Friday, November 11, 2005

BEHIND THE LENS - November 11 2005 -

Football Stars For Tomorrow - www.storkmontgomery.com

Dirty play at the Pit

Tonight's other Games

Back to the Reservation


Hey Everybody,

Its Round 2 of the Playoffs.... so let's jump right in and GIT R DONE !

Dirty play at the Pit
I love good competitive sports and rivalry games. I enjoy watching to opponents square off and battle until the end. What I despise more than anything is dirty play and that is what I saw last Friday night.

The Falcons of Lincoln County had two missions and tried to execute them in one order.

Mission One: Destroy the quarterback at all cost and forget the whistles or positioning of helmet when attacking. Mission Two: Win the game.

These clowns had 3 roughing the passer calls and two un-sportsman like conduct calls nailed against them.
Now I did not graduate from Harvard, but it doesn’t take any sports fan long to realize that these guys were out to destroy the quarterback. They had late hit after late hit. They ran around on the sidelines with a rage of hate. Our quarterback took some licks, but what if he had been paralyzed, or had been hit so hard that it could have damaged his life for good, then what would we all feel like today?

I beg all coaches, parents, fans and officials, pay close attention to such acts of violence in all sports, you sure would not want anybody on your team or in your family to get nailed for something they did not even torment nor start.

Tonight's Other Games
If you love high school football there are several games that make my mouth water that I would love to see.

Franklin @ Ravenwood: This game is going to be a great game.

John Paul II @ Knox Webb: This will be a great match where you get to see the famous Golden Tate.
I remember once back in the Day O when he played for Grammar, I saw him jump an opponent on a full stride to score, just like a deer jumping a fence, up and over.

Wilson Central @ Cookeville: This will be a good one, it's whoever wins this one that will meet the winner of my next topic.

Back to the Reservation
The frost was on the teepee this morning and that is where the Bulldogs will be tonight at 7 pm as Smyrna faces Riverdale Warriors. Yes we are headed to the famous Tomahawk Stadium in Murfreesboro Tennessee. Tony has them ranked 11th in the nation http://www.tonybianco.com/high_school_football.htm Not bad.

Can they be beat? Of course they can, but you must do it one play at a time. The Warriors are famous for quick scores. They send the kitchen sink every play.

Smyrna has made Superman Shirts in honor of this one except the S is in Purple and Gold. It is also the symbol of last years dazzling play style of one of last year’s standouts Charles Orona, who is one my favorites. Orona wore a superman t-shirt under his jersey every game. I would chuckle when he would lift his jersey to wipe the sweat or something, and you would see the blue t-shirt with a big red S looking right at you.

The press box will be crowded, as WGNS am 1450 will be broadcasting the game and it will be an early arrival for me. I like to get to these games early and get my equipment in superior position. WGNS is also broadcasting simultaneously over the internet
(CLICK HERE TO LISTEN: Smyrna vs. Riverdale - 6:30pm Pregame 7:00pm CST Kickoff)

The Daily News Journal has written a story about both teams everyday at www.dnj.com.
This morning’s rag praises Gaston and Smo for being finalist in this year Mr. Football. Earlier this year Gaston and I were in San Antonio for the Army All American Bowl, as as for Smo, I produced his highlight video (Adam Smotherman - Video) and watched him perform at his first combine.

It will be a great game, and of course somebody will be putting their equipment up for the season. Win, Loose or Draw we all learn something after each and every game that happens when our children participate in events.

To my son Tyler, who will more than likely see some playing time tonight.
Good Luck and I love that big heart of yours. You will be fighting until the end regardless of the scoreboard. Don’t ever change, that is called determination or persistence, and it will always make you a great worker in the game of life.

It’s like someone said "Winners are like biscuits, when the heat is on, they rise to the top".

That's A Wrap
Well that is wrap.

Get to the reservation early!

I am sure they will shucking Indian Corn in the end zone when you get there.

While you are watching the game, gaze your eyes on the teepee from time to time as smoke is usually sifting from the top.

Good Luck to the Dogs and I will see you next week.

Take Care and God Bless

If you see me at the game don’t forget to say Hi!

Chop Chop

From Behind The Lens.
The Stork
“A man who truly delivers”

Football Stars For Tomorrow - www.storkmontgomery.com

Friday, November 04, 2005

BEHIND THE LENS - November 4 2005 -

Football Stars For Tomorrow - www.storkmontgomery.com

It's all about the bottom line!

What happened to Back Yard Football?

Playoffs


Hey Gang,

Well yes, I know it's the same story, Stork where in the world have you been?

Work has just buried me and that is my real job. I am battling more at the office since the day I started. Just carving out enough time to write a rag has been picking at me, so I decided to crush one out just for all the fans who visit.

Lets Roll !

It's all about the bottom line!
Well, if you haven’t noticed the state of affairs lately in Knoxville, you are sure to notice they have been busy in THE WAR ROOM. The house of cards fell last Saturday night, if remember from my previous rags, I spoke of the ole ball coach (Steve Spurrier) throwing a little salt on the season and he did just that. Yes, he took the gamecocks into Knoxville and just made a fool out of the whole situation.

Does he have Fulmer’s number? Maybe, but I really think he is about attitude and bottom line.

Steve Spurrier is a very motivated coach who has a sway of arrogance that says “I know what I am doing and I win when it counts. I am coach who knows bottom line just what to do”. He works well on the fly and delivers a bottom line result when it counts.

You have players on your team or in your work force that know the bottom line and get the job done when the bell rings. The real question is do they have a touch of arrogance or walk with a “get out of my way” attitude? The answer is yes. All of those people who deliver bottom line results display an attitude that is commanding in all phases. I personally like people who fall in this group, some may call them leaders.

What happened to Back Yard Football?
I was with my daughter the other day on a field trip, and noticed the kids just having a great day playing, cutting up and enjoying a beautiful fall day.

It made me think of the DAY O when kids would play backyard football.

Now if you are 35+ you know exactly the scene. Two complete passes make a first down, it was a blast.

There was always a kid who was a great QB in backyard football but never played high school, guess he couldn’t make the sacrifices to suit up. Penalties were rare and you never ran the ball, it was fun.

Somebody always tried the Statue of Liberty. Ha Ha! LOL!

Playoffs
Well they are bracketed up and we are ready roll. Guess what it’s back to? That’s right, THE PIT in Fayetteville, TN. Yes, we play the Falcons and it’s always a good time at the PIT.

To me I love it for one reason the lighting and atmosphere are perfect. When you video tape anything or shoot pictures you love light and that is something that you can never have too much.

One thing is for sure somebody is going to move on and others will be putting their equipment up for the year.

People are picking us to win, and if we do then that leads us back to another familiar place in Middle TN home of the one an only Riverdale Warriors. Yes, if everything goes as planned we will be eating Indian Corn for our pre-game meal next week.

I normally don’t like to predict the future, but I will be ready either way.

If you read this rag, often you know where we are going!

That's A Wrap
Well that is wrap.

Sorry for the delay, but I am trying and that’s all that counts.

This season has been rough on me, but my attitude and spirits are doing great.

Take your time and enjoy the view if you are in TN or KY. As the leaves are perfect, it is always a short time every year when the colors present themselves. When it starts to rain in a couple of days, somebody is going to need a rake.

Gang, I will see you @ THE PIT.

God Bless and Take Care.

From Behind The Lens.
The Stork
“A man who truly delivers”

Football Stars For Tomorrow - www.storkmontgomery.com

Friday, October 14, 2005

BEHIND THE LENS - October 14 2005 -

Football Stars For Tomorrow - www.storkmontgomery.com

What to let in...

Why Coaches do certain things...

The First Start...



Hey Gang,

Yes I have been MIA - Missing in Action, but things are getting better.

So let's jump in, I need to get you folks back on track.

What to let in...
As many of you know, my world has been a roller coaster, and I have decided that everybody is on a roller coaster because of the fast pace life we live in.

Everything moves at speeds beyond our control and sometimes we are thrown into things we have very little control over and then there are other things that we do. We all have choices we can make and what we can let in.

Now, you are probably saying what are you talking about Stork?

I am talking about our day to day decisions of life, whether you are a grown up, or a kid in High School, or a coach trying to figure out what play to call next. You have choices, to decide what to let into our lives and what not to let in. We are all faced with day to day things, and we can choose what we want to allow into our world. The outcome is sometimes beyond our control, but once we have made the choice we have to live with it.

Kids, maybe in a peer situation, try alcohol, and at that point that kid is given a choice of whether to drink or not to drink. At that point he or she will probably have little control of the outcome.

The point is, as life rolls in front of you, stop and think of the choices that are upon you and realize that what you choose may change the face of your life big or small. That more than likely you will have very little control of what will happen next.

Think about that for a moment.

Ok, moment is up, let’s roll to the next topic.

Why Coaches do certain things...
Parents and fans often question a coach’s decisions on plays and athletes that start or sit the sidelines or bench whatever the case maybe.

Please don’t ever question these decisions.

I say that, even though my good friends at the local rag (newspaper) will always question why a coach made X or Z decision on a certain player or play.

Guess what, the coach never gives you the whole reason for their decision.

Why?

Not enough time or paper to tell you all the reasons that the decision was made and guess what?
It’s really none of our business.

A coach makes that mathematical human decision based on all factors at that one given time, and sometimes he doesn’t have the time to make a choice (look above) that he knows what that outcome will be. These choices are once again a risk based on his environment at that given moment.

Rick Pitino, who I love to listen to in a press conference, has the ability to always addresses those pelting questions from the press the best I have ever seen. He will describe all the factors and then tell you why he made the decision that he made. But, he really can’t tell you all the things that were going on when the play finally occurred. Rick Pitino makes that call and choice of the play, but has no idea if the shot will even leave the kid’s hands.

Get the picture? It is all chance. They make that decision at that time and have no idea what is going to happen. Nobody knows, not even the players. You are either a hero or and idiot according to the person holding the remote control of your big screen TV.

On to my last topic

The First Start
Tonight holds a special place in my heart forever.

As my son Tyler will have his first ever start as center on a Friday Night, against the #8 team in the nation, The Riverdale Warriors. Now you local fans and friends know the place of Tomahawk Stadium other known as “The Flying Arrow”.

Smyrna and Riverdale don’t get along at all, and it has been a rival before I came to town. The one icon I noticed last night at the freshman beating, was the tee pee in the end zone. What a neat symbol to have on the grounds in representation of your mascot.

I wish I could video my son’s mind all day to day and all through the game so I could know what he is thinking (I only want the part about the game I don’t want to know what else he is thinking like what’s for lunch or what ever wild thoughts are running through a 15 year old mind of a great kid).

He is so excited, and has talked about this day for weeks and knows the challenge is not going to be easy.
He has waited over 8 years for this shining moment, to get the keys to start on Friday Night.

He called last night and said he was nervous. My only response was “just do the best you can I am already proud of you for just being you”.

No matter the outcome, he is on journey that will only come around once in his life.
He now realizes why I always said it moves quickly and you need to be ready when the moment appears.
He now realizes that this season is almost over.
That if he stays healthy, does the right thing, and the other 55 things fall into place, he is guaranteed to play only 20 more high school games ( that does not include playoffs that is regular season, junior and senior year).

Tyler, I love you and just enjoy, you will do fine!!!!

That's A Wrap

Well that is wrap.

I appreciate all you fans reading this rag, and I hope everybody has a great weekend.

You folks and fans know where I will be in a short while, high above the stadium filming the game and just enjoying the moment. The atmosphere will be tense as we head into the reservation of the warriors.

Until next week chop chop.

From Behind The Lens.
The Stork
“A man who truly delivers”

Football Stars For Tomorrow - www.storkmontgomery.com

Thursday, September 22, 2005

BEHIND THE LENS - September 22nd 2005 -

Football Stars For Tomorrow - www.storkmontgomery.com

Boy was I proud

You got "Side Swiped"

Hang on



Hey Gang,

I hope everybody is having a great week.

The season is more than half over for everybody and still a lot of football and good times to follow.

Let’s jump right in and get going on our journey.

Boy was I proud
Most of you that know me, fully understand I am dedicated to making it happen.

I have poured a lot of energy into this website and the videos I produce.

A proud moment hit me as a Dad last Friday night as my son Tyler was under the lights at Blackman, in full control of the snapping duties shortly into the game.

You never know when the call will come and the coach screams “Your On”.
Most kids don’t even have time to consume what is taking place. The adrenaline that ran through his body was probably at an all time high.

I will tell you one thing as a camera operator, I was scared I was going to mess up and I have been doing it for 8 years unconsciously.

Those are dreams that only come along once in life and it was so special.
I know I have many more coming with him but the moment was cherished because it was not planned.

The best part is that he knew then the ride of playing high school football under the lights had just begun, and he was in the mix.

Congrats Tyler, that game will stay with me a long time.

You got Side Swiped
One thing that usually happens in a game on Friday Night is somebody gets "side swiped".

Now watching it take place is fun for some and horrible for others. The way it always takes place is that the victim or player is focused on something else and out of the blue they get clocked into next year.

If you are the one delivering the blow your teammates and your fans scream and yell with pleasure as you just flattened a player. The player usually falls to the ground trying to recover and figure out what just happened.

Now a lot of folks will say that is just football. Yes, in some ways it is.
Not only does it happen on the field it also happens in our everyday lives.

When things are going well and you are not paying attention, then something hits you so hard it "rocks your world".

Just remember, one day you might be the one the fans are saying “Nice Hit” or maybe you are the one on the ground wondering what just happened.

Pay attention on the field and in life, you never know what is going to happen, because in life the clock is always ticking.

Hang On...
The follow up is to the piece above.

If you are the one on the ground or the player having a bad day in class or on the field, try hanging on, and looking at the good in life.

Happiness that comes to you like it did to me last Friday Night, will come again.

We are all seeking wins and losses on the field of life and grid iron.

We learn from our defeats and celebrate in our victories.

If you are struggling with certain things, don’t hold them back, try and discuss them with somebody you trust who you know can encourage you to hang on.

I was told last night at church that the stress level upon America has increased to an all time high. Because of the recent Hurricanes and everything else that is going on in our world.

We are all feeling the effects and it is taking a toll on us.

Look to the good, be thankful for today and smile, it is what makes this big world turn.

That's A Wrap

Well that is wrap.

Tomorrow Night we (Smyrna Bulldogs) will travel to Ravenwood (I like their helmets) to take on the Raptors.

This is a non conference game, but a big one as both teams are playing well and bring a lot of offense to the plate.

This will be my first visit to Raptor stadium but I am looking forward to meeting the people on top of the press box. (You always meet some interesting people at the game).

As always when you see me at the game be sure to stop and say "hey".

Until next week, take care and God Bless.

From Behind The Lens.
The Stork
“A man who truly delivers”

Football Stars For Tomorrow - www.storkmontgomery.com

Thursday, September 15, 2005

BEHIND THE LENS - September 15th 2005 -

Football Stars For Tomorrow - www.storkmontgomery.com

It comes and goes that fast

Staying focused

Watching them grow up



Hey Gang, I hope you week is going well, mine is going great.

With that being said. Let’s jump right in and get going on this weeks three topics.


It comes and goes that fast
Well tomorrow night we play our 5th game of the season and it will be half over at about 10:00 pm. 

You work all year in the off season for 10 regular season games and when it arrives it rocks on.  The real season of all sports goes by quick as you grow older. 

Coaches expect you to be much more alert and on target with your game.  Parents expect to see their child perform better also. 

S….l….o….w     D….o….w….n  and enjoy it a little. 

Be thankful that you are playing or just a part of the show. 

I have not enjoyed this season that much because it has been difficult for me to get excited about Friday Night.  But, I am going to really focus tomorrow all day on the kick off at 7:30.  Don’t get me wrong I love high school football it has just zipped by. 

Staying focused
You probably think that this is all I think about and why do I keep giving you 10 angles on it?
   
I guess it’s because kids today have more on their shoulders than ever before.

You go back 10 years ago and kids did not have the same pressure as today.  Think about it, 10 years ago teenagers did not carry a cellular phone, now they all have them.  

Kids are pulled so many different directions today it is not even funny.  Kids can be in their own room communicating with people either over a computer or phone and never say a word.   

This is such a different world and society, and it is tough to stay focused on the difference between what is important and what isn’t.   

Parents and kids: have a talk sometime soon and list three topics that are real important values today and then check that list from time to time.  Make sure your values don’t keep changing or you will loose focus of your priorities. 

Does that make sense?

Watching them grow up
I must say this whole article swing is about speed of time.  

Tyler, my son, has grown up so fast.  He is only a sophomore but the season is almost half over.  Then you automatically become a junior which means you officially become a prospect. 

Pay close attention to your kids.  They show signs of growth each day; you just have to pay attention. 

Have you ever hear your grandparents say “He or She has grown so much and changed”? Why do they say that? The answer is because there are time gaps in between each visit. 

Be sure and take the time to let your kids know that you are proud of them when they do well, and that you want them to continue the same path.  Kids need that encouragement it helps them grow up to be adults and that will make you old fast. 

I did just say he is only a sophomore in 6 to 7 weeks he will be a junior in the world of “High School Football”.  Catch my drift?

Well that is enough

That's A Wrap

Well that is wrap.

Yep, we play Blackman at their house tomorrow night, and I will say best hospitality in the game is at Blackman.   

I have been waited on hand and foot every visit.  They always have somebody bringing you food and drinks when you visit.  I am sure tomorrow night will be no exception.  

It’s pouring the rain outside now and I have a football game to call later tonight.  It will be a wet field, oh well. 

Thanks for reading this rag and I hope all of you have had a wonderful week. 
Be thankful for everything you have, because people south of us have nothing but the shirt on their back. Please say a special prayer for those trying to put their lives back together.  We won’t know the worth of water until the well goes dry.

If you see me at Blackman give a shout.

Until next week.

From Behind The Lens.
The Stork
“A man who truly delivers”

From Behind The Lens.
The Stork
“A man who truly delivers”

Football Stars For Tomorrow - www.storkmontgomery.com

Monday, September 12, 2005

BEHIND THE LENS - September 9th 2005 -

Football Stars For Tomorrow - www.storkmontgomery.com

My Trip

Down or Rebuilding

Being the New Kid On The Block



Hey Gang, I hope your holiday was all that and a Ham Sandwich.

I have been out and about myself.

Let’s jump right in and get going.


My Trip
Yeah, we got beat Friday Night by Wilson Central, a football club who basically lined up and ran right down our throats. We had a couple of chances to spin it around but just could not put it all together during the 4 quarters of play.

I rolled early Saturday and went to watch ole EKU (Eastern Kentucky University). The Colonels played a tough Appy State team and came up short. I tend to tell it like it is. Colonels need some W’s or things are not going to be good. The Maroon and White expect success and I sure hope Danny Hope spins it around.

Sunday I was at the KY vs. UL game and I got to tell you it was a great game. The tailgating atmosphere was awesome and the game was close also. Cats came up short, but they put on a show and I am sure if the come out with the same fire in the belly as they did against UL, they will win some games.

I look for Joker Phillips to be the next head coach in that program. I told him that two years ago and he thought I was nuts, now the fans are predicting it.

Let’s move in to some other topics

Down or Rebuilding
If you take a look at the crew I film on Friday night you might say “They are not as good as they have been in the past” others might say “They are young”.

Either way, it is tough to continue to reload year after year after year. How do other programs do it? Athletes that is how. It takes good players to make a successful program.

Very few programs can teach kids the Bobby Knight theory. The theory of Bobby Knight is "I am going to take the team I have and give you all the competition you want". His teams come at you 4 quarters and it does not matter what the score is he keeps it close and plays until the horn blows.

I think the single most important thing in a rebuilding or down year is to get better. Take what you got and make it better. If you improve your skill set and the kids grow up a little then you did your job.

Enough of that.

The Grind of being the "New Kid On The Block"
I have spoken with several Moms’ and Dad’s about some of the athletes that are currently freshman at their new colleges. The all seem to be busy with trying to get used to the grind of class, practice and living in a real small space.

The all seem too happy, but are struggling a little with the time management aspect of being a freshman and playing college football.

It is tough and it will make them understand how to handle money, time, and people. I was always told never trust anybody and don’t loan money to anybody.

It takes a while to develop trust in your new friends, I urge parents and kids in college to take this one serious, if you can count on people you really trust on one hand you are rich.

Kids hang in there it will work out.

That's A Wrap

Well that is wrap.

Tonight ought to be pretty good we are at home facing Tremayne Coger from Columbia Central. He as already committed to play at Alabama. We will see how it goes.

Until next week, I will catch you later.

Thanks again for reading this rag.

If you see me at the game give a shout

From Behind The Lens.
The Stork
“A man who truly delivers”

From Behind The Lens.
The Stork
“A man who truly delivers”

Football Stars For Tomorrow - www.storkmontgomery.com

Thursday, September 08, 2005

BEHIND THE LENS - September 1st 2005 -

Football Stars For Tomorrow - www.storkmontgomery.com

Attitude Again
Kids to Parents & Parents to Kids
College Football Kickoff



Hey Gang are you ready for Labor Day??? Me I can’t wait.


I want to take a moment an apologize for the long delay. I have been busy trying to set things up in my new house.

I just completed a move and you know things are tough to get straight.
I am a pack rat, so I have that are to some people a lot of junk. But they are special memories to me.

Let’s jump right in and get going.

Attitude Again
It’s all about me!!

Last Friday night during the Brentwood @ Smyrna game, I witnessed something that should not be tolerated by any coach period.

We were in the mix of a heated battle and getting beat. We made a fantastic defensive play on 3rd down. Only to be followed up by a series of finger pointing and strutting like a rooster.
It would have been fourth for them, they were set to punt when the yellow flag flew. We got un-sportsman like conduct. It cost us 15 yards and a first down for the other team. We had them and were fixing to get the ball back and blew it.

You need to control yourself on the field, it is so important, even in life.

We all get sideways at times, but the cost can be devastating when you are called out in public.

What if that had been a job decision or money? Now the debit is really steep.

I urge all of you, including myself, to try to control your emotions. Quit thinking about yourself and think of others.

When you put the "team first" and I last, things seem to work out better.

Kids to Parents & Parents to Kids (Grades)
The first week of school is over. The new tennis shoes are beginning to get some marks and so are some of the progress reports when it comes to the grades.


It is a constant battle to keep kids motivated toward the books and parents continue to struggle with the correct approach on how to sell kids on keeping your school work in the right perspective. The words never come out right to a child when a parent finds out we have not done well on a paper or quiz.

Kids, your parents are only concerned with your future. You must understand your school work is so important. You can have your house, your car, your clothes etc…. swept away just like Katrina did to those in New Orleans. When all is said and done you would still have your mind. I urge you to invest in your mind it is a bank account that always gathers interest when you feed it.

Parents, keep pushing you have nothing to loose. Kids will get frustrated with your constant begging of them to perform, years from now they will understand when they are stuck with the same problem you are having today

College Football Kickoff
I love high school football and I dearly love college football.

Those of you who know me well, fully understand I was almost an employee of EKU I spent 6.5 years in Richmond and would not trade one semester for the other. I loved the fall when football kicked off.

No it was nothing like running through the T at Tennessee, but it was so much fun. We would plan and talk all week about the game and the activities before, during and after the contest. The action of the game and atmosphere is only created by friends and family, it is a time of gathering for one purpose.

I hope everybody has a great fall and I hope all of you get to witness at least one fall Saturday at some college it is a blast.

That's A Wrap
I hope everybody has a wonderful weekend. Please take a moment to think about those who lost lives and personal belongings in Katrina. We are not close to the disaster cannot imagine the loss and devastation.
I am heading up to EKU for the opener and then on to Lexington, KY for the UK vs. UL game. That one is on national TV @ 3:30. So look for me I may be on goal posts if the cats win :-)
Friday look for me @ Smyrna as we take on Wilson Central kick off 7:30.

Until Next Week.
From Behind The Lens.
The Stork
“A man who truly delivers”


Football Stars For Tomorrow - www.storkmontgomery.com