Friday Night Lights Week 9

Cal had been told he will be the starting tailback last Friday night. But the weather had been horrible with constant rain all day Thursday and Friday. The coach had told me that they were concerned with Cal's fumbles earlier in the season, so it was no surprise that they didn't start him. The fullback was sent in as the feature back, but Cal's team couldn't get a drive past their opponents 40 yard line.

On their third possession (game still tied 0-0 and in the 2nd quarter now), they put Cal in. This wasn't like they usually use him (maybe 1 or 2 carries in a half). They were actually giving him the ball to move the team down the field. And he DELIVERED. With all the mud and slop, he had a hard time breaking into the open field but he pushed his way down the field on a couple of rushes and a couple of pass receptions. The last one of the drive he caught would have been a touchdown, but he slipped in the mud at the 3 yard line. No worries though, as the next play was a completed pass for a TD to the WR.

On the next drive, he caught a pass and was able to get into open field. 27 yards later = Touchdown!

Even more importantly, he never fumbled or even bobbled the ball. He protected it perfectly.

In the fourth quarter Cal was rushing the ball well again. He took one for 15 yards and slipped while making a juke at the 1 yard line. The coach brought the fullback in to finish the job and get the TD.

Overall, it was a great game- a win 28-0. Cal was called upon and he did not disappoint. Final stats were 8 carries for 52 yards and 3 receptions for 48 yards and 1 Touchdown. Official stats are here. He led the team in total yards and made the big plays when they needed them.

**Of course the coach made it clear to Cal during film reviews that he didn't hit the cutback lanes properly. He didn't select him as player of the week (but he did pick an offensive lineman- so that is a good thing). He also moved him back to 3rd string. Cal said he found out that they started him because Troy (#1 back) had gotten detention last week. Although Troy got to play, he was punished by not starting at tailback. He did start on defense.

Cal said it just felt really good to be given the opportunity and to not only not let them down, but to play really great. I concurred that he did great and I am proud of him.

Final game of the year is this Friday night. They are playing a 1-8 team so it should be fun. Will Cal play or not? We shall see.