I have to admit, my hand is raised the highest, but then again, I am one who loves the passing game.
I have become a believer in the running game this year, especially when it comes behind a strong offensive line that the Golden Eagles have built.
Coach Roland Houston, head coach of the Jacksonville Golden Eagles, stayed with his game plan that he brought with him when he became head coach four years ago, and has turned the football program around from a team that was 3-7 last year to a 7-3 playoff bound team this year. Good for you Coach Houston!
After I congratulated Coach Houston for his 26-12 win over Wellborn last Friday night, I asked him what he contributed his success to.
"We've been working on this since the first year," said Houston.
"We got here four years ago and we've changed a few things; we modified a few things, but we basically stuck with what we do.
"Even though it is not the popular thing, not the thing that a lot of people are doing, it is what we know and what we like to do.
"I think our guys this year, with their success, have started to believe in it. The 'We Believe' actually started happening.
Good luck to Coach Houston and his Golden Eagle team in the playoffs this weekend.
A few last things have to be said about volleyball. I observed a lot of things while at the Pelham Civic Center last Wednesday and Thursday.
While the Pleasant Valley Lady Raiders went out on their first game to a great Bayside squad, I was impressed with their determination and never-give-up attitude. The girls are a joy to be around. I don't think I've ever seen Jessie Kate Stewart without her contagious smile on her face. These girls have made it to the Elite Eight two years in a row and are bound to be back again.
Jacksonville's Lady Eagles have made it to the state finals four years in a row, and to the Elite Eight 14-of-17 years under Coach David Clark. They are respected around the state.
Seniors Taylor Palmer, Meagan Cabrer and Caroline Neisler, all headed to contribute their skills at the collegiate level, have been the backbone of the Lady Eagle program. They have been mentors for the younger girls, Allender Doggett, Lana Bell, Haley Jackson and Emily Torruella who are destined to be the next marquee players for the Lady Eagles.
I was impressed with so much that this team showed me at the Elite Eight. No one will forget Taylor Palmer, going down in obvious pain in game two of the finals, showing a tremendous amount of courage as she came back in game three to lift up the spirits of her teammates.
When Palmer went out Coach Clark sent in eighth grader Katie Neisler, yet another Neisler in a line of tremendous volleyball players. Katie, in her first moments on the court as a varsity player, understandably looked very nervous as she took her place at the net. Instantly the arms of her sister, senior Caroline, were around her to give her comfort and the needed assurance and encouragement that she needed.
Staying with the Neislers for a minute, one can't forget Grandpa Neisler who sits courtside in his wheelchair, cheering on his granddaughters from his vantage point. I glanced over once to see Elizabeth Neisler, who graduated last year and is playing at Samford, bent over talking to her grandfather as he offered his advice as to what was happening on the court. A close, wonderful family.
Finally, one can't help but be impressed with Coach David Clark, who showed how gracious he is in losing as well as in winning.
Coach Clark was the first one by his team's side, consoling them in their loss. Clark told his team, "If this is the worst thing that's going to happen in your life, then you're going to have a great life."
The Lady Eagles have gone to the finals for the last four years, winning the last two state titles.
"These last four years have taken our program to a whole new place," said Clark.
That's the great thing about this job-not only covering sporting events but watching and observing individuals, athletes and coaches, who take your life to a whole new level.
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