Tiger says, "I am sorry."

An apology, no questions, and he's gone. I have a statement, an apology, another statement and I'm gone.

Tigers apology:

Tiger Woods finally spoke to the world today. He didn't say much about the affairs that he had on his wife, but he did acknowledge that he had affairs. He let people know that he is sorry for the pain he caused his wife and children. He went on to say that his wife and his children were the most important things in his life.

Tiger went further in apologizing to fans, co-workers, and the students in his foundation for his "irresponsible" behavior.

My statement:

It sounds like he has turned a corner. We will see. A tiger doesn't change his strips easily, and we will see if Tiger is the exception to the rule.

I have a real problem with Tiger not letting people ask his questions. He says most of this issue is a private matter, but I am not buying it. He is a public figure. He put himself on the world stage. He made his "private life" public in the profession he chose.

You want to control the story anyway you can, and Tiger is the ultimate control freak. I get it, it is the smart thing to do. However, it would have shown me more if he had spent the morning in front of camera's and reporters for 2 hours answering questions.

My apology:

I am sorry that Tiger apparently didn't know that fooling around on his wife was wrong. I am sorry that Tiger was amoral for most of his adult life. I am sorry that his friends did not see that his arrogance was going to get him in trouble.

Another statement:

I am a Tiger Woods golf fan. I will watch this guy play golf as long as he plays golf. My dad had Jack Nicklaus, and I have Tiger Woods. However, I will not look at him the same. I made the mistake of putting him on a pedestal. I tell my daughter not to do that in relation to celebrities. I should have listened. I am a fan of his golf. I hope to be a fan of his life one day.

UIL Realignment

I am glad that Cooper and Abilene High are back in the same district. The last 2 years have been fun with CHS in Class 4A and AHS in a different Class 5A district, but it going to be fun to go back to the future.

The Cougars and the Eagles are headed west to play the teams from the Little Southwest Conference. For you young'uns, the Little Southwest Conference is Abilene High, Cooper, Midland High, Midland Lee, Odessa High, and Odessa Permian.

Abilene High dominated the old district with 3 district championships in 4 years, and their State Championship in 2009 means they will probably be the favorite to win the District 3-5A championship.

The Cougars are vastly improved from their last season in Class 5A, but don't forget, the Cougars went to the playoffs after the 2007 season, which was their last in Class 5A.

Based on what happened the last few years, Abilene High and Cooper will be among the favorites to go to the playoffs in 2010. The Cougars return a good number of their skill position and defensive players. Abilene High has 1st team All-American Herschel Sims back in the backfield with his cousin, Ronnell Sims, at quarterback to lead the Eagles into the defense of their State crown.

When you think about West Texas football, you think about Abilene, Midland, and Odessa.

You think about the Little Southwest Conference.

It's GOOD to have the old district back together, again.

My Football Weekend Pt. 3

Just so you guys will know. This weekend isn't just about football. This is a time for me to hang with my dad and do what we used to do when I was young. Football has always been an important part of our relationship. I didn't play, but we watched football together. We still watch football together, and it's one of the things I look forward to most in the year.

Usually, we make our way into a press box when we go on this trip, so we don't have to sit in the cold. No such luck for the 3rd and final game of the trip.

Dad and I were out in the cold, and I do mean cold for the Class 4A game between Waxahachie and Longview. The winner will face Guyer in the quarterfinals.

Dad and I were all bundled up in 5 layers and ready to watch some football, and we saw a game that we will not forget for a long time. We saw a 20 point lead get blown. We saw hard hits. We saw the longest pass play in high school football history. We saw a team get dominated down the stretch.

Longview was not ready to go when the game started. Waxahachie jumped out to a 20-0 lead 7 minutes into the 1st quarter, and we thought we were going to freeze for nothing.

Wait just a minute. That's when Longview woke up from their winter nap. The Lobos scored 21 points before halftime to take the lead for the 1st time.

The 2nd half is when it go really interesting. Both teams were pounding on each other and delivering hard hits in the 3rd and 4th quarters.

3rd quarter, Longview pins Hachie at their half yard line, and that's when we saw the longest pass play in Texas high school history. How about a 99-yard touchdown pass for the Indians that put them back in front by 5, 26-21. Beautiful pass and run. It was probably a tie for the longest pass play, but the longest none the less.

Then Longview took over. They ran the ball over, through, and around the Waxahachie defense to the tune of 29 unanswered points.

Longview wins 50-26 after trailing to start the game, 20 to nothing. What a turnaround. Dad and I almost forgot we were cold. WOW!

So the football part of the trip was over, or so we thought. We got in the car to head to the hotel, and heard the final play of the Big 12 Championship game. Bonus football on this weekend from heaven! Texas wins on a last second field goal and they are headed to the BCS National Championship game.

What a day! What a weekend! Now it's over, but it's just 364 days until it starts, again.

My Football Weekend Pt.2

I Forgot to explain how this all started. My friend Jason, who didn’t get to come this year, is the guy that introduced me to the thrills of the 1st weekend in December. We saw a tripleheader at Texas Stadium in 1996, I decided right then and there that I loved watching high school football.

Before he had kids, Jason traveled all over West Texas to find football games during the playoffs. Now, I make sure the 1st weekend in December is open so I can go watch football.
Originally, the trip was a day trip, but the older we got, the more we liked the idea of not driving back to Abilene in the middle of the night. So, now the wives, kids and my parents come on Friday. The guys go watch football, and the ladies go shopping.

The 1st game on Saturday features 2 of the best 4A schools in the state with 2 of the best quarterbacks in the state.. Denton Guyer and Denton Ryan met at C.H. Collins Stadium in Denton. These 2 teams are both ranked in the top 10 in the Harris Ratings, and they finished 1 and 2 in district play.

Guyer quarterback J.W. Walsh is a cherished recruit for every team in the state, and Ryan quarterback Scotty Young is headed to play at Texas Tech.

The 1st half was sloppy. Guyer fumbled 4 times, and Young threw 2 interceptions for Ryan. Guyer returned the interception 72 yards for a score. The Wildcat led, 14 to 6 at the half.
As sloppy as the 1st half was, the 2nd half was even worse. Young threw 3 more interceptions.

Guyer ran out of bounds with the lead and kicked an ill-advised onside kick in the 4th quarter that kept Ryan in it. Not a great game, but still fun to watch.

Denton Guyer stays alive with a 28-25 victory over rival Denton Ryan.

Dad and I are off to the next game between Waxahachie and Longview.

My Football Weekend Pt. 1

This is the week of my annual high school football trip. Usually, we are at the Texas Stadium on the 2nd Saturday of December and the UIL brings us 3 football games.

This year, no such luck. So, my dad and I are spending the weekend driving all over the metroplex to get our football fix. We will watch a game in Arlington, Denton, and south Dallas.

It started Friday night at Maverick Stadium. The number 1 ranked Abilene High Eagles taking on Arlington Bowie.

Herschel Sims started the scoring with a 2 yard touchdown run in the 1st quarter. The score capped a 17 play, 98 yard drive for Abilene High. Abilene High led the game, 7-0 at the end of the 1st quarter.

The Eagles never looked back on this Friday. Sims scored touchdowns on the next 3 possessions and Abilene High was on its way. Sims carried the ball 37 times for 212 yards. Tony Curtis added another touchdown to give the Eagles a 28 point lead.

Abilene High is on to the next round with an easy 35 to 7 victory over Arlington Bowie.

My dad and I are off to the next game. We will be in Denton to watch the Denton Ryan/Denton Guyer game on Saturday.

Key Games In Week 10

District 3-5A

13)AHS Eagles vs. Richland

We start with the Abilene High Eagles and their matchup with the Richland Rebels. This is the toughest test the Eagles will face in the district schedule. The Eagles are 4 and 0 so far in District 3-5A. Richland is 3 and 1 after losing to Weatherford last week. Abilene High can clinch a share of the title with a victory tonight. The district championship would be their 2nd in a row and 5th in the last 6 years. Abilene High and Richland meet at the Birdville Fine Arts and Athletic Complex at 7:30.

District 4-4A

19)CHS Cougars vs. Frenship

The Cooper Cougars are in exactly the same place they were 365 days ago. They are preparing to play Frenship with a district championship on the line. The Cougars are the only 3 and 0 team left in District 4-4A, and they will earn their 1st championship since 2003 with a victory. Last year, Frenship beat the Cougars at Shotwell Stadium and won the District title outright. This year, Frenship is fighting for their playoff lives with a 1 and 2 record. The Cougars and Tigers play tonight up in Wollforth.

District 2-3A

3)Wylie vs. 15)Graham

The Wylie Bulldogs are playing for their 11th straight district championship. The seniors on this team were 7 years old when the current streak started. The Bulldogs have to slow down Case McCoy and the Steers high powered offense in order to claim a share of that title tonight. Wylie and Graham are comparable as far as stats are concerned. Wylie scores just over 34 points a game. Graham scores 35. Wylie gives up just over 14 points a game. Graham gives up just over 15. They play in Graham.

15)Brownwood vs. Sweetwater

Breckenridge vs. Snyder

District 6-2A

Eastland vs. 12)Cisco

The Eastland County War will settle the district championship in District 6-2A this week. Both the Cisco Loboes and the Eastland Mavericks are unbeaten in district play, and the winner of their week 10 matchup will be the champion. Cisco head coach Brent West says the rivalry has been friendly since he got there, but this week's game will be for all the marbles.

Merkel vs. Anson

Hawley vs. Clyde

District 7-2A

Colorado City vs. Ballinger

Colorado City needs a win this week to set a possible championship game with Wall next week. The Wolves enter tonight's game with a 3-0 record in District 7-2A. Colorado City is winning their games by 8 points a game. Ballinger enters the game still looking for their 1st district win of the season.

Jim Ned vs. Grape Creek

District 8-2A

San Saba vs. Comanche

Early vs. Coleman

District 9-A

Archer City vs. 17)Munday

District 11-A

Haskell vs. Hamlin

The District 11-A title is on the line tonight in Hamlin. The Pied Pipers and the Haskell Indians are both unbeaten in district play. Hamlin's offense is putting 30 points a game on the board in District 11-A play. Haskell is scoring 38 points in district. The differnce in this one comes on the defensive side of the ball. The Pipers allow just 13 points a game this year while the Indians are allowing 23 points.

Roscoe vs. Rotan

Stamford vs. Roby

District 12-A

Cross Plains vs. 7)Albany

The Albany Lions are the 7th ranked team in the state, and they can earn a shot at the outright district title next week with a win this week. The Lions are 8 and 0 overall this season, and 3-0 in district play. If they beat Cross Plains at home this week, Albany will take on Bronte for the District 12-A crown.

Winters vs. Baird

District 15-A

Deleon vs. Tolar

Gorman vs. Santo

Ranger vs. Perrin-Whitt

District 25-A

2)Goldthwaite vs. Meridian

TAPPS 6-man

ACHS Panthers vs. Grabury Happy Hill Academy

Key Games For Week 9

District 3-5A

AHS Eagles vs. Haltom

The Abilene High Eagles are back on the field this week after last week's open date to take on Haltom. The Eagles are tied at the top of the district with a 3 and oh record, and they lead Haltom by a half game. Statistically, this one is not a contest. The Eagles are averaging 45 points a game and Haltom averages just 18 per game, and Abilene High beat the Buffaloes last year, 70 to 6. Head coach Steve Warren says his team can clinch their 11th playoff berth in a row with a win at the Birdville Fine Arts and Athletic Complex in North Richland Hills.

District 4-4A

Big Spring vs. CHS Cougars

The 2-0 Cooper Cougars and the 2-0 Big Spring Steers meet for the District lead at Shotwell Stadium for the game of the year in District 4-4A. Offensively, the 2 teams are really even. Cooper averages 41 points a game. Big Spring averages 42 points per game. Both teams average just over 7 yards per play. Big Spring has found the endzone 41 times in 7 games. Cooper has scored 40 touchdowns. The game for the district lead is at Shotwell Stadium at 7:30.

District 2-3A

Graham vs. Brownwood

The Brownwood Lions picked up their 1st win in district play last week, they try to make it 2 in a row this week against Graham. Brownwood head coach Bob Shipley and Graham head coach Brad McCoy are best of friends, but coach Shipley says once the game starts they will be arch rivals. Graham is led by UT commit Case McCoy at quarterback and they are ranked 10th in the state. The game is set for Gordon Wood Stadium in Brownwood.

Breckenridge vs. Wylie

Snyder vs. Sweetwater

District 6-2A

Merkel vs. Eastland

Merkel and Eastland are set to meet in Eastland this week, and in a surprise, both teams are 2-0 in district play. Merkel has wins over Clyde and Hawley, while Eastland beat Hawley and Anson to open the district. Eastland is scoring 48 points a game in their last 2 games as compared to the 37 points Merkel is scoring. The Badgers have a marque victory over Clyde on their resume.

Cisco vs. Hawley

Anson vs. Clyde

District 7-2A

Wall vs. Jim Ned

The Jim Ned stumbled last week in their game with Colorado City, and they are trying to get back in the winner's circle this week against 2-0 Wall. The Indians enter the night tied with Coahoma for the final playoff berth in the district. They need a victory to maintain their place in the standings. Wall and Jim Ned meet in Tuscola at 7:30.

Colorado City vs. Coahoma

Ballinger vs. Grape Creek

District 8-2A

Comanche vs. Early

Coleman vs. Brady

Dublin vs. Bangs

District 11-A

Roscoe vs. Haskell

A good matchup in the district this week. The Roscoe Plowboys, who are 2-0 in District 11-A, are set to face the Haskell Indians, who are also 2-0. Both teams enter the game with victories over Stamford in the 1st 2 weeks of the district schedule. The winner of the game will remain at the top of District 11-A.

Hamlin vs. Stamford

Rotan vs. Roby

District 12-A

Albany vs. Winters

The top ranked Albany Lions are back in action this week, but they are on the road for the 1st time in District 12-A. The Lions are averaging 52 points a game in district play, and they have allowed just 2 touchdowns. Winters is tied with Cross Plains with a 1-1 record. They can really enhance their chances of a berth in the playoffs with a victory over the Lions.

Miles vs. Baird

Bronte vs. Cross Plains

District 25-A

Valley Mills vs. Goldthwaite

The 3rd ranked Goldthwaite Eagles look to improve to 2-0 in district play this week in their home game with Valley Mills. The Eagles survived their toughest test of the season last week when they beat Chilton, 38-30. With the exception of that game, the Eagles have allowed just 4 touchdowns. They try to get back on track at home in a battle of Eagles at 7:30.

District 9-A

Munday vs. Windthorst

District 15-A

Perrin-Whitt vs. Deleon

Tolar vs. Gorman

Santo vs. Ranger