Spring Practice and the 2012 Schedule

The school year is quickly coming to a close which means the football season is not far away. Every year we lose great players but one of the most exciting things about HS athletics is watching younger players mature and step into those new roles. A lot of that growth can be seen in the two weeks of spring practice that we do every year. Here are some details about the upcoming events.

Spring Practice

Here is the schedule for 2012 spring football practices, which will begin on Monday, May 7.

• May 7, Monday 3:45 to 5:30pm (Non-Contact)
• May 8, Tuesday 3:45 to 5:30pm (Non-Contact)
• May 9, Wednesday 3:45 to 5:30pm (Non-Contact)
• May 10, Thursday 4:00 to 6:00pm 7 on 7 (Helmet)
• May 11, Friday 4:00 to 6:00pm (Helmet and Shoulder Pads)
• May 14, Monday 4:00 to 6:15pm (Full Pads)
• May 15, Tuesday 4:00 to 6:15pm (Full Pads)
• May 17, Thursday 4:00 to 5:30pm (Full Pads)
• May 18, Friday 7pm Blue and White Spring Scrimmage - Parent Meeting in the Grandstand at the conclusion of the scrimmage

TAPPS does not allow 8th graders to participate in full contact high school spring practices. 8th graders interested in participating in HS football need to attend the 3 non-contact HS practices and are encouraged to come out and watch the other practices. Spring practice is a great opportunity to get a feel for what HS football will be like. Click here for more details about spring practice.

Elementary Football Fun Day

The football fun day for elementary will be on Friday, May 4. We will need varsity players to run football drill stations for the elementary students right after school for an hour. This annual event has become a favorite for both high school and elementary students.

2012 Schedule

The full 2012 schedule has been released on the website. Click here to read more about the new teams and challenges that face the Warriors as we look to capture a 4^th straight district title and return to the playoffs for the 5^th straight year.

Off Season Workouts

The best way to prevent injuries is to attend off season workouts. I am very pleased with the number of players that we have lifting or participating in other sports. As you begin to make summer plans and players look for summer jobs please keep the summer workout schedule in mind. We will work out Monday – Thursday from 8 to 10 AM and will have 7 on 7 on Tuesday evenings. We will play in a 7-on-7 tournament on June 15-16. Click here for the full summer schedule. Fall practices for HS will start on August 6.

If your son is thinking about not playing next year please have them communicate that to me in person as soon as possible. I believe that this is an important step in growth process. I have to plan on every student playing through their senior year so equipment has already been purchased and a lot of planning has already taken place.

Player Interviews and Surveys

State Title Game
If your son is planning to go to the state title game I need to know as soon as possible so we can plan for transportation. We will be leaving from the school at 3PM tomorrow and will probably arrive home around midnight. There is a high likely hood of rain throughout the day so they will need to be prepared for that.

Player Interviews
I would like to meet with every player for an exit interview. These can done before school, after school or during lunch. If they come by and I am in my office they are welcome to come in otherwise they can sign up for a time with the secondary receptionist.

End of Season Survey
I have been passing out surveys to the players on a regular basis. The last one can be filled out online at the following links. There is one for parents as well. This is valuable as we work to make improvements to our football program.

Links to Surveys
Returning Players
Graduating Players
Parents

Please encourage your son to take the survey online and come in for an exit interview. This really helps me to make the football program the best it can be.

Awards Program
The fall sports award program will be on Tuesday, December 6 at 7:30PM. I would prefer that players be dressed up for this event. At least dress pants and a dress shirt.

Season Wrap Up

Frosty Westering, a great coach that I have learned a lot from, once said, “How a man plays the game shows something of his character; how he loses shows all of it.” We finished well even in a losing effort and I could not be more proud of how we performed on the field and how we have closed the gap this season.

Last Practice and Equipment Turn In
We will have our last practice and equipment turn in on Wednesday. Please have your uniform, all pads and practice equipment washed and ready to turn in. Seniors will get to keep their blue jersey but they do need to turn it in first. We will also do the last hit drill which has become a favorite football tradition. In total this should take less than 30 minutes. Players that are in soccer and basketball must still come to this last football practice before going to those practices. The other coaches will know in advance that they will be a few minutes late.

State Title Game
I will be going to the TAPPS State Title game on Saturday night in Killeen. The game is at 6PM and we would probably not return home until midnight. If you or your son are interested in going to the game please let me know by Thursday so we can work out all the transportation.

Fall Sports Awards Night
Our awards night is on Tuesday, December 6. As we have done in the past I will be having players vote for certain awards. I will probably give them a ballot during lunch next week.

Exit Interviews and Survey
I will be sending out an end of season questioner. I have one for players and one for parents. It will be an electronic survey like last year. I would also like to meet with each player individually for about 15 minutes.

Off Season Workouts
Later in the week I will be sending out information about off season workouts as we start to prepare for 2012.

Thanks for making it a great year. The fan support this season has been tremendous. The tailgating and crowds that we have had really make it special. We all got to see some great football. I know we have built relationships that will last and through the experience of a football season I believe that we have all grown in ways that will glorify God and impact this world for Him.

It is an honor and a privilege to be your coach.

Playoffs Round 3

Closing the Gap is about getting better each opportunity we have to compete. Competitors love a challenge. There is no question that Brook Hill will be the best team we have faced in weeks. There is also no question that we will be the best team that they have faced in weeks. Our first half last week was as close to a perfect half of football as we have had all season but I still do not believe we have played our best football.

Weekly Theme-Courage
Psalm 23

Week-11 HS Schedule
I know it is a holiday week but we have a great opportunity this week and we need every player on our roster to carry out a good practice.

Monday, November 21-Film at 2PM Practice from 3:00 to 5:00 PM (Full Pads)
Tuesday, November 22- 2:00 to 4:00 PM (Full Pads)
Wednesday, November 23-9:30 to 11:15 AM (Half Shell)
Thursday, November 24-No Practice
Friday, November 25-4:00 to 5:15 PM (Helmet)
Saturday, November 26-Brook Hill at Buffalo Bus leaves at 8AM

Click here for statistics and more from the TSD game.

Click here to view the TAPPS Division III Playoff Bracket

Film
The TSD film and scout film for Brook Hill are on the web. I will be adding more Brook Hill film later today. Please encourage them to watch film this week while they are on break.

Directions
Click here for driving directions to Buffalo. If you are planning to leave early we could use a couple extra drivers to free up some space on the bus.

Tailgate Potluck
We are in the process of organizing a pot luck tailgate party prior to kickoff on Saturday. More details will be available soon. But plan to get to Buffalo early so you can enjoy some great food starting at 11AM.

Saturday, 6PM Giddings

Cypress Christian vs Texas School for the Deaf

Saturday, November 19 at 6PM

Giddings ISD
Buffalo Stadium
1600 N. Main St.
Giddings, Texas 78942

Here is a link to a picture and a little more information about the stadium
http://www.texasbob.com/stadium/stadium.php?id=33

Click here for directions to Giddings.

Playoffs Round 2

Saturday was a great victory that capped off a great week of practice. I am looking forward to another great week. We are still working on the details for our game with Texas School for the Deaf. I hope to have this resolved in the morning. They do want to play on Friday but are willing to play on Saturday and that is the date that is on the TAPPS calendar.

Weekly Theme-Finish
Hebrews 12:1-3 “Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.”

Week-11 HS Schedule
Monday, November 14-3:45 to 4:45 PM Film
Tuesday, November 15- 4:30 to 6:30 PM (Full Pads) at First Baptist Academy Bus leaves at 4:00 and should return to school at 7:00 PM
Wednesday, November 16-3:45 to 5:15 PM (Half Shell)
Thursday, November 17-3:45 to 5:00 PM (Half Shell)
Friday, November 18-3:45 to 5:00 PM (Helmet)
Saturday, November 19-Texas School for the Deaf at TBA

Click here for statistics from the All Saints game.

Click here to view the TAPPS Division III Playoff Bracket

All Saints film is on the website. Scout film will go up on Monday.

Final Four
It is most likely that we would play Brookhill in the Final Four. This game will most likely be on the Saturday after Thanksgiving at a neutral site.

Tentative Thanksgiving Week Practice Schedule
Monday – Afternoon Practice
Tuesday – Afternoon Practice
Wednesday – Morning Practice
Thursday – No Practice
Friday – Afternoon Practice
Saturday – Game

We need every player on our roster to carry out a good practice.

Playoffs Round 1

After a lot of compromise and phone calls we have finally resolved the game time. We will be playing on Saturday at 6PM. The TAPPS calendar shows the game on Saturday although everyone usually plays the first round on Friday. Both teams have to agree to move the game and both schools have a lot of other activities that factor into selecting the game time. I would prefer to keep our regular routine and therefore believe it best for us to continue to play night games but a 6PM start will basically be a night game and allow them time to get home at a reasonable hour.

Cypress Christian vs All-Saints 6:00PM Saturday, November 12

Weekly Theme-Finish
2 Timothy 4:7 “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.

Week-11 HS Schedule
Monday, November 7-7:00AM Film 3:45 to 6:00 PM (Full Pads)
Tuesday, November 8- 3:45 to 6:00 PM (Full Pads)
Wednesday, November 9-3:45 to 5:15 PM (Half Shell)
Thursday, November 10-3:45 to 5:00 PM (Half Shell)
Friday, November 11-3:45 to 5:00 PM (Helmet)
Saturday, November 12-at Home against Tyler All Saints at 6:00PM

Night Before and Game Day Instructions
All players should sleep in their own beds on Friday night. They should be in bed around 10PM and if they cannot fall asleep they should read their Bibles. If God keeps them up all night reading his word I think their performance will probably go up not down. I am pretty sure game performance goes down when playing Call of Duty or doing other things after 10PM. Players should be up and have breakfast around 9AM. They should spend the day resting but not just laying around. Players will need to eat their pregame meal at home prior to reporting to the field house by 2:30PM. We may have a team event Saturday morning just to make sure everyone is up.

Click here for statistics from the Faith West game.

Click here to view the TAPPS Division III Playoff Bracket

Second Round
Our possible second round opponent would be either Texas School of the Deaf (TSD) which is located in Austin or Temple Christian up in the Dallas Area. TSD is actually the favorite in the game. This game will be on Saturday at a neutral site.

HS Football Week 10

Friday was one of the greatest football games I have ever been involved with. It was certainly a game worth the trip and the price of admission. It was so exciting to see us continue to pick each other up as a team. Players refused to quit on teammates and continued to provide opportunities for them to have a second chance. It reminded me of our comeback in the playoffs against Dallas Lutheran except this time we were victorious. One thing that stands out to me is that I actually had difficulty hearing coaches over the headsets because of the tremendous crowd noise. Thank you to so many of you for making the long drive to Evadale. Click here to read more about the game and see video highlights on the website.

Legacy
Hebrews 12:1 “Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us.”

Week-10 HS Schedule
Monday, October 31-7:00AM Film 3:45 to 5:30 PM (Helmet-Varsity Only Players)
Monday, October 31-JV Game 5PM at home against Bay Area
Tuesday, November 1- 3:45 to 6:10 PM (Full Pads)
Wednesday, November 2-3:45 to 5:30 PM (Half Shell)
Thursday, November 3-3:45 to 5:00 PM (Helmet-Varsity Only Players)
Thursday, November 3- JV Game 6PM at Faith West (Bus leaves at 4:30PM)
Friday, November 4-at Faith West at 7:00PM (Bus leaves at 4PM)

Directions
Click Here for directions to Faith West.

Playoff Schedule
We will be the favorite to win the first two rounds of the playoffs. The first round will most likely be on Friday and it will be at home. The rest of the games will be at neutral sights and most likely on Saturday. Assuming we are still in the playoffs we will practice the week of Thanksgiving, probably at our regular time. We will not practice on Thanksgiving Day. We really have a great opportunity this year and it takes more players than we have to run a truly efficient football practice so please keep your Thanksgiving plans as flexible as possible.

Winter Sports
On a case by case basis I do allow JV players to participate in certain basketball or soccer activities prior to the end of the football season that does not involve them missing football practice. They need to talk with me directly prior to any participation.

MS Football Awards Night

We will close out a great middle school season with our fall middle school sports awards on Thursday, November 3 in the gym at 7:30 PM. This is a casual dress event but I would like to request that players at least be in pants and a polo shirt for the event. Your son will get a CD of his football photos. I will also have 3-DVD sets that contains all the middle school A games and the last middle school B game that your son is welcome to have.

Thanks for all your help in making it a Great Year.

HS Football Week 9

Friday was a great night with so many exciting plays, school records being broken, and the clinching of a playoff spot and district championship. Click here to read the story on the website that contains more details. It was great to honor such a special group of seniors. They are such a cohesive unit that has provided great leadership for a team that is continuing to improve each week. I am looking forward to an exciting finish as we enter the playoffs.

Consistency
Malachi 3:6 “’I the Lord do not change,’…declares the Lord”

Week-9 HS Schedule
Monday, October 24-7:00AM Film 3:45 to 6:30 PM (Full Pads)
Tuesday, October 25- 3:45 to 6:10 PM (Full Pads)
Wednesday, October 26-3:45 to 5:30 PM (Half Shell)
Thursday, October 27-3:45 to 5:00 PM (Half Shell)
Friday, October 28-at Evadale at 7:30PM (Bus leaves at 1PM)

Additional Drivers
It is a long trip to Evadale and it would be nice to have some space on the bus. If we have two or three people that are willing to drive and take players that would really help.

Playoff Schedule
We will be the favorite to win the first two rounds of the playoffs. The first round will most likely be on Friday and it will be at home. The rest of the games will be at neutral sights and most likely on Saturday. Assuming we are still in the playoffs we will practice the week of Thanksgiving. We will not practice on Thanksgiving Day. We really have a great opportunity this year so please keep your Thanksgiving plans as flexible as possible.

Winter Sports
I know that tryouts for winter sports have started. They are allowed to attend the tryouts but must continue to be at all football related functions unless they have direct permission from me. While a JV player may not play much in the varsity games the extra weeks of practice really benefit them in the future and we need every player to make a practice productive.

JV Game on October 31 and November 3
This is certainly not ideal but we will play two JV games in the same week next week as we make up the rained out game against Bay Area and travel to Faith West. This will conclude our JV games for the season but JV players will remain with the team throughout the playoffs.

Team Pictures
Your son was given a CD of the pictures on Friday. There may still be a few players that need to pick theirs up. If it does not make it home to you please let me know and I will get you another copy. I left a folder of senior pictures off of a few discs so I will get that mistake corrected as well.

Senior Dinner
I will be taking the seniors out for dinner on Thursday. The location is still to be determined. We will leave after practice and probably be done around 7PM.

Directions
Click Here for directions to Evadale.

On-line Film
The varsity game film is up. I will put scout and JV film up on Monday. I am way behind on game highlights being on the website but hope to get caught up this week.

Stats and Website
Each week I post the stats (they are attached to this email) for each game and usually write a story about the game. All of this can be found at www.CypressChristian.org/Football.