Smells Like Football...

Last Friday night I got to help out at the Jamboree again as part of one of the chain gangs. I really enjoy doing this because it is a little more relaxed atmosphere than a scheduled game. I try to chat with a player or two from some of the visiting teams as well as the referees.

I’ve noticed that some players are more than willing to talk about their team and the schedule they have ahead of them. They also ask me about the Broncos schedule and I get the feeling that they hope the Bi-County/Northeast B league teams do well. They have a great respect for the coaches and players from this league and know that the stronger the league the better they will be in the end.

I had the chance to talk with several Bronco players on Saturday and it is fun to hear about the experience the freshman had. Most kids don’t get the chance to have a somewhat controlled scrimmage with someone they’ve never seen before. I know from my time playing and coaching young kids those first tackles and big hits are hard to come by. Those butterflies and fears of making a mistake or two are usually shaken out of their systems by an opponent’s block or hit on a tackle. The first reaction is usually, “That didn’t hurt!”

For those players who did suffer an injury Friday night I hope you heal quickly and not miss too much action. This game is too much fun to just watch it needs to be played.

I was lucky enough to see some of the Broncos plays and they look like they will be a solid ball club albeit young in a few positions. If you like football I think you will enjoy this year’s Broncos club. So don’t stay home Friday night, go to Jimmie Snider and see the Broncos take on the Warden Cougars. Go Broncos!

I was busy on Saturday and was unable to watch Eastern Washington play the UW Huskies. When FCS schools like EWU play up a division it is usually a good money day for the smaller school but it can be a good measuring stick as to where the Eagles stand this early as well as the U Dub. It looks like the Eagles are ready to meet the challenge of defending its National Championship as they outgained the Huskies by 255 yards. A couple of special teams errors led to two Husky scores and the Eagles fell short 30-27.

As I look at it having 25 fewer scholarship athletes and fewer top recruits and still outplaying UW should bode well for making another run at a Big Sky Championship for EWU. It should be a fun season for all of us EWU fans. Go Eagles!

WSU manhandled Idaho State on Saturday, which most everyone thought they would. Unfortunately, the Cougars lost starting QB Jeff Tuel for a month and a half or so because of a broken collarbone. Tuel’s day started out with food poisoning and ended with a tough hit that will sideline him until the doctor clears him for game action.

This week it’s the UNLV Runnin’ Rebels coming to Pullman for another home game and a very winnable game for WSU.

Marshall Lobbestael will be under center for Saturday’s game. Lobbestael has plenty of experience to carry the Cougars to victory. A much-improved Cougar squad just needs more confidence to carry them over those difficult hurdles that are coming up soon. Go Cougs!

The smell of football is in the air and I for one and I am definitely happy about it. It will be an exciting season no matter who your favorite team happens to be. Just make sure you give them your full support!