Posted by Rich DeLeo on 11/5/2003, 10:43 am
Board Administrator

The district playoffs got underway last week, and what a contrast between the games on Friday night and Saturday night. The scores from Friday looked like this, 43-0, 43-0, 48-0, 42-7, 40-0. On Saturday there was only one blowout 42-0. The other Saturday scores were 18-14, 19-7, 19-18 and 17-6. It was either feast or famine. Either games were close, or they were blowouts. You would think that once the playoffs begin, the games would be competitive, even between the number one and number 8 ranked teams. The two closest games were the 4-5 games in both A and AA. BG beat Conemaugh Twp and Philipsburg Osceola edged out Chestnut Ridge. Defense usually prevails in playoff situations, but on Friday, the offensive gods were in alignment. I personally like plenty of offense in games that I watch or broadcast. Defensive coaches don't like to hear that, but let's face it, football is a game that is geared toward the offensive side of the ball. Sometimes teams become tentative on offense because they don't want to make that one mistake that could cost their team a chance to win. But by doing that, you end up playing not to lose, and that is more often than not, when you end up losing! Teams should not approach a playoff game any differently than a regular season game. And for some strange reason, turnovers and penalties become magnified 100 times during playoff games. They are no different than in the regular season, excpet that there is no next week when you are in the playoffs. From a preparation stand point, teams should not have any problem getting ready for a particular playoff game, because it's the only one that they have to worry about, unless they win, then move on to the next round. Playoffs are special and fun, and it was I think a wise move on the PIAA's part to institute a playoff system back in the late 80's. The only area where playoffs cause a concern is in the officiating area. Some move on, and some don't. But that is the way it goes for teams also. Some move on and some don't. So get out and \enjoy a playoff game or two in the next few weeks. You will enjoy the experience and thrill of watching kids actually play for something other than money, pride in their programs and their schools!