I just play and hope I don't get shutout.
The moment I get on the scoreboard the first time, it's on.
It's the same approach I've taken for every game I've ever played. I go into every game hoping I just don't get embarrassed. Sometimes, I have (loss to Lomax 31-6; loss to Big Keith 35-14; loss to Wondell 13-0). But the moment I know I can move the ball on you, the moment I know I can get receivers open on you, and the moment I realize I can put points on the board, then I'm totally into it.
I've been fortunate enough to win a Super Bowl in my career, and I've been unfortunate enough to lose two. Having been in 3 such big games is a blessing. Strategy hasn't really been much a part of any of the three I don't think. If I put my players in the right spot on the board, and I hit my passes, I won. If I didn't, I lost. But, in all 3, I could have been more prepared.
In BMEFA Super Bowl I, I didn't move the ball much, but I got a lead against Smitty, the defense held because they were in the right positions, and when I need a key first down at the end, I got it. But I felt much pressure that day, too, since my team was not only fighting for my first title in any league/tourney, but they were undefeated, as well. It's not all about winning and losing, but there's something special about finishing a season on top and 10-0. Only a few of us have done it. I'm honored to be in the club.
In BMEFA Super Bowl II, I had an advantage early and the chance to add more against Adrian Baxter. I failed. I missed the passes. He played like a champion - he won. I could have prepared better, and I did well, but I wasn't ready for someone of Adrian's caliber.
In MEFA College Final, I missed passes, and didn't read Tom Johnson's defenses effectively. The players did their thing - I screwed it up. Perhaps more preparation would have been in order, but that's the first final I ever played, and it was only in my 3rd or 4th season in the hobby. I was a young Jedi with much to learn.
The lesson I have not learned yet is how to take defeats, and even wins, and learn from them to make my team better. That's why I'm starting on PITT for the CBSMF right now. Competitive games are months away. But I won't be unprepared. For if I'm lucky enough to reach the heights with the Panthers, or whatever team I have in any league or tourney, I want to know I'm prepared. For those first 3 games above, perhaps I wasn't, and tried to skate on talent alone.
No more.
Ed
