Reading the paper last Saturday, I found that Southwest had first half problems with Lincoln High. It was Coach King's quote that probably made the most sense to me in many years. Saturday Nebraska played superb in the first quarter and then what happened? Coach King said. "I love the game of football. Because if you play 99 percent, you're not very good. If you don't play with enthusiasm and as hard as you can, you become a different person, a different player, a different team:." That boys is why the lowest teams can beat the best.

In high school, I played football in Red Oak, Iowa. That team I was on was almost exactly like this Spartan team. We had two stars that had played varsity for four years. The rest of us had played three years in the freshman, reserve and junior varsity programs. We were 23-1 as a class. The seniors before us were suppose to win the conference but, they too went 1-8. The media picked us last in conference coming into the new season. We went out and went 5-0 and had scored an average of 52 points a game to 3. We went into our sixth game against the number one team in the state, Harlan. Over three thousand fans showed up and stacked around the football field. We were in the spotlight. At halftime we trailed 7-6 and in the third quarter, Harlan ran a punt return back for a touchdown. From there, we got beat 42-14. Not a year goes by without remembering that season. What had happened? Harlan had 1000 students and we had 250. We had to play both ways and they had an offense, a defense and even special teams. We were dead tired and we could not give 100%. And since we couldn't and didn't play 100% or more, we were a different team. It was hard to forget that game. We played against Lewis Central the following week and struggled. We won a 21-14 squeaker. Then we had to play Atlantic in our eighth game, who was ranked in the top ten. We should of won but, we never got over that Harlan game. Finally, the final game we got things back in order and beat Shenandoah 56-0. This was over 30 years ago and we still talk about it because we didn't have playoffs then to redeem ourselves. We got one chance. This same road can happen to you but, it would be ashamed since you can redeem yourself. You have a playoff and state championship. You have another chance.

Football gives you no time for self pity. Finish hard, you've work too hard. Let this Northeast game help and not hinder you. You have plenty of time left to redeem yourself. Do it, so you don't have to talk about 30 years from now. A couple of great stars will never make a TEAM. The Team is the offensive and defensive lines working with backs and scoring together. All the touchdowns this season could not have happened without the line. Do your job first as a Team and the awards will come later in the off season.

What can you do about it? You have to forget the Northeast game. You were the better team on paper, but they won that day. They played their 100% and for whatever reason you played below 100%. Use it as inspiration to prove to the fans and media that Northeast was only a learning time in your successful season. The loss could be what the doctor ordered. A simple wake up call. Norfolk comes to Lincoln with a 4-2 record. They have only lost to Southwest and Kearney. They are in your district and know that there is a high probablity that three teams from the district will make the playoffs. You will get Norfolks best shot. Move on from Northeast quickly and motivate from it. Trust me that nothing is wrong if you get back to focusing on your ablilities and the team. You can play with anyone in Nebraska Class A. Playoffs are around the corner and the Northeast game will be long lost with wins over Norfolk, Southwest and Lincoln High. The Northeast game will help you when you get to the big stage again. Strap em up and GET ER DONE.