2002 All Shore Player Diaries JS

Today’s practice started off pretty well with a great goal line period that got everyone a little excited. Everybody’s pretty much fired up at practice.

Offensively we worked on a lot of things. We started off a little shaky, but towards the end we started working out a lot of kinks.

Defensively it was a great day. We cleaned up on a lot of stuff, put a lot of new things in, and started to polish up on a lot of different formations. The secondary is coming together.

Defensively we had a lot of big hits at practice – everyone just kept on contributing all day. We have been putting in some hard work and we came together at the end of practice. Hard work pays, and it will show Friday night.

Tuesday, July 16

Before today’s practice we were treated to a great meal at the Outback Steakhouse (Brick). After that we had a quick, crisp one and a half hour practice, although we were a little sluggish from all that food. We went through a lot of the kicking game and worked on different things we might see on Friday night. We polished up on things and worked on all aspects of the game, and overall it was a good practice. Tomorrow will probably be an even better day because we wont have as much food in our stomach.

Wednesday, July 17

Today’s practice just started off real quick by going over a lot of offensive plays and just trying to get everything in. It was the last live day of hitting. Everybody was a little antsy to get to the game; we can’t wait until Friday night. We’re tired of hitting each other every day. We went over everything, it went real sharp, and we were right on schedule with everything. Defensively we tried to get every coverage and package in so that we’re ready for Friday night.

Thursday, July 18

Today was a walk through, with just helmets. It was really cool though, because before practice we all got our uniforms. We were all pretty excited, we went out there and took a team picture, then we went inside and just changed up real quick. We went back outside and just went over every formation, everything defensively, just walking through with helmets on, and took it real light.

Offensively we just went over the plays were going to use Friday night and got out of there real quick. The coaches thanked the players for the honor of coaching us and we had a pride clap at the end for them too, to thank them for coaching us.

All in all it’s been a great week, and everyone’s just looking to cap it off with a great game tomorrow night. It should be a great game.

Sunday, July 21 - Post Game

Playing in this game has been one of the best experiences I’ve ever had playing football. Being coached by the winningest high school football coach in New Jersey football history along with some of the finer coaches throughout the Shore and in Ocean County was an honor. Playing with guys I competed against through 4 years of high school and winning a great ball game with them was just a great time. We took home the win, but more than that we were all able to take home friendship and great memories.

It was just a great way to cap off a career.