Kraynak’s Corner

Posted: 10/06/2004 - by

Sick of seeing my mug on TV? Then this new feature is for you. Here’s how this thing will work. Each week, we’ll provide random takes and tidbits on each school in the city, plus other happenings (both sports and non-sports related.) Then, we’ll give you a chance to give your take. We’ll take excerpts from the best emails to bluffssports@hotmail.com and respond to them in the following week’s “Kraynak’s Corner.” Cool? Cool.

It ain’t personal

Word has it that after seeing the Sports Zone’s Football Preview Special, some Yellowjackets thought we were “overly-negative” about TJ’s chances in 2004. We weren’t negative, all we did was point out what was plainly clear. I don’t care what your school colors are, if every one of your offensive linemen are first-year starters, and you only return a total of 8 lettermen, chances are, you’re going to struggle early. That’s basically what we said and that’s what happened. Line chemistry takes awhile to develop, and without question, the Jackets look ten times better now than they did in week one. The dudes up front gave James Smith and Derek Townsend all kinds of room to run last Friday. MRC foes might look at TJ’s record and think its an automatic “W”, but after what we saw on Friday, they got another thing coming.

“…yeah, but its only 1-A”

How many times do you hear that whenever St. Albert’s success is brought up? Obviously, playing Griswold isn’t the same thing as playing Heelan, but don’t blame it on the Falcons. All they can do is play who’s on the schedule. And so far, they’ve shut out 4 of 5 opponents, including 2 from higher classes. That’s just flat-out ridiculous. Not bad considering 75% of their offense graduated in 2004. Don’t sell them short just because they’re 1-A. Romano, Sawatzke, Koch, Marshall, Fischer, Wickersham, etc. would all be starters at any school on any level, statewide.

Just might work afterall

I gotta admit, I was somewhat skeptical when Titan Football Coach Larry Sterbick announced that LC would implement a two-platoon system (players either play offense or defense, not both.) Its not easy to find 22 players capable of playing at a high level at any school. Or is it? After five weeks, the Titans are 3-2 and have been “in” every game this year. The system keeps guys from getting banged up from being on the field too long, and it also allows them to continually refine position-specific techniques. Plus it allows more players to get on the field, which is one way to encourage more kids to come out for the sport. I’m not saying the two-platoon system is the only way to go, but it’ll be interesting to watch for the next few years.

Anybody have any spare legs laying around?

Because the Lynx need them right now. Both Eric and Chris Johnson, two of the top players on the team, have leg injuries. Chris was 4-A’s leading rusher before he got hurt and Eric was a preseason all-state linebacker. Both are on the mend and still playing, but in limited roles. Other guys are out too. Sure, every team deals with the injury bug, just seems like the Lynx are dealing with more than most. But like it says on their t-shirt, “No Excuses.” AL is still in good shape at 3-2, 14th in the 4-A point standings, so a playoff berth is still very realistic, so long as they handle business. By the way, don’t drop off any legs at AL, I’m pretty sure there’s a law against that.

Quick Slants

New nickname for Joe Dailey…”Nostrils”, dude gets picked all the time. Still, NU over the Red Raiders 38-35. Hawks over the Buckeyes 13-10. Cyclones fall to A&M 31-21, its homecoming, they’ll be pumped. And finally, don’t let anybody convince you to see or rent the movie “Little Black Book”, just count grass blades or something instead.

-ARCHIVES-

Advertise on StAlbertSportsFan.com
Who ya got?
South Carolina WBB
The Field

Results
 

StAlbertSportsFan.com -
jnarmi@iabar.org - -
Powered By CyaNet Sports