Ridge over Bedford 15 - 13

[foghorn]

It was an important Ridge victory, no question about it, but the games Southpaw mentioned certainly were also impressive, especially for those of us who remember them. Those late 60s Dick Fisher (excuse the freaking filter!!!) Richard Fisher Ridge teams were especially terrific. I remember that some pretty darn good Bedford teams -- whose mmembers included Tom Rogish, Mike Zimmerman, John Bullington, Jim Krivoski, the Ressler brothers, Jeff Hamilton, etc. -- scrimmaged the Lions in the pre-season and had all we could handle. I even remember one of our coaches say he was glad we didn't play them in the regular season.

Perhaps this present Bedford team isn't on par with some of their teams from the past three years, but you could perhaps make the same argument for Ridge too. I personally think think that the most recent Ridge teams had more talent -- on paper. These present guys just seem to have a little more mental toughness. At any rate, for a long time I've heard on here how even mid-level LH teams could mop up on the ICC. Well....

Before Bedford people start clamoring for Swaim's head -- which is stupid, as far as I'm concerned -- all I can say is where was this great concern when the administration/school board eviscerated the Bedford football program when they suddenly decided Max Shoemaker -- probably the best coach Bedford ever had -- couldn't coach varsity? I know a few people made strong efforts to stop this decision, but there was no public outcry. As usual, Bedford lucked out by getting a good coach in Swaim and a variety of dedicated assistants who decided to remain.

Some Bedford people seem to not only dismiss the present team and coaches but actually feel as if they're responsible for a great betrayal. I'm sure with public support like that the Bisons will be real positive going into the McCort game.

[Lefteyelouie]

Good perspective on things Foggy!!

I was one that was strongly against Coach Shoemaker being removed. I have always said it was a terrible decision by an out of touch administration. However, Bedford did get lucky to get a coach of Swaim's caliber. I feel in this game he may have been caught looking ahead. CR clearly was more ready to play then Bedford. I don't think prior to this game many people even from CR would have said Wilkins would outcoach Swaim.

Your right these boys and coaches are taking lots of heat right now. They just need to circle the wagons and play hard this week. I don't know that they can beat BM. But I want to see them come out and play with some PRIDE.

[southpaw]

First left-eye of course 98/100 people right now would agree most haven't come down from cloud nine yet. But those games I mentioned and a few others if looked at from posterity trump the big win Friday night. What is interesting to me is that both teams were 6-3 and considered a retooling year for both teams after last year. I think the Ridge team as lived up to expectations. Sure we had a few bumps along the way but we been in position to win every game this year but with young kids that's not always going to happen. Ridge had several underclassmen step up big time and two sophomores who didn't play like sophomores but upperclassmen and that experience hopefully will pay off next year! On the other hand Bedford loses all their skill players but does have some lineman back but it will be another rebuilding year for the Bisons next year.

[southpaw]

left-eye...the biggest loss ever for Bedford? Maybe the football tides are changing like the wrestlting ones did five year ago? LOL

[Lefteyelouie]

They very well could be southpaw. I do believe it is the biggest loss ever for Bedford. This could open the flood gates.

[southpaw]

From what I have seen in the Junior high ranks the cupboard could be pretty bare for awhile!

[Lefteyelouie]

Yeah, I'm not sure where things may be headed. If Lefteye decides to reproduce he may have to look for housesin the CR school district. LOL I'd pay tuition at BM before that. haha

[southpaw]

Oh I think you'd fit in real nice with the New Baltimore crowd left-eye! lol!

[TheAnalyst]

First wrestling, now football.

Further proof that the end times are near.

Congrats to Ridge on a big win. They have a good team with nice athletes. They always seemed to be in position in this game. These teams seemed fairly evenly matched and the two point conversion (good coaching decision) and fumble with the two penalties were huge. Can't give a team free yards when you have them backed up like that. Turnover and penalties keep hurting Bedford, which to me shows a lack of concentration and discipline. But Bedford lost to a good team and there should be no shame in that. I would be really disappointed if Ridge was a terrible team and beat Bedford, but that wasn't the case. I really expected Ridge to fold after that first touchdown like they would have done in the past. There have been several games Ridge should have won over the years and didn't, so I'm sure this one feels good.

I don't think people should be calling for Swaim to resign. I have been skeptical of him, but this year I think he has done a decent job with the talent he has. It was hard to tell how good of a coach he was with the talent he had since he has been there. And Shoemaker didn't have an outstanding playoff record either, so you can't really base it on that. I think Swaim is young and is going to make mistakes. Part of the learning experience and it's easy for everyone to sit here and second guess. Many people were upset with the Shoemaker decision. But it seemed like nothing was going to change the mind of the board, so why fight it.

Speaking of second guessing. Why wasn't Bedford in a hurry up offense? Especially at the end of the game. They were basically counting on that two point conversion and left themselves little time to score again. I didn't understand that. I thought Swaim usually called his plays with the team on the line of scrimmage and they didn't do that at all.

Has Ridge played this well all year, or did it all come together against Bedford?

[ham55]

Left-eye,

I've got a great idea to help assist in your PRIDE category, check your PM and get back at me...