Columbus Crusaders Blog Page

Maximum Effort & Maximum Return

2010-09-13T15:05:00.001-04:00

(Even though the scoreboard had gone dark, the bittersweet memory of a hard-fought battle still takes its toll on the players. But it is times like these where real men and real character meet.)

Martins Ferry 35, Columbus Crusaders 27
September 11, 2010

On the 9th Anniversary of 9/11, there was a different battle taking place in suburban Columbus. It was one for honor, for valor and for an Audience of One. And while emotions ran high afterwards, this team had no reason to hang its head. They left it all on the field this night, and made an indelible impression on those who attended this game.

What I witnessed on the field on Saturday was nothing short of amazing. Down 21-0, with remnants of last year's throttling at the hands of the Purple Riders still fresh in their minds, I saw a group of young men make a game where one was not supposed to be. They asserted themselves in the trenches, on the sidelines, at skill positions and in the huddle, and began to gnaw away at the lead that the visiting Martins Ferry team had accumulated in the first half.

They could have given up...but being men of character, they did not. Instead, with a renewed passion for the game, and for their individual and group witness, our Crusaders began to take it to the Purple Riders, frequently silencing the Rider's crowd with explosive plays, including Jack Price's quick slant pass to Micah Harris for an 80 yard touchdown, Dylan Demars gut check down the sideline for a TD and Harold Jones' scramble and juke for another quick score.

As a looked across the field right after each of those scores, I sensed a degree of uncertainty in the eyes of the Martins Ferry fans. The seemingly impenetrable wall of support had developed cracks, and each successive score widened them. After all, taking into account the legendary success of this program, combined with the drubbing we took on their home field last year, this should not have even been a game, right? After all, they were playing a "club" team, made up of an interesting cross-section of players, who can't earn computer points and won't be going to the playoffs. Some were probably even wondering why they had even driven to Columbus to see another slaughter. And yet they they were quiet...eerily quiet, after each of the scores by our Crusaders.

On our side of the field, our fans were rabid and it was nothing short of an amazing (and sometimes deafening) experience to hear our Crusader faithful rising up in cheers. Rising to nearly unbearable peaks on critical 3rd down plays, the combined energy on the field, from the sidelines, and in the stands was so incredible, it made me want to strap on a helmet and pads and go hit someone!

The Crusader Fans were truly the 12th man on the field that night and made their presence known, completely overwhelming our visitors. As far as I'm concerned, if the choice was mine to make, our fans won their Sword Game that night!

You see, the outside, unknowing world doesn't understand that a Crusader is a different type of player, followed by a different type of fan. He plays not only for the love of the game, but out of his love of his Savior. He does not give up just because the odds seem insurmountable (remember Linsly?) He buckles up, then hunkers down and gives his all on each and every snap. And his character and witness grows each time he wears that uniform, win or lose. And just as Jesus Christ didn't give up and throw in the towel because what was asked of Him seemed like too much, the Crusader leads by example and carries the burden asked of Him.

I don't know what the rest of the season holds for this team, but just as the teams that have gone on before them, I can say this. The worth of this program is more than just win-loss records. In a world where Commitment, Honor, Responsibility, Initiative, Service and Truth can sometimes only be found in the pages of a dictionary, it is lived out on a daily basis by our coaches, volunteers, fans and players in this program. And the difference is no more obvious than after the game when the teams join hands, Riders and Crusaders, kneeling in prayer, acknowledging Him and thanking Him for the experience. The prayer this night was that the Riders would have a successful season, and thanks that no one was seriously injured. God was glorified tonight and properly acknowledged for His provision.

For a moment, all was right with the world.

For the true Crusader is on a lifelong journey of growing and maturing in Christ. Long after the lights get shut off after the final snap of the season, he will carry with him the memories, and life lessons, that his playing time in this program have taught him. His shared struggles and triumphs as a player, and as a man serve to help guide him as he seeks God's will for his life far beyond this experience.

I feel very fortunate, as should all the Crusader Faithful, that for 10 weeks in the fall, all of us get to intimately share in this collective experience that we call Crusader Football. May God continue to lead us through those experiences that He will, to accomplish His will in our lives through this program.

Good luck Riders...may your encounter here only make you better...and may God bless your program beyond measure as you continue in your season, and in life.

It's Here! The 2010 Season Kicks Off on Friday, August 27 at Centennial

2010-08-26T23:39:00.000-04:00

Welcome to the Crusader Blog!

The 2010 Season is upon us! As I have done for nearly 7 seasons now, I will be prowling the sidelines, trying to capture as much of the Crusader spirit as possible, from those bone-crushing hits to finger tip catches. It has been an honor to be associated with such a fine group of folks who love football, but more importantly, have a passion for the saving work of Jesus Christ.

I have great expectations for this season and hope that we can all take Crusader Football to a new level this year. It all starts with prayer and supplication and ends with watching boys and girls grow into young men and women who Love the Lord and Love the Game. After all, the game of football is a metaphor for life. You prepare and work hard, get tested, reflect and get back on your feet determined to do better. And each week you grow in grace, ability and skill.

So is life for the Christian. As a believer, we are instantly justified by accepting Christ as our Savior. Then the process of becoming like Him starts, as we seek His will and His ways in all we do.

I don't know about you, but sometimes when I get knocked down, it feels like the "two a days" all over again when I was a young Christian. But the Lord is good...and as we continue to trust Him with our very lives, He uses all those "game day situations" from our past to strengthen us so that we may bring Him glory.

Now is the time that those two a day practices start to become a distant memory and we start putting it all on, and off the field. But for a Crusader...the ministry does not end when you leave practice for the day...it is a lifelong endeavor. Once a Crusader, Always a Crusader.

Thanks for your loyal support over the years…here's to a very successful upcoming year for the Crusader ministry.

Be blessed,

Brian S. Bayless
Photographer/Videographer
Bulldog Studios
Email me
740.274.5450

Coumbus Crusaders-The Next Generation

2009-09-13T12:22:00.005-04:00

3-0. What a great way to start the season! We’ve gotten a chance to see the 2009 Edition of the Columbus Crusaders on the field of battle and they have been victorious thus far, but a tremendous challenge awaits next week at Martins Ferry.

I am excited about what I've seen so far. The offense has been explosive at times…but other times, the explosion we heard was the sound of it shooting itself in the foot. On the opposite side, the defense, which for the most part, has stifled its opponents, occasionally has what seems to be a bit of an overconfidence that occasionally injects a second wind to its opponent’s psyche. This was no more evident than last week when we let Meadowdale sneak back into the game after coming out with guns blazing and a take no prisoners attitude.

But what is most intriguing about this group is the fact that they have incredible potential. What is critical to their success, in my opinion, is to stay focused on the next play. Not the next game, next quarter or next half…the next play. Because the battle is won, not just between the goal lines, but in the trenches, man vs. man. That is where the intense conditioning, discipline, coaching accumen and simple grit and determination culminates in individual 10 second battles between the whistles. Win the majority of those mini-spats…and you will usually ride the bus home with another “W” in your column.

Every play, every down. 110% Effort. Unyielding dedication and sacrifice. If these young men can focus on the moment…they will not only surprise their opponents, but maybe even, themselves.

End of an Era

2008-10-27T23:30:00.003-04:00

Wow...what a Season! On a rain soaked Friday Night in October, it was a night of firsts, and lasts. The Crusaders unleashed a flurry of offensive and defensive weapons on Troy Christian, cruising to a 40-7 victory in probably their finest overall effort of the season. Even after Troy Christian drew first blood, the Crusaders went on to score 40 unanswered points in a rout of the visiting Eagles.

But it was also a night of lasts...it was the last time that a Mike Stanley coached Crusader Team would take the field. As to not be a distraction to the players on their final game of the season, Coach Stanley never hinted at the fact that at the end of this very night, he would sing his last Crusader Fight Song and last "I Will Bless the Lord" worship song in the endzone after a grueling battle on the field.

Instead, he announced the passing of the baton on Saturday morning during the team meeting. Coach Brian Stier will be taking over the head coaching duties for the 2009 Edition of the Columbus Crusaders.

In retrospect, the announcement explains the peculiar behavior of Coach Stanley and Sharlyn during the week leading up to the game. While they have always been very much in love with each other, it seemed to be with a new intensity during those moments in time I was privileged to witness.

I happened to catch glimpses of anticipation...almost a giddiness emanating from Sharlyn during both the Senior tackle and right after the final game. Coach Stanley on the other hand seemed especially intense during the Senior Chapel on Thursday, as if he were trying to make his final mark on the hearts and souls of the young men, coaches and volunteers who had grown to love and respect his example. And the embrace that he and his wife enjoyed right after the prayer huddle at midfield had a special feel to it...almost a sense of "mission accomplished".

But on that night, I was doing what every good photographer attempts to do...capture moments in time that have significance and meaning.

Drenched from the rain and shivering a bit, I turned and fired off a few shots of the two of them together at midfield and didn't give it a second thought that night or the next day when I was reviewing the files.

But now that I look back at all the signs leading up to that moment...I should have known.

During my family's brief tenure with the Crusader Program, I have grown to know and love this Crusader Family. Not just Mike and Sharlyn, but the entire family of players, parents, volunteers, coaches and all of those who have crossed paths with this program. It has served to inspire, to enlighten and to challenge me personally. And it has been my pleasure to capture and archive those special moments in time as a witness and testimony to this world that what we are doing here is worthwhile and meaningful.

The selfish part of me wants things to stay as they are with Coach Stanley at the helm and all things as they were. Yet I know that while this moment is bittersweet with the closing of one chapter, it provides opportunity for the opening of another. It is a new dawn for Crusader Football and this torch will not only continue to burn, but it will burn even more brightly in an ever-darkening world.

We're going to miss you Coach. But I'm sure that you'll be walking where the Lord leads you as you continue to win souls for Christ.

And...if you're not too busy on Friday Nights in the Fall, you have lots of friends here who would love to see you in the stands rooting for our beloved Crusaders. For there can never be too many godly men in and around this program.

Thanks for letting us borrow him, Sharlyn. I know it has been a sacrifice for you as well. But behind every great man, there is a great woman as well and we know that Mike could never have impacted these young (and old) men for Christ without your ongoing love and support.

You are both Crusaders...and we're glad. We love you, and we always will...

Crusaders Roll to 3-0 over the Stars

2008-09-06T00:38:00.008-04:00

The Columbus Crusaders rolled to a 3-0 start on the season after scoring early and often against the visiting Centennial Stars. The Crusaders looked sharp and fired up during the first half, grounding out the yardage against the Stars and setting the stage for the remainder of the evening.

Even with the damp conditions served up by the early September weather, the Crusaders looked very sure-footed and confident early in the game, confusing Centennial's defense and pleasing the soggy home field crowd. Despite a late first half interception that put a bit of spark into the Centennial sideline, the Crusaders prevailed in the battle, winning 39-6.

The Crusaders will put their undefeated season on the line next week at home against the Western Reserve Academy Pioneers. Western Reserve, under first year head coach Chris Monfiletto, is expected to open up their offense and throw the ball a bit more compared to years past, directly challenging the Crusader secondary.

It should be another great game, so please plan to join us at 7:30 PM Friday Night on our home field to cheer our Crusaders on to victory!

Crusaders Cruise to 2-0

2008-08-30T19:39:00.006-04:00

Following a weather delay brought on by a deluge and a light show the likes that Central Ohio hasn't seen in a while, the Crusaders weathered the storm and moved to 2-0 on the season. After a rocky start, the Crusaders found their bearing and set sail, rolling up 31 points on the night while stifling a scrappy United Academy team.

After a seemingly effortless scoring drive by United Academy early in the first quarter, the Crusaders came back from the early deficit, led by a lightning quick ground attack and a seemingly unending flood of defenders that swarmed the Buccaneers backfield and eventually rattled and sank their offensive flagship. Despite the treacherous footing that was the result of the pre-game cloudburst, the Crusaders were able to shutdown UMA's quick-footed backs, with relentless blitzing pressure and good team tackling.

It was a well-earned victory. But there is little time to celebrate, as the Crusaders host Centennial this Friday at 7:30 PM in what should be another grueling and challenging game! Come join us for a great night of Central Ohio Football!

Crusaders Win in Week One!!!

2008-08-29T14:51:00.003-04:00

It's hard to believe that the Week One Edition of the Columbus Crusaders Varsity has already come and gone. The Crusaders, now 1-0 on the season, put on an impressive effort in the second half against Buckeye Trail to pull away and win 25-12, after only leading by a point at the end of the first half.

As many of you may remember, Buckeye Trail dealt the Crusaders a heartbreaking loss on the same field during the 2005 season, coming from behind to win in the 4th quarter. The team played its heart out, but fell short of victory. However, what made the most impact that evening was the conduct and character of our young men and women which was not only observed, but recognized by the local news editorial board who published a very complimentary article on the Crusader program the following week in their local paper.

Such is the legacy of the Crusader program...not only a program to instill morals and character as they encourage each to become more like Christ, but a program in which success is not necessarily measured by the win-loss ratio, rather, it is measured against a heavenly standard and its impact on others for the cause of Christ. I pray that as we move further into the 2008 Season, that we will continue to carry His banner high for all to see.

May God Bless you, Crusaders, as you line it up with your competitors. Keep your eye on the prize, stay focused on the Lord and let Him guide your steps. When we keep our true purpose in perspective, every game is a victory, regardless of what the scoreboard says at the end of the 4th quarter!

Here's to a great season!

Blessings,

Brian S. Bayless
Photographer/Videographer
Bulldog Studios
Email me
614.807.2434

PS...did anyone notice the flashing "8's" on the scoreboard and 25 second clocks after last weeks game? It was almost as if Jered was giving the Crusaders a "thumbs up" for turning the tide on the Warriors and grounding out that victory!

Kickoff Moved to 8PM!

2007-08-24T14:07:00.000-04:00

Tonight's opening Varsity Game against the Middletown Christian Eagles has been moved to 8 PM due the very high Heat Index which is blanketing Central Ohio.

Make sure to drink plenty of fluids and get ready to cheer the 2007 edition of our beloved Crusaders!!!

The First Taste of Fall

2007-08-11T15:06:00.000-04:00

After 2 brutal weeks of 2-a-days in excruciating weather conditions, the Columbus Crusaders finally got the chance to tee it up against Columbus Centennial this morning. Centennial, dressed in their game reds, appeared to outsize our Crusaders at every position, but our guys more than held their own.

Using a balanced attack, the Crusaders scored three times during the offensive and defensive series exchanges, with each team running 4 series of 10 plays each, regardless of yards gained. The Crusader Defense held Centennial scoreless and also came up with an interception at a crucial time when it appeared that Centennial might just punch one in.

However, when the real game scenarios set in during the second part of today's scrimmage, Centennial found its second wind, moving the ball down the field against a tiring Crusader Defense to answer a Crusaders scoring drive with one of their own.

All in all, it was a great first showing for our young men and the position coaches. Next stop...a Friday scrimmage at Buckeye Valley.

Crusader Dog Days

2007-08-08T00:14:00.001-04:00

If it's August in Central Ohio, you can be sure of two things. It's hot, and it's time for Crusader Football!

Our 56er, Middle School and Varsity Teams have been hitting the field over the past 10 days preparing for the fall football season. As expected, this year again promises to be blessing filled! Please pray for our young men as they fight the high heat and humidity, as well as their own personal expectations, as they prepare mind, body and spirit to compete this Fall.

Praise is in order, as our Middle School program has now grown from one team to four, with nearly 80 young men participating at this time. As prayers continued to be answered regarding the expansion of this ministry, we find ourselves right on the edge of exponential growth which will help to fuel our ultimate goal...to reach young men, young women, their families, and their communities as ambassadors for Christ.

Continue to pray for the health of our coaches and players (especially those with asthma) as they battle through the pre-season conditioning drills. Despite the oppressive conditions, they are working diligently to be ready for their opening games later this month.

Thanks for supporting the Crusaders!

Facing the Giants

2006-10-27T14:39:00.000-04:00

Please pray for the Columbus Crusaders Football team as they leave on a bus at 2 PM today to travel to Lynchburg, Virginia to play the Liberty Christian Bulldogs at 7:30 PM, tomorrow night October 28, 2006 at Liberty University. This opponent apparently has some Division I college prospects on the team, including a 6-3, 300 lb lineman with which the Crusaders must contend.

The Bulldogs are a regional powerhouse who has amassed an impressive 30-0 record over the past three seasons. No team has even been close, score-wise, to conquering these "giants."

As you may recall, this year has been very intense for the Crusader family, as the team has been dealing with the tragic loss of Jered Pyles, who would have been their 3rd year senior starter at quarterback this season. They have responded remarkably well, posting a 6-3 record by beating some pretty stiff competition that they were not expected to beat. I know that in their hearts, Jered is right there with them, encouraging them every step of the way.

Ironically, three of the teams which the Crusaders not only beat, but dominated this season were teams that Jered had targeted after disappointing losses to them last year. Western Reserve, Lockland and Frontier were in Jered's sights, with him proclaiming that he was determined to beat them in the upcoming season!

Little did he know that he is participating as the "12th man", carried on the backs and in the hearts and minds of his teammates on every snap.

Achieving that goal and posting a 6-3 record is not good enough for this great bunch of young men. They do not want to stop there. They want to achieve the seemingly "impossible." That would be to depart Virginia with a 7-3 record, stopping the winning streak at 30 for their worthy opponent.

Coach Stanley, during last night's Senior Tackle and Blessings revealed that he had prayed specifically that if it was His will, that God would grant the Crusaders the ability to be the team to end the Liberty Bulldogs long winning streak. There is no doubt that the players are going to be leaving all on the field tomorrow night, leaving the outcome in God's hands.

What an amazing story it would be to go from sorrow at the loss of a brother in Christ, to the jubilation of upending a foe that by all calculations, seems invincible. But yet, as I write this note, it just feels like something amazing is going to happen.

Wouldn't that just be the capstone to a season to remember?

We are "Facing the Giants" over 450 miles away from home tomorrow night. As God leads, please join us in prayer for safe travel and good, clean football. But most of all, please pray that win or lose, our witness, walk and character will be the sterling example of what it is to be followers of Christ.

Please also pray for Rick and Kerry and their family, as they continue to rejoice and celebrate their young man's witness in this life. Last night, Rick specifically shared with me that 4 years ago, he watched as a young boy entered the Crusader Varsity Program...but that just a few months ago, he buried a young man, whose witness is still impacting any who hear his life story today.

I still believe in miracles. Please join us in seeking God's will as we travel this weekend. With God, all things are possible!

Regardless of the outcome tomorrow night, may God be glorified every step along this way, and may we be ambassadors of His name to all those we encounter.

Photos and a game report will be available Sunday night on my website, linked below.

Go Crusaders!!!

www.bulldogstudios.smugmug.com

Crusaders Roll Against previously Undefeated Ursaline Academy, 58-23

2006-10-14T03:53:00.000-04:00

The Columbus Crusaders, via intense air and ground assaults, beat a previously undefeated team from up north last night . The "arctic blast" that accompanied this week's opponent, Ursaline Academy, from Canada, was not enough to chill the Crusader's offensive machine, as the Crusaders rolled to a 58-23 victory on a brisk, beautiful night in Columbus. Both teams played hard-nosed, quality football, but the Crusader's new offense proved to be a little too much for Ursaline, who dropped their first game of the 2006 season to their cross country foe.

But the storyline does not stop there. What is unique about this game is that when it is all over on the field, the real fellowship begins. As has become tradition, the Crusader family offers up some true Ohio hospitality by hosting the Canadian players in their homes overnight after the game, prior to their long drive back home on Saturday. Immediately following the game, both teams shared a warm meal in the Commons, where the players were assigned to their Crusader counterparts and got to meet their host families.

As I write this blog, my son is getting to know two brand new friends from the Ursaline squad, Joel and Jamie. As I began to burn DVD's, upload photos and write this blog, they were all engaged in electronic warfare upstairs, battling it out on the gridiron as only a PlayStation can render! I've noticed that is has grown much quieter now, as they have probably succumbed to the sleep that is much deserved.

Bottom line is this. These guys are just plain great kids. Polite, easy going and good-natured. If this is representative of the quality and caliber of the other players, coaches and fans of Ursaline Academy program, then may I be the first to say that you should be very proud of your program. Their conduct speaks great volumes about your program and my wife and I are proud to be able to host your young men in our home.

What many Crusader fans did not know is that prior to last night, our opponent was undefeated and is leading their league division in Canada. I can understand why, as they brought a much improved and harder hitting football to our home turf which challenged each of our guys to rise to the occasion to ensure that we would prevail when the final seconds expired. While the Crusaders got out to an early lead, some may have noticed that in the latter part of the second quarter and early part of the third, the momentum was shifting toward Ursaline and they were trying to make a game of it. But costly turnovers stunted their efforts, and the Crusaders began to unmercifully capitalize on their mistakes, turning errors into opportunities to stretch the lead. The Crusader coaching staff was able to play the JV squad in the waning moments of the 4th quarter, after the game as all but finaled in the books, which gave many players opportunity to see some game action.

For those of you who were unable to host some of the players this year, or unsure if you wanted to do so, you missed out on a great blessing. For these young men, football was the vehicle by which they were brought to this place, but Christ was the source of the camaraderie and fellowship that followed late into the wee hours of this morning, and long into the memories of those who participated.

As I sign off and head for a few zzz's myself, I pray for the continued success of both programs as they move into their final weeks of competition. May each team find fond memories of the guts and glory on the field, as well as warm thoughts of the family and fellowship afterwards.

This is the heart of Crusader Football...being ambassadors for Christ in a world where many have lost their way.

Best of luck, Lancers! May God continue to bless your season, and may He guide your steps not only between the goalposts, but well down whatever future paths He may lead you when you step off that football field for a final time. Lessons learned in that arena are priceless, so make the most of every opportunity.

Because of Him,

Brian

C rusaders 45, Cincinnati Lockland 21

2006-09-30T00:26:00.000-04:00

At first, it seemed that it would be a long night after we saw the Lockland Panthers take the opening kickoff, return it into Crusader territory and then drive down the field for an opening score in the first minutes of this game. The Crusaders found themselves on their heels and seemingly stymied by Lockland's feisty running back who seemed to run at will around the Crusader flanks.

In years past, one might expect a collective sigh from the crowd in attendance, but not one of disappointment but emphathizing with the players who had worked hard all summer and this fall to be competitive at the Varsity level. The quick score by Lockland, a much beefier team than the Crusaders, made some wonder...is it going to be a long night?

But there is something special about this Crusader team. What I observed on the sideline was an energy that had carried over from the previous week in which the coaches and players almost seemed to say "Ok...now wait until you see what we got!"

And see they did. The Crusaders put on a aerial show, with Josh Sinclair going 25-43 for 369 yards and 4 touchdowns. The no huddle offense that has been gelling over the past few weeks confused, frustrated and wore down the bigger Lockland players. By halftime, the Crusaders had a commanding lead, 28-13 and the Panthers went into halftime searching for answers to this new look from the Crusaders.

For those of you who remember last season's game, it was a battle in the trenches, with Lockland winning on a late score at their house. What a difference a season makes!

What is the most impressive with this team is the fact that they are becoming the example of preparation meeting opportunity. All of those two-a-days have paid off, as the Crusader defense swarmed to the ball and our offense lit up the skies and aired it out!

One parent overheard on the sideline quipped "I remember years when I'm not sure we scored 45 points all season, total!"

Nice job, guys! Next stop? The Sword Game at Kiski! !

B

Don't forget, the Crusader Pasta Dinner is October 1st!

2006-09-26T20:54:00.000-04:00

Come one, come all and enjoy some genuine Italian cooking with a touch of football on the side. It's time for our annual pasta dinner, our main fundraiser of the season.

On Sunday, October 1, 2006, from 11-2:30 at the Grace Brethren Church of Columbus, we are bringing a little bit of Italy to Westerville. Please stop by and enjoy all-you-can-eat-pasta, sauce and meatballs, plus salad drinks and desserts, for a very good price, and a great cause.

Grace is located at 8225 Worthington Galena Road, at the corner of Worthington-Galena and Lazelle.

All proceeds will go toward the Columbus Crusaders football program to help cover expenses and to keep costs low. Forget Hoggy's, Applebee's, Bravo or Red Lobster after church! The best deal in town is right outside after the Sunday Service! Just look for the Big Tent!

For tickets, contact any Crusader player, coach or cheerleader. Help us to raise funds for our program and then enjoy our hospitality. You won't be disappointed.

Check out these prices!!!

$10 per person
$8 for Senior Citizens
$6 for kids 12 and under and
$35 covers a family of 4 or more.

Go to www.columbuscrusaders.org for more information.

7th Grade Crusaders 20, Grove City Christian 6.

2006-09-21T23:29:00.000-04:00

The 7th Grade Crusaders improved to 4-0 on the season by besting the visiting Grove City Christian Eagles, holding the Eagles scoreless until late in the 4th quarter. Check out the gallery of photos at www.bulldogstudios.smugmug.com

A few notes on the Landmark Christian game

2006-09-18T23:36:00.000-04:00

For those of you who didn't make the trip to Cincinnati to see the Landmark Christian game, not much can really be said. Leading 49-0 at halftime, the Crusader staff made arrangements with the officials and the opposing team coaches to allow the clock to run without stopping during the second half, and the quarters were reduced from the regular 12 minutes down to 10. There is no official "mercy rule" to my knowledge in high school football, but through mutual agreement, this compromise allowed both teams to finish the game and helped to reduce the chance of serious injuries resulting from frustration or exhaustion from a drawn-out second half. From my personal standpoint, this gesture was another clear example of the core character of this football program. We desire to play hard-hitting, varsity level football, but have no intention to exploit our opponents in the process. And, due to the JV game that was played in Newark earlier that same day (in which the Crusaders were crushed 62-0), the coaches had very few substitutions that they could use to prevent the score from continuing to increase.The final score is not important here. What is important is that we pray for our opponent as they build their program so that they can continue to offer a Varsity level football program to young men in their area. As any Crusader fan knows, it is always difficult to be totally outmanned on the football field. We, as a football family, are as passionate as they come on Friday Nights.The good news is...the photographer had more of an opportunity to get shots of the Crusader Varsity Cheerleaders during the second half of the game. They now have their own featured gallery. I hope you enjoy it! This week's game will present a new challenge, however. Frontier stuck it to us last year in our final game on the banks of the Ohio River. What do you say we treat them to a hard hitting night of Central Ohio Football this week?

Let's talk some football!!!

2006-09-18T23:21:00.000-04:00

I don't know if any of you braved the elements this evening, but if you didn't, you missed out on a great JV game against Beechcroft. The game went into overtime, and the Crusader JV came up big, stopping Beechcroft inside the 5 and then scoring the game winning touchdown with a lob pass into the endzone! Crusaders 20-Beechcroft 14!

Players and fans alike enjoyed the hard fought battle. Post your comments on the game, here!

For game photos, visit http://bulldogstudios.smugmug.com

Welcome to the Crusader Blog Page

2006-09-18T22:47:00.000-04:00