North Port FL. The Sarasota Sailors came into Friday nights game knowing they only had to do one thing and that was to stop the run. Then just sit back and wait for the North Port Bobcat’s lack of discipline to kick in and watch them self destruct. All said and done they should come out with a 38-13 win. Which they did.
One of the definitions of discipline is: noun. a branch of knowledge or learning; training that develops self-control, character, or orderliness and efficiency . So how does a high school football player obtain this self-control and efficiency? Well in all successful football programs that I’m aware of it comes from the coaching staff.
A football coaching staff that has taught his team discipline would probably produce a team that would not get flagged for 5 personal fouls in a football game. That same team with discipline would be able to control themselves and not jump offsides allowing the opposing team to get first downs on penalties. I would have to also assume a disciplined team would be able to have confidence in all aspects of the offense including the passing game. Most un-disciplined teams have to rely on the run, passing only when they are behind late in the fourth quarter with no chance to win. A disciplined team would not have to call a running play in the first quarter at mid field when it’s 4th and 9. An un-disciplined team after a pass interference call in the end zone which would allow the opposing team to kick off from the 50 yard line, would probably not be ready for an onside kick.
The North Port Bobcats have some of the finest and best athletes in the area. Players with strength speed and a drive to win. Players who have the desire and capability to play at the next level. These same players could receive athletic scholarships to colleges and universities that would save thousands of dollars for them and their families. The real tragedy is that these players are overlooked by college coaches due to the lack of not being part of a winning program. North Port Football has been mediocre long enough. This football program has cost students and families thousands of dollars in scholarship money.
Please undrstand I am not for a lynch party, hanging coaches and athletic directors. What I do want is a successful high school football program that will allow opportunity for student athletes to go to colleges on scholarship. We have had players who have come through our program that should be in college today playing on Saturdays and getting an education. Instead they work dead end jobs in North Port and Port Charlotte with no future.
Parents of high school football players.Get involved. Get in the ear of the coaches and our athletic director and get this debacle of a football program turned around. Our kids deserve it. Join the athletic boosters and together we can turn the North Port Football program into a respected state program.