit the turf. If the coldness and ice on the field played any factor at all, the kids sure didn't show it as they played hard-nosed football all night long.
Regardless of the outcome of the game, one of the more impressive actions witnessed from the players on both sides was their sportsmanship. All night, the players would help the other team up after a tackle and slap each other on the helmet before running back to their respective huddles. At one point during the game, an Ira player went down and the coaching staff came onto the field to check on him, and ultimately helped him off of the field. As soon as everyone realized he was down, all players on both sides immediately removed their helmets and took a knee out of respect for the down player. I know these players put 110% into every practice and every game because they play to win....but at the end of the day it's good to see these kids learning the overall lessons of good sportsmanship, fair play and respect.
Anxious to see how the rest of the 2nd round plays out.
Regardless of the outcome of the game, one of the more impressive actions witnessed from the players on both sides was their sportsmanship. All night, the players would help the other team up after a tackle and slap each other on the helmet before running back to their respective huddles. At one point during the game, an Ira player went down and the coaching staff came onto the field to check on him, and ultimately helped him off of the field. As soon as everyone realized he was down, all players on both sides immediately removed their helmets and took a knee out of respect for the down player. I know these players put 110% into every practice and every game because they play to win....but at the end of the day it's good to see these kids learning the overall lessons of good sportsmanship, fair play and respect.
Anxious to see how the rest of the 2nd round plays out.
