Never in the history of Adrian high school sports has football season commenced after spring break, but, thanks to COVID-19 here we are. As the nation muddles through the pandemic and learning how to get back to activities safely the football team has stayed healthy and was able to start the season last Friday at Butler taking on the Bears in the annual kickoff to football season.
There has been so much concern as to how much of a season, if any, these boys would have. Any outbreak on the team or at school could spell the end to their season. So as the National Anthem played there was more than a few with a lump in their throat knowing their sons and daughters, some of them seniors, were going to have the opportunity to put on the pads or cheer uniforms for the black and gold at least one more time. Last year's senior baseball players weren't as fortunate so this game meant more than just a win or loss against a rival. It meant that what has been cherished when life was "normal" had returned if only for a week.
As for the game, well, the outcome was not the storybook ending as the good feeling felt before kickoff for the Blackhawks. Adrian returns several lettermen and a large senior class but fielded new starters at many key positions. Mistakes that come with inexperience coupled with a Butler Bears squad invigorated by a new head coach and a thirst for revenge after three straight shutouts created the perfect storm for an upset. This first game was a hard fought entertaining game that wasn't decided until the final minute of play. Adrian came just short of tying the ball game falling by the score of 20-14.
Coach's Comments:
This wasn't the way we wanted to start off the season. Give Butler credit, they are a much improved team, and they played their tails off. We just weren't very disciplined tonight, and that's on me. Way too many penalties at the wrong times. That will happen early in the year, though. We have to clean that up. I also think we got tired. At times I thought we played well. On our last minute drive we moved the ball well, we just came up short. Defensively, we just gave up too many big plays. We have a lot to work on this week. Lighthouse Christian comes to town, and they are a good team. We have our work cut out for us. Our first five games are against bigger schools, then we get into conference play. We have to use these first five weeks to get better. The conference could be won by anybody. Playing a harder non conference schedule will be good for us. We just have to stay healthy, be disciplined, and play as a team.
With tough losses like this young teams have to put it behind them, get better and take it out on the next opponent. The Blackhawks will have that chance this Friday hosting the Lighthouse Christian Chargers out of Springfield.
Originally a scheduled road game the venue was changed to Adrian just prior to the season starting. With the guarantee of a full season in doubt senior night has been pushed up to the first home game instead of the last home game. Senior night festivities start at 6:30 with kickoff at 7pm.
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