Yes it was dissapointing yesterday to watch my beloved Chicago Bears lose to the Cheeseheads in the NFC championship game. I must say though that I was impressed with Caleb Hanie, the third string quarterback who threw 2 interceptions including one returned for what proved to be the winning touchdown. But he also threw for 2 touchdowns and looked good in doing so. Backup Todd Collins was absolutley horrible in his brief stint in the game and Jay Cutler's knee had a torn MCL in it and Bears head coach Lovie Smith said today that he would have been questionable for the Super Bowl had Hanie and company pulled it out. And although they didn't, they did go down fighting and the Green Bay defense was left to have to pull it out in the end for Aaron Rogers who had 2 less touchdown passes in the game than Caleb Hanie I might point out. Aaron Rogers is a good quarterback, not great, not yet anyway. The Bears will be back. They were expected to finish third behind the Packers and the Vikings in the NFC North at the beginning the season. Let's see, oh, the Bears finished ahead of the Packers and then the Lions and then the Vikings. And the Bears have a nice mix of veterens, young veterens and young players. They'll be back before the Vikings are. As for the Super Bowl, I would like to root for a tie, but since that won't happen (somebody has to win with overtime rules you know) I can't root for the Packers and I won't root for the Steelers. So I will just sit and watch and try to enjoy the game although it will be tough because the Bears were so close.
By the way, this week is a big week for the Governor basketball team. They have road games at Huron tomorrow night and at Mitchell a week from tomorrow night. Sandwiched in between, home games against Spearfish and Sturgis. If the Governors can go 3 and 1 through this stretch, it would be a huge boost for this team. Pierre will have to play nearly mistake free tomorrow night in Huron, but a win would be a second win over the Tigers in the regular season and that would bode well in District tournament seeding. Sturgis is the best team out west it appears since they have wins over Rapid City Central and Stevens this season. Spearfish would have to be the weakest of the teams, but they only lost by 4 to Sturgis last Friday. And Mitchell is, well, Mitchell and at the Corn Palace they will be difficult to beat. And then after these four games, the Govs get ready to face the once beaten Sioux Falls O'Gorman in Pierre on February 6th. Who actually does do the scheduling?
Monday, January 24, 2011
Sunday, January 23, 2011
Brian: HERE WE GO AGAIN!!
Remember last year during the New Orleans Saints' run to and through the Super Bowl? It seemed like the only thing you ever heard from fans was that chant: "Who dat say they gonna beat them Saints, who dat?" Kinda like that cool-at-first, but ultimately annoying Tomahawk Chop that Atlanta Braves fans stole from Florida State back in the '90s. Actually, that Saints chant was started back in the early '80s, if I recall - the Saints were terrible back then, but every now and then, they gave their fans reason to hope, if only for a short while. Well, fans of the Pittsburgh Steelers had their own chant back in the '70s, and if you listen closely, you'll still hear it these days. No seriously, you WILL still hear it. Why? Because "PITTSBURGH'S GOIN' TO THE SUPER BOWL. WE GOT A FEELING! PITTSBURGH'S GOIN' TO THE SUPER BOWL. WE GOT A FEELING!" I'm hearing Ronald Reagan telling all Steelers fans, "Well....there you go again." Yep, here we go, off to Dallas, already the first team to win 6 Super Bowls, and hopefully very soon to be the first to Lucky 7. Hmm, more Lombardi Trophies than anyone, but playing the team that should maybe rightfully own the Lombardi Trophy. Also, playing their 8th Super Bowl, tying a record set by the team whose home stadium is the site of this year's game.
Subplots and trash-talking aside, the Steelers-Packers clash in Super Bowl 45, or XLV, if you took Latin, in my opinion will be a classic for the ages. Well okay, here's another subplot, one that to me is actually the most intriguing. Everyone who follows the NFL knows that the Steelers defense has been one of the most successful for a number of years now, mainly because of their variety of blitzing schemes and their ability to stop opposing running games. The architect of that defense for years has been Dick LeBeau, the defensive coordinator. However, about 15 years ago, back in the mid-'90s, the defense that was once known as the Steel Curtain came to be known by a new name. Anyone remember "BLITZBURGH?" I do - I actually had a t-shirt with that very name across it. Anyway, before Dick LeBeau arrived in Pittsburgh, the coordinator of that defense - really the one that started it all - was Dom Capers. If you don't know yet where I'm going with this, the subplot here is that Dom Capers is currently the defensive coordinator for the Packers. The major similarities between the two Capers squads are a primarily 3-4 formation (3 down linemen and 4 stud linebackers) and defenses that over the course of a season simply just do not give up a lot of points. In fact, this year I do believe the Packers and Steelers were the best two teams in that category. In '94-95, Capers had Greg Lloyd and Kevin Greene - this year, it's Clay Matthews and AJ Hawk. It's interesting how those Packer linebackers even have similar hairstyles to what Greene had back in the day. Comparing defenses, the Super Bowl could be a total wash. The Steeler D still features stud linebackers, just like the Packers, but while the Packers can say all they want how they have Charles Woodson, they still don't have Troy Polamalu, who is probably the biggest difference maker the NFL has seen in the last 5+ years.
As for the offenses, if you compare quarterbacks, there is obviously some fun to be had there, too. Aaron Rodgers was actually my first fantasy pick (3rd overall in my league) this season, so I've followed him closely, and I am really excited for him to have a chance to shine on the biggest stage of them all. Since he came back from his second concussion of the season a month or so ago, he has clearly been the best QB in the league, and there is no disputing that. Probably the saddest thing about the next two weeks will be the constant comparisons between Rodgers and Brett Favre, even though by now, there shouldn't be any more of those conversations. Of course, the Steelers' QB has a little something to prove himself. Say what you want about Ben Roethlisberger, but for most of his still-young career, all he has done is win. Rarely flashy, usually overshadowed by off-field issues, and always living in the shadows of the NFL's "golden boys" in Indy and New England, Roethlisberger has a chance to win his third Super Bowl in only his 7th year in the league. And while Brady had similar success while twice being named MVP of the Super Bowl, Ben hasn't had those kinds of performances in his first two Bowls. He did come up big two years ago to beat the Cardinals late, but his stats for the game weren't really MVP-caliber. And five years ago, in their win over the Seahawks, the Steelers might have just as well had Trent Dilfer quarterbacking in that game because all Ben did was score on a short run that still has Seattle fans crying conspiracy. ;oP It is my hope, for Roethlisberger's sake, that he has a huge game and gets named the game's MVP, but granted, that will take a lot of help from a mostly inexperienced group of receivers.
I know I can go on and on, and maybe many don't care about my utlimately biased views of the Super Bowl, so I won't take this much further. I will just say this, though. The early Vegas oddsmakers have the Packers as a 2 1/2 point favorite, and while that surprises me a bit, I know the Steelers will be just fine with that. To me, they always seem to play better when they're not expected to. Whatever happens, though, my hunch is that this could possibly be one of the most evenly matched and best Super Bowl games ever played, and may the best team win! (yeah, we will)
Subplots and trash-talking aside, the Steelers-Packers clash in Super Bowl 45, or XLV, if you took Latin, in my opinion will be a classic for the ages. Well okay, here's another subplot, one that to me is actually the most intriguing. Everyone who follows the NFL knows that the Steelers defense has been one of the most successful for a number of years now, mainly because of their variety of blitzing schemes and their ability to stop opposing running games. The architect of that defense for years has been Dick LeBeau, the defensive coordinator. However, about 15 years ago, back in the mid-'90s, the defense that was once known as the Steel Curtain came to be known by a new name. Anyone remember "BLITZBURGH?" I do - I actually had a t-shirt with that very name across it. Anyway, before Dick LeBeau arrived in Pittsburgh, the coordinator of that defense - really the one that started it all - was Dom Capers. If you don't know yet where I'm going with this, the subplot here is that Dom Capers is currently the defensive coordinator for the Packers. The major similarities between the two Capers squads are a primarily 3-4 formation (3 down linemen and 4 stud linebackers) and defenses that over the course of a season simply just do not give up a lot of points. In fact, this year I do believe the Packers and Steelers were the best two teams in that category. In '94-95, Capers had Greg Lloyd and Kevin Greene - this year, it's Clay Matthews and AJ Hawk. It's interesting how those Packer linebackers even have similar hairstyles to what Greene had back in the day. Comparing defenses, the Super Bowl could be a total wash. The Steeler D still features stud linebackers, just like the Packers, but while the Packers can say all they want how they have Charles Woodson, they still don't have Troy Polamalu, who is probably the biggest difference maker the NFL has seen in the last 5+ years.
As for the offenses, if you compare quarterbacks, there is obviously some fun to be had there, too. Aaron Rodgers was actually my first fantasy pick (3rd overall in my league) this season, so I've followed him closely, and I am really excited for him to have a chance to shine on the biggest stage of them all. Since he came back from his second concussion of the season a month or so ago, he has clearly been the best QB in the league, and there is no disputing that. Probably the saddest thing about the next two weeks will be the constant comparisons between Rodgers and Brett Favre, even though by now, there shouldn't be any more of those conversations. Of course, the Steelers' QB has a little something to prove himself. Say what you want about Ben Roethlisberger, but for most of his still-young career, all he has done is win. Rarely flashy, usually overshadowed by off-field issues, and always living in the shadows of the NFL's "golden boys" in Indy and New England, Roethlisberger has a chance to win his third Super Bowl in only his 7th year in the league. And while Brady had similar success while twice being named MVP of the Super Bowl, Ben hasn't had those kinds of performances in his first two Bowls. He did come up big two years ago to beat the Cardinals late, but his stats for the game weren't really MVP-caliber. And five years ago, in their win over the Seahawks, the Steelers might have just as well had Trent Dilfer quarterbacking in that game because all Ben did was score on a short run that still has Seattle fans crying conspiracy. ;oP It is my hope, for Roethlisberger's sake, that he has a huge game and gets named the game's MVP, but granted, that will take a lot of help from a mostly inexperienced group of receivers.
I know I can go on and on, and maybe many don't care about my utlimately biased views of the Super Bowl, so I won't take this much further. I will just say this, though. The early Vegas oddsmakers have the Packers as a 2 1/2 point favorite, and while that surprises me a bit, I know the Steelers will be just fine with that. To me, they always seem to play better when they're not expected to. Whatever happens, though, my hunch is that this could possibly be one of the most evenly matched and best Super Bowl games ever played, and may the best team win! (yeah, we will)
Saturday, January 8, 2011
Rod's Saturday Sports
Pierre scored 71 points and is 12th in the team standings of the Bismarck Rotary Invitational going into today’s final day of the wrestling tournament in Bismarck. Dusty Paulen will wrestle Tanner Bothwell of Sturgis in the 125 championship match. Paulsen is the only Governors who has a chance of winning a title.
Brandon Valley defeated Pierre 44-32 in girls basketball last night as the Lady Govs fall to 0-6 and host the 3rd ranked Yankton Gazelles tonight at Riggs High Gym. The Governors meanwhile won their third straight game last night defeating Brandon Valley 58-46. Pierre is 3-3 as they go to 2-4 Yankton tonight. Yankton defeated Aberdeen Central 65-56 last night.
The Pierre-Ft. Pierre Capitals Hockey team defeated Rushmore last night in state high school hockey league play by a 5-2 score to retain a tie with Brookings for first place in the State High School Hockey League Standings. Don't forget the Lady Capitals host Brookings in games at 6 pm tonight and 10 am tomorrow morning at the EXPO Center. Pierre-Ft. Pierre is tied for second place in the league standings while Brookings in unbeaten and in first place.
Brandon Valley defeated Pierre 44-32 in girls basketball last night as the Lady Govs fall to 0-6 and host the 3rd ranked Yankton Gazelles tonight at Riggs High Gym. The Governors meanwhile won their third straight game last night defeating Brandon Valley 58-46. Pierre is 3-3 as they go to 2-4 Yankton tonight. Yankton defeated Aberdeen Central 65-56 last night.
The Pierre-Ft. Pierre Capitals Hockey team defeated Rushmore last night in state high school hockey league play by a 5-2 score to retain a tie with Brookings for first place in the State High School Hockey League Standings. Don't forget the Lady Capitals host Brookings in games at 6 pm tonight and 10 am tomorrow morning at the EXPO Center. Pierre-Ft. Pierre is tied for second place in the league standings while Brookings in unbeaten and in first place.
Sunday, January 2, 2011
Brian: Remember Me? Happy New Year!
In the hustle and bustle of our daily lives, isn't it amazing how little time we end up having for simple pleasures...like blogging? 2010 got a little crazy, and at times quite stressful for me personally, but hopefully 2011 will offer a few more opportunities for some of us to speak our minds so that you're all not left thinking: "Whoa, there must REALLY be a lot of room in there....."
As for the sports of 2010, one thing that happened toward the end of the year might be one of the most noteworthy of the entire year, as the Connecticut Womens Basketball team's amazing streak of 90 straight wins came to an end. It took a very good, and highly ranked Stanford team (playing on their home court) to end the streak, so the game may very well have had all the makings going into it. But as I watched the final couple of minutes of that game, and the reality of the significance of the game started to sink in, I couldn't help but think about what it takes for a team to put together a long run like that. Obviously, there have been a lot of great players involved, but more than that, think of all the different personalities involved, not only among the players, but also including a coach who, let's be honest, doesn't seem for even a moment to be the nicest guy in the world.
Let us not lose sight of the reality of what can happen, though, when a group of players and personalities buy into the system that they have chosen, or have been chosen, to be a part of. There are no personal or individual goals, no hidden agendas, no ulterior motives, aside from the goals that are set by the team, for the team. If we were to correlate the UCONN women's success into South Dakota high school sports, the obvious examples might be the 100-win streaks of the Wakonda and SF Roosevelt girls teams of the past 10-20 years. Or, for more current programs, maybe the Madison gymnastics or the Sturgis wrestling teams would be equally good examples. In the NFL, as much as I hate to admit, the New England Patriots are probably the best example - a team that has finished the regular season 14-2 with a bunch of youngsters and no-names, albeit led by a star quarterback having a banner year and a coach who, let's be honest, doesn't seem for even a moment to be the nicest guy in the world.
Of course, for all the examples of the way things ought to be, there are also examples of the opposite. Maybe Vikings or Cowboys fans know where I'm going with this. Or, perhaps the best current example....how do you Laker fans feel about your team after they were embarrassed again on Sunday night -- by the Grizzlies!?!? These teams in their struggles have been plagued by individuals who, at times, seem to think that they themselves are bigger than the team. Suffice it to say, unfortunately, there have always been, and will always be, examples of these types of teams (if that's what you would call them) in South Dakota high school sports as well. I won't take this any further, but if you know of any teams like that, who are capable of more, but not proving it in the young season so far, the New Year always offers a great opportunity to start over, in a sense, and try to right the ship, as things start to get going in earnest this coming week.
On a personal horn-tooting note, I was lucky enough to bowl my 8th career 300 game Sunday night, so I guess that qualifies as a good start to the new year. This feat is a little unique, though, as 2011 has also gotten off to a bit of a "crappy" start for me, if you know what I mean. :o) Let's just say, sometimes it's amazing how not feeling very well keeps a bowler a little slower and more under control in his or her delivery. Or maybe it was just my lucky Troy Polamalu shirt, I don't know.
Anyway, Happy New Year everyone. Let's try to stay healthy and buy into the system to make it great year, okay? Cheers........
As for the sports of 2010, one thing that happened toward the end of the year might be one of the most noteworthy of the entire year, as the Connecticut Womens Basketball team's amazing streak of 90 straight wins came to an end. It took a very good, and highly ranked Stanford team (playing on their home court) to end the streak, so the game may very well have had all the makings going into it. But as I watched the final couple of minutes of that game, and the reality of the significance of the game started to sink in, I couldn't help but think about what it takes for a team to put together a long run like that. Obviously, there have been a lot of great players involved, but more than that, think of all the different personalities involved, not only among the players, but also including a coach who, let's be honest, doesn't seem for even a moment to be the nicest guy in the world.
Let us not lose sight of the reality of what can happen, though, when a group of players and personalities buy into the system that they have chosen, or have been chosen, to be a part of. There are no personal or individual goals, no hidden agendas, no ulterior motives, aside from the goals that are set by the team, for the team. If we were to correlate the UCONN women's success into South Dakota high school sports, the obvious examples might be the 100-win streaks of the Wakonda and SF Roosevelt girls teams of the past 10-20 years. Or, for more current programs, maybe the Madison gymnastics or the Sturgis wrestling teams would be equally good examples. In the NFL, as much as I hate to admit, the New England Patriots are probably the best example - a team that has finished the regular season 14-2 with a bunch of youngsters and no-names, albeit led by a star quarterback having a banner year and a coach who, let's be honest, doesn't seem for even a moment to be the nicest guy in the world.
Of course, for all the examples of the way things ought to be, there are also examples of the opposite. Maybe Vikings or Cowboys fans know where I'm going with this. Or, perhaps the best current example....how do you Laker fans feel about your team after they were embarrassed again on Sunday night -- by the Grizzlies!?!? These teams in their struggles have been plagued by individuals who, at times, seem to think that they themselves are bigger than the team. Suffice it to say, unfortunately, there have always been, and will always be, examples of these types of teams (if that's what you would call them) in South Dakota high school sports as well. I won't take this any further, but if you know of any teams like that, who are capable of more, but not proving it in the young season so far, the New Year always offers a great opportunity to start over, in a sense, and try to right the ship, as things start to get going in earnest this coming week.
On a personal horn-tooting note, I was lucky enough to bowl my 8th career 300 game Sunday night, so I guess that qualifies as a good start to the new year. This feat is a little unique, though, as 2011 has also gotten off to a bit of a "crappy" start for me, if you know what I mean. :o) Let's just say, sometimes it's amazing how not feeling very well keeps a bowler a little slower and more under control in his or her delivery. Or maybe it was just my lucky Troy Polamalu shirt, I don't know.
Anyway, Happy New Year everyone. Let's try to stay healthy and buy into the system to make it great year, okay? Cheers........
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