[Bill,
December 3, 2007]
Mariners win! Mariners win! Mariners win!
Last weekend, my old high school played a state championship game in football. Technically, it's the South Jersey Group IV championship game. The Toms River North Mariners were 11-0 and playing the Mainland Regional Mustangs at North's home field. In a very weird, wild game, North won, 22-19.
So I went ... it was freezing, even colder than I expected. Sat in the stands watched two defenses beat the hell out of two offenses. Some weird stuff:
1. The Mustangs band played Black Sabbath's Ironman in the stands. Rock is not only bourgeoise, it's downright respectable now.
2. We recovered a fumble on the opponent's 19. That is, we had 19 yards to go for a touchdown. Two holding calls and an illegal procedure later, it was 1st and 35. Finally, we got off a legitimate first down play. The quarterback was sacked. Now it's 2nd and something like 44.
3. The Mustangs were a great team. But they turned the ball over seven times. Still, they only lost by three — and the difference was in the points after. It was three touchdowns each.
4. Both teams would've been better off punting on first down. Of course, punting was a problem, too. We punted from deep in our own territory, and the Mustangs defense ran through our offensive line like it wasn't even there. And you couldn't blame our kids — these Mainlanders were huge. Can't stop a freight train.
5. Back in high school, I remember cheerleaders being quite attractive. Now, 26 years later, they look like a bunch of kids.
6. The band director is not only the same guy, he looks exactly the same. He must be 800 years old and have a picture in his attic that ages for him.
7. Did I mention it was cold?
8. Our band, in the stands, played Gary Glitter's Rock and Roll No. 2. See previous comment about rock and roll. In fact, all the music was really ... um, old. Has rock and roll ceased or something? Why not get at least into the 80s for 2007? (BTW, I'm not seriously complaining, just commenting.)
9. The only person I ran into from my time is the same person I see every time I go to Toms River. It really doesn't help my deja vu problem.
10. I left when we were down 19-14. Because they were undefeated, I thought I may be jinxing the team. So I left. Actually, the cold may have had something to do with it.
So I went ... it was freezing, even colder than I expected. Sat in the stands watched two defenses beat the hell out of two offenses. Some weird stuff:
1. The Mustangs band played Black Sabbath's Ironman in the stands. Rock is not only bourgeoise, it's downright respectable now.
2. We recovered a fumble on the opponent's 19. That is, we had 19 yards to go for a touchdown. Two holding calls and an illegal procedure later, it was 1st and 35. Finally, we got off a legitimate first down play. The quarterback was sacked. Now it's 2nd and something like 44.
3. The Mustangs were a great team. But they turned the ball over seven times. Still, they only lost by three — and the difference was in the points after. It was three touchdowns each.
4. Both teams would've been better off punting on first down. Of course, punting was a problem, too. We punted from deep in our own territory, and the Mustangs defense ran through our offensive line like it wasn't even there. And you couldn't blame our kids — these Mainlanders were huge. Can't stop a freight train.
5. Back in high school, I remember cheerleaders being quite attractive. Now, 26 years later, they look like a bunch of kids.
6. The band director is not only the same guy, he looks exactly the same. He must be 800 years old and have a picture in his attic that ages for him.
7. Did I mention it was cold?
8. Our band, in the stands, played Gary Glitter's Rock and Roll No. 2. See previous comment about rock and roll. In fact, all the music was really ... um, old. Has rock and roll ceased or something? Why not get at least into the 80s for 2007? (BTW, I'm not seriously complaining, just commenting.)
9. The only person I ran into from my time is the same person I see every time I go to Toms River. It really doesn't help my deja vu problem.
10. I left when we were down 19-14. Because they were undefeated, I thought I may be jinxing the team. So I left. Actually, the cold may have had something to do with it.
At least you're keeping up to date on the music! Thanks for the suggestions. Band directors: Pay attention!