Wednesday, March 01, 2006

Team News - Vol. 2.9



  • With his 9.5 sacks this season, Isaac Manaster raised pledges for tzedakah totaled at 367.5 shekels.
  • As you might recall, we mentioned before the season began that how long it takes for the team to jell would be a big factor in determining what kind of season the team has. It indeed turned out that that was a big reason why Derech Etz Chaim finished with a 4-8 record. The team played at an extremely high level towards the end of the season, totally obliterating their opponents. But it took an extremely long time to get to that level.

    There were several reasons why it took so long for the team to jell. The roster included many rookies, and they, just like all other rookies before them, took a while to get comfortable with playing in the league. For most it was their first time playing competitive football. Quarterback Betzalel Gersten, who has been out of the game for a few years, had to get reacclimated with the game and with his abilities. Another huge stumbling block was the extremely hard schedule that was given to us by the league. The team really wasn't able to get going until the final weeks of the season.

    Though I won't name any specific players, it looks like there is a good core of players who will be returning for next season. Hopefully their history of playing together and the experience they have gained from this season will help them jell next season in a more timely manner, and ultimately put them in a position to fight for a bowl game.

    I hope you've all enjoyed following the team this season as much as I have enjoyed supplying the coverage. Hopefully there will be someone here next year who will be able to take the pain...

    ...and give you the coverage you want.

    Let's now take a look back at the fun we've had this season.



    Don't fret though my friends. You can catch the Derech Etz Chaim softball team on our sister blog. The season begins this weekend!

    Until next season, so long from DEC Football.

1 comment:

BFEEENTG said...

Dear Mayer

Thanks again for all your hard work putting together the football blog, videos and highlights, it really made the season that much more enjoyable.

You don't get enough credit and praise for the effort and time you put into this project so we could all benefit. It bothers me when I hear complaints and wisecracks about the blog or videos from the other guys instead of a simple thank you

By the way, the blog was also crucial in keeping me updated on my health status in real time, so I knew whether or not to show up for the game.

I think a little less DEC recruiting and a little more on the field presence by myself would have helped the team this year, but might have put us at a disadvantage for next year.

Even if we weren't champions this year the videos sure make us look like champs.

Tizku L'Mitzvot
Betzalel