HS Football Week 0

Ready or not it is time to start playing games. The varsity had a great scrimmage last night and I am excited to see both middle school teams take to the field this week for games. It will certainly be a full week of football. The first home varsity game will feature a concert by the band Denmon which will be a CCS first. The lead singer, John Denmon, was a coach at CCS when our seniors were in 8th grade. At some point the emails will get shorter but I prefer that you are over informed.

Love
1 John 4:18-19 “There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love. We love because He first loved us.”

Week 0 HS Schedule

• Monday, August 27-4:00 to 6:25 pm (Full Pads)
• Tuesday, August 28-4:00 to 6:05 pm (Full Pads)
• Wednesday, August 29-3:45 to 5:30 pm (Half Shell)
• Thursday, August 30-3:45 to 5:00 pm (Helmet) – Covenant and Prayer following practice
• Friday, August 31-7:00pm Home game against Brazos Christian

Team Covenant Signing and Prayer
We are going to close Thursdays practice with a public signing of our team covenant and an opportunity for our parents to pray over our players and the season. Both will take place in the grandstand starting just after 5pm.

Uniforms in Lockers
I picked up a few pairs of pants and a couple uniforms that I took home and washed last night. Uniforms should never be stored in lockers or left on shoulder pads after the game.

Morning Workout - Optional
We will be continuing to have workouts on Monday and Wednesday at 6:30AM in the weight room.

Film on Hudl
The film is up on Hudl and more information will be added to it throughout the week. We will watch some film during practice but are not currently planning to have a team film session Monday morning. As coaches we are learning the system and were able to add in some audio notes and coaching points to the film. We will try to do more of this in the future. Players can make their own highlight films that I will add to our website.

Forms
We have done a great job on the forms and physicals this year. The last one that we are missing a good number of is the "TAPPS Acknowledgment of the Rules" form. Cindy is contacting you individually if she still needs that form.

Pep Rally
There will be a pep rally for MS and HS on Friday at 3PM.

Saturday Clinic
Methodist does have a Saturday clinic for any injuries. It is better to get it looked at on Saturday instead of waiting until Monday at practice. Click here for more information.

Volunteer
You can sign up to help at the home games using Please Bring It. There is a link to each of our games at www.cypresschristian.org/football/Volunteers.cfm. Each family needs to sign up 3 times to get everything taken care of for the year. There is less that needs to be done for JV games but we will probably have some signups for those as well in the coming weeks.

The one big need that we have left is for someone to set up and clean up the concession stand. You do not have to work the concession stand during the game just make sure that things are ready to go when the workers (parents of other school groups) get there and let them know what to do to clean up.

Faith West JV Game
Faith West is no longer playing 11 man football so those two JV games have been canceled. We will be adding at least one more JV game against Fort Bend.

Labor Day – September 3
Both the High School and Middle School teams will practice at their regular times on Labor Day.

Booster Club, Season Tickets, Apparel
We have sold a lot but we still have season tickets left. You can get a coaches shirt (there is a female cut as well) by signing up for the booster club or by purchasing some of our game day apparel. Click here for more details.

Austin Trip – September 14
There still may be some rooms left but the deadline has passed. If you are not planning to make the trip to Austin I need to know so that we can make sure we have a room for your son.

Hyatt Place
Austin/arboretum
3612 Tudor Blvd.
Austin, Texas 78759
1-877-242-3654

When you call to book ... tell them you are with Cypress Christian School.
Our GROUP code is: G-CPRS
Use this code when booking by phone or online.
They have Double rooms and King rooms...both with sleeper sofas. Our cost $ 105 + tax.
THE ROOMS MUST BE BOOKED BY 8-24-12. - Check in 3pm - Check out 12pm.

MS Football Week 0

Ready or not it is time to start playing games. The varsity had a great scrimmage last night and I am excited to see both middle school teams take to the field this week for games. It will certainly be a full week of football. The first home varsity game will feature a concert by the band Denmon which will be a CCS first. The lead singer, John Denmon, was a coach at CCS when our seniors were in 8th grade. At some point the emails will get shorter but I prefer that you are over informed.

Love
1 John 4:18-19 “There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love. We love because He first loved us.”

Week 0 MS Schedule

• Monday, August 27-4:00 to 6:00 pm (Full Pads)
• Tuesday, August 28-4:00 to 5:45 pm (Full Pads) – A Team Players Only
• Tuesday, August 28-4:30 pm B Team Game at St. Cecilia (Wear white game jersey) Bus 2:45
• Wednesday, August 29-4:00 to 5:30 pm (Half Shell)
• Thursday, August 30-5:00 pm Game at Lutheran South (Wear white game jersey) Bus 2:45

Directions
St. Cecilia Map and Driving Directions
Lutheran South Map and Driving Directions

MS Uniforms
We had one issue with the numbers coming off of a new MS uniform that was washed. We believe we were able to fix that one and that it was an isolated issue. However, if numbers are cracking or pealing when you wash them please let me know. Jerseys should just air dry after washing. Do NOT put them in the dryer.
MS B Team St. John’s Game on 9/18
This game has been changed to an away game and will start at 4:30pm.

Early Release
MS Players will be released from class at 2:15 to dress, eat and travel to their games this Tuesday and Thursday. I believe that most of the kids know already but the roster for the A and B teams were sent in the email. These could change throughout the season.

Forms
We have done a great job on the forms and physicals this year. The last one that we are missing a good number of is the "TAPPS Acknowledgment of the Rules" form. Cindy is contacting you individually if she still needs that form.

Pep Rally
There will be a pep rally for MS and HS on Friday at 3PM.

Labor Day – September 3
Both the High School and Middle School teams will practice at their regular times on Labor Day.

Booster Club, Season Tickets, Apparel
We have sold a lot but we still have season tickets left. You can get a coaches shirt (there is a female cut as well) by signing up for the booster club or by purchasing some of our game day apparel. Click here for more details.

One More Drill

We ran a little long today at practice but it is a special day.  As coaches we call it the Handshake Drill but the players mostly know it as the One More Drill.  The point being that you can always do one more.  It is by far the most conditioning we do in a practice and we are trying to push them past what they think they can do.  One we reach that point the coaches all fall in and go down the line shaking each kids hand and affirming there God given abilities (not just football abilities) and their value to the team.  It is one of my favorite moments of the season.  With 47 kids it took a little longer than planned but I hope the words spoken into their lives last a lot longer than expected as well.

HS Football Week -1

We had several great events this weekend from Blue & White, picture day, and our team cookout that had around 100 people at it. Somewhere in there we found time to scrimmage Second Baptist. We certainly have more to do but I am still very pleased with the progress we have made so far this season.

Weekly Theme - Building a FoundationPsalms 18:2a “The Lord is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer; my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge.”
Matthew 16:18 “…on this rock I will build my church

Week -1 HS Schedule

• Monday, August 20-4:00 to 6:25 pm (Full Pads)
• Tuesday, August 21-4:00 to 8:00 pm (Workout) – Inner City Football Camp
• Wednesday, August 22-4:00 to 5:30 pm (Full Pads)
• Thursday, August 23-4:00 to 5:30 pm (Full Pads)
• Friday, August 24-7:00pm Scrimmage at KIPP Sunny Side-Bus leaves 4:30 – More details will be coming once I talk to their coach this week.

Inner City Football CampOn Tuesday as a part of practice the HS football team will travel to The Faith Center, a mission of Houston First Baptist Church, and put on a football camp. We will take the bus right after school and should arrive back at school around 8pm. We will wear our practice shorts and shirts. We are planning to grill some hotdogs for the campers and would love to have 5 to 10 dads that would make the trip with us and help with the food. The Faith Center is located at 8009 Long Point Road.

Morning Workout - OptionalOver the years we have been constantly asked about working out more during the season. Coach Honeycutt is going to be able to open up the weight room during the season. We will be starting this week on Monday and Wednesday morning at 6:30 in the weight room. Players will work out for an hour and then shower and go to class. I know this is not possible for everyone but so many have asked that we wanted to make it available.

Booster Club, Season Tickets, Apparel We have sold a lot but we still have season tickets left. You can get a coaches shirt (there is a female cut as well) by signing up for the booster club or by purchasing some of our game day apparel. Click here for more details.

HydrationOur trainer, Paula Douglas, gave the players a good challenge about cutting soda and tea out of their diet and drink about 80oz of water each day. Also, they will be sore and should apply ice to any area that is sore.

VolunteerWe are still looking for a JV team mom if anyone is interested. The biggest responsibly is organizing and serving the pregame meal. We are also in need of someone to take on the concession stand set up. You would not be responsible to work during the game just get everything set up before the game and ready to go. We are going to use Please Bring It to help coordinate our volunteers. Our first home game is just two weeks away so please click here to start singing up. If each family can just help three times we will be have everything for the season covered.

Austin Trip – September 14On September 14 we will be playing a varsity game in Austin followed by a JV game the next day at noon. We are planning to spend the night. I would prefer that players stay with their parents but if that is not possible we will make sure they have a room. We are planning to do several things with the team from Austin so it should be a great trip. Here is the hotel information:

Hyatt Place
Austin/arboretum
3612 Tudor Blvd.
Austin, Texas 78759
1-877-242-3654
When you call to book ... tell them you are with Cypress Christian School.
Our GROUP code is: G-CPRS
Use this code when booking by phone or online.
They have Double rooms and King rooms...both with sleeper sofas. Our cost $ 105 + tax.
THE ROOMS MUST BE BOOKED BY 8-24-12. - Check in 3pm - Check out 12pm.

MS Football Week -1

We have a lot of MS football players that look like they have had a lot of fun during their first week of practice. It certainly looked to me like they are building relationships and having fun when I watched them at pictures today. You will get a copy of all your sons pictures along with a digital release in about a week. More information will be coming about volunteering to help at the games.

Weekly Theme - Building a FoundationPsalms 18:2a “The Lord is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer; my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge.”
Matthew 16:18 “…on this rock I will build my church

Week -1 MS Schedule

• Monday, August 20-4:00 to 6:00 pm (Full Pads)
• Tuesday, August 21-4:00 to 6:00 pm (Full Pads)
• Wednesday, August 22-4:00 to 5:30 pm (Full Pads)
• Thursday, August 23-4:00 to 5:30 pm (Full Pads)

Booster Club, Season Tickets, Apparel We have sold a lot but we still have season tickets left. You can get a coaches shirt (there is a female cut as well) by signing up for the booster club or by purchasing some of our game day apparel. Click here for more details.

HydrationOur trainer, Paula Douglas, gave the players a good challenge about cutting soda and tea out of their diet and drink about 80oz of water each day. Also, they will be sore and should apply ice to any area that is sore.

Football, Volleyball and Hair Cuts

Volleyball
The Football team will be scrimmaging the Volleyball team at 6:30 in the gym tomorrow. This is not a required event but it will be funny. We got a little crazy with our clothing last year so I asked that they tone that down some. Just mention that to your son if he was there last year and that should be enough.

Haircuts
It is possible that your son took steps to get in alignment with the hair code today after practice. This has been a long standing tradition but it is completely optional and I even recommend that players call their mom to make sure it is OK. I think my mom is still a little upset that I shaved my head in college one year. School starts tomorrow and we do have a few player remaining that need haircuts.

Water
It was a hot one today. Please remind them to drink water and that they can take a water bottle with them to class tomorrow.

Chain Gang
I will need three people to run the chains on Thursday for the scrimmage. It would be great is someone would be interested in coordinating this effort for the season. If interested please let me know.

HS Football Week -3

There is a lot of information in this one so you might want to grab a cup of coffee (or a water to keep Paula happy).

I was very pleased with today’s scrimmage. The film is up on Hudl for players and parents to watch. Watching film with your son can be a great experience but please don’t try to be their coach. Celebrate great plays and ask them questions about what they are doing but I think you will find it is better for your relationship with them if you leave technical correcting up to us. Let them know you love watching them play and that their value to you is not based on performance. An inner squad scrimmage is especially tough because we are both teams. I want to see an equal number of good plays on both sides of the ball. I want everyone to walk away feeling good about some things and knowing they need to work on others. We want to constantly be working to close the gap between our potential and our performance in every area of life.

Hydration
Our trainer, Paula Douglas, gave the players a good challenge about cutting soda and tea out of their diet and drink about 80oz of water each day. Also, they will be sore and should apply ice to any area that is sore.

Weekly Theme
Purpose
Acts 17:26b “He determined the times set for them and the exact places where they should live.”
Jeremiah 29:11 “‘For I know the plans I have for you,’ declares the Lord, ‘plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.’”

Week -3 Schedule

• Monday, August 13-4:00 to 7:30 pm (Full Pads/Helmet)
• Tuesday, August 14-4:00 to 6:00 pm (Full Pads)
• Wednesday, August 15-4:00 to 5:30 pm (Half Shell)-Parent Meeting at 5 in the grandstand
• Thursday, August 16-4:30 pm Scrimmage at home against Second Baptist
• Friday, August 17-3:45 to 4:45 pm Film in Field house (Optional)
• Friday, August 17-5:30 pm Blue and White Night in the gym
• Saturday, August 18-Team pictures in the morning time is TBA
• Saturday, August 18-Team Cookout at the Nealy’s at 4pm

Team Cookout
We are planning a team cookout for players and families at the Nealy’s house on Saturday August 18 at 4pm. I will send out more details next week as we get it figured out but we will probably ask each family to bring a side dish or chips and just have hotdogs and hamburgers. We have a few fun activates planned. We may even take the bus from school at 3:30 as a big car pool especially for younger players if their family cannot go. The Nealy’s leave about 30 minutes out 290.

Booster Club and Season Tickets
As a football parent you get first choice on season tickets if you purchase them prior to Blue and White Night. These tickets are good for all home football games at any level. Seats will be sold on a first come first serve basis starting at Blue and White Night. The money raised through season tickets, booster club memberships (which includes season tickets and other great things) and sponsorships is used to pay for a lot of the great things we do as a football program. The things that are supported by the booster club are so important to me that I personally join the Coach's Club each year. You are certainly not required to join but for those with the ability it is a great way to help our program. Click here for more details.

Blue and White Night
As a football team we are in charge of trash and cleanup after Blue and White night. It is basically a big pep rally of sorts and the football teams will be introduced. Dinner will be provided by Canes, click here to order your meal.

Physicals and Athletic Forms
I think we are just missing a few forms. You can take care of those tonight at the parent meeting at 6PM or you can get them off the website. Click here to get those forms off the school website.

Important Dates (non practice)

• Saturday, August 11 - 5PM Athlete Meeting in the Elementary Cafeteria
• Saturday, August 11 - 6PM “Parents of Athletes” meeting in the gym
• Wednesday, August 15 - 5 to 5:45PM Football Parent Meeting in the Grandstand
• Friday, August 17 - 5:30PM Blue and White Night
• Saturday, August 18 - Team pictures in the morning
• Saturday, August 18 – 4PM Football Cookout at the Nealy’s

Hair Cuts
Players should have a hair cut that meets school dress code when they report to practice on Monday.

Volunteer
We will be sharing more about how you can help at the football parent meeting on Wednesday but we did get hit hard by graduation last year. I lost my three stat guys and the dad in charge of the chain gang. Both are great opportunities to see the game from a new perspective. If you are interested let me know.

Austin Trip – September 14
On September 14 we will be playing a varsity game in Austin followed by a JV game the next day at noon. We are planning to spend the night. I would prefer that players stay with their parents but if that is not possible we will make sure they have a room. We are planning to do several things with the team from Austin so it should be a great trip. Here is the hotel information:

Hyatt Place
Austin/arboretum
3612 Tudor Blvd.
Austin, Texas 78759
1-877-242-3654
When you call to book ... tell them you are with Cypress Christian School.
Our GROUP code is: G-CPRS
Use this code when booking by phone or online.
They have Double rooms and King rooms...both with sleeper sofas. Our cost $ 105 + tax.
THE ROOMS MUST BE BOOKED BY 8-24-12. - Check in 3pm - Check out 12pm.

MS Football Start of Season

Monday will be the start of the MS football season. We have already had a great week with the high school players. If your son is going into 8th grade and headed to the lock-in they can pick up their equipment prior to the lock in starting at 8pm in the Field House. Everyone else will get their equipment on Monday starting at 3:30. More details are below.

I have gotten some questions about the difference between the A team and the B team. We need a few practices to figure all of that out and will take those questions in detail at the football parent meeting on Wednesday.

Weekly Theme
Purpose
Acts 17:26b “He determined the times set for them and the exact places where they should live.”
Jeremiah 29:11 “‘For I know the plans I have for you,’ declares the Lord, ‘plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.’”

Week -3 Schedule

• Monday, August 13-5:00 to 7:00 pm (Helmet Only)*
• Tuesday, August 14-4:00 to 6:00 pm (Half Shell)*
• Wednesday, August 15-4:00 to 5:30 pm (Full Pads)-Parent Meeting at 5 in the grandstand
• Thursday, August 16-4:00 to 6:00 pm (Full Pads)
• Friday, August 17-4:00 to 5:30 pm (Full Pads)
• Saturday, August 18-Team pictures in the morning time is TBA

*For a helmet only practice a player must be in the official team shorts and shirts and have cleats. For a half shell practice a player will wear their shoulder pads and the official team shorts.

Physicals and Athletic Forms
A physical must be turned in before a player can practice. We currently have about 15 MS athletic physicals on file. I would also like to have all the other athletic forms turned in the first day of practice. Click here to get those forms off the school website.

Equipment Handout
Eight graders can pick up their equipment from 8 to 9PM tonight, just prior to going to the eight grade lock-in. Everyone else will get there equipment starting at 3:30 on Monday, August 13. The equipment will be handed out in the MS locker room in the Field House. The school will provide the following: Helmet, Shoulder Pads, Practice Jersey, Practice Pants, Mouth Piece, Game Uniform and Practice shirt and shorts.

Personal Equipment Needs
Everyone needs to have a spandex girdle which can be one with built in leg pads or they need to purchase a 7-piece pad set to go in there girdle. This will not be needed until Wednesday.
Players need to purchase their own cleats. We prefer they be black but players are allowed to wear whatever shoe they would like.

Practice Clothes
On Monday your son will be issued a pair of shorts and a shirt to wear for practice that day and for following practices if needed. Any time we are wearing shorts or t-shirts for a football function they will be in this clothing or they will not be allowed to participate.

Important Dates (non practice)

• Saturday, August 11 - 5PM Athlete Meeting in the Elementary Cafeteria
• Saturday, August 11 - 6PM “Parents of Athletes” meeting in the gym
• Wednesday, August 15 - 5 to 5:45PM Football Parent Meeting in the Grandstand
• Friday, August 17 - 5:30PM Blue and White Night
• Saturday, August 18 - Team pictures in the morning

Hair Cuts
Players should have a hair cut that meets school dress code when they report to practice on Monday.

Football Season Is Here

Your son should be at school and in the grandstand at 3PM for the start of the football season. This will be the start of my 21st football season. Each one has been different in how they started and how they finished and I am sure this one will also be unique. I believe that this team has a great ability to exceed expectations which always makes for an exciting season. The first practices of the season are always critical as we lay a solid foundation for the season.

Physicals and Athletic FormsA physical must be turned in before a player can practice. I would also like to have all the other athletic forms turned in the first day of practice. Click here to get those forms off the school website.

Practice Schedule

• Monday, August 6 Team Meeting at 3PM Practice 4:00 to 7:30 PM* Helmet
• Tuesday, August 7 4:00 to 7:30 PM* Helmet
• Wednesday, August 8 4:00 to 7:30 PM* Helmet (If a player belongs to a youth group or other church group that is meeting they will be allowed to leave early)
• Thursday, August 9 4:00 to 7:30 PM* Full Pads
• Friday, August 10 4:00 to 7:30 PM* Full Pads
• Saturday, August 11 9:00 to 11:00 AM* Full Pads

*Each practice will contain at least a 30 minute break from 6 to 6:30 where we talk through the 9 principals and what it means to be a godly man.Players should be on the field ready to go 10 minutes prior to the official practice start time.

Practice ClothesYour son will be issued a pair of shorts and a shirt. Any time we are wearing shorts or t-shirts for a football function they should be in this clothing.

Preseason Camp Important Dates (non practice)Saturday, August 11 - 5PM Athlete Meeting in the Elementary Cafeteria
Saturday, August 11 - 6PM “Parents of Athletes” meeting in the gym
Wednesday, August 15 - 5 to 5:45PM Football Parent Meeting in the Grandstand
Thursday, August 16 - 4:30PM First Scrimmage at CCS
Friday, August 17 - 5:30PM Blue and White Night (No Practice)
Saturday, August 18 - Team pictures in the morning
Saturday, August 18 - Team cookout in the afternoon/evening

Senior DinnerSeniors should have been working on some homework this past week and we will discuss that and other things at our first senior dinner after practice on Monday.

Hair CutsPlayers should have a hair cut that meets school dress code when they report to practice on Monday. It certainly needs to be in code by the end of the week.

Equipment Needs: Everyone needs to have a spandex girdle which can be one with built in leg pads.
Players need to purchase their own cleats. We prefer they be black but players are allowed to wear whatever shoe they would like.
If your son has had a concussion in the past you may want to consider purchasing a new piece of equipment called the Guardian that fits over their helmet for practice. Click here for details.