Sunday, July 25, 2010

Stark County Pre-season Jamboree

Had an early Christmas present yesterday at Fawcett Stadium. In conjunction with East-West All-Star Game, Fawcett Stadium hosted a 7on7 football jamboree. For me, the time was valuable and very worthwhile. The old man felt good after standing in the 90+ temperature for 6 hours. As "corny" as it may sound, any time that you can work with kids, heat means little.

In the morning teams from Lake, Fairless. McKinley, Minerva, Glenoak, Alliance,Hoover, Marlington,and Maasillon competed in the morning. St Ed's made the trip to Canton also. In the afternoon East Canton, Jackson, Canton South, Perry, Louisville, St Thomas Acquinas, Sandy Valley, Tuslaw, Northwest, and Central Catholic threw the ball around.

Head Coach Ron Johnson (Canton McKinley) had much to do with the organizing and everything went smoothly. Coaches made up their own game plans and worked very well together. The competition was intense, but there were no unsportsmanlike play. Due to the tradition, this really surprised me.

Now McKinley and Massillon did not play each other, but the class of Ron Johnson and Jason Hall was very evident. I am "old school," but I applaude the character of both the kids and coaches for the level of play. No scores were kept. No trash talking. Just good competitive football.

I say all of this, but I would imagine the intensity and maybe a little "chatter" will pick up once teams keep score. Afterall, that is what Stark County football is all about.

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