The sleepless nights have arrived. The season opener must be right around the corner. A big part of coaching is that, no matter who we are playing, you never feel like you are fully prepared. So you watch film over and over. You draw and redraw plays. You move your practice schedule around. You play the game, each and every down, and quarter, in your mind. Over and over and over again. You want it to be perfect. You need it to be perfect. Having the Baltimore Burn as your first game, you know it has to be perfect.

The schemes are in. The timing is down. The hitting is intense. And yet, until we step on the field the butterflies will be there. I am so proud of our Team. They have been working SO hard since January. Allyson Hamlin has become the leader and QB we have always envisioned. She is poised. She is confident. And she is ready to lead the Divas to our ultimate fate. Where that is I am not sure. But I know that by studying hard, practicing hard, and playing hard we will get there together. And to me that is more important than wins or losses. Our success has always been be measured by the depth our relationships, our ability to communicate effectively, and having fun. If you can do those things day in and day out the “W’s” will take care of themselves.

It is so very important that we do not start slow. Baltimore plays with a lot of emotion. That intensity has to be matched and exceeded from the first whistle. If not, we are in for a long day. The Burn offense has the capability of scoring points in bunches. And the Burn defense is built around not giving up the big play. They have big hitters sprinkled throughout their defense led by #47. In order for our running game to be productive the O-line must keep their focus. Being a Diva fan, a Burn fan, or just a regular hard-nosed football fan, you will enjoy this game no matter the outcome. It is what football rivalries are all about. There will be drama. There will be big scores. High stakes, miscues, rewards, failures, and lots of punishment. There will be explosive tackles, and exciting play on both sides.

The key to victory for the Divas is Focus. If we can maintain our poise, our patience, and execute the big plays when the opportunities present themselves, we can be successful. Regardless of the outcome, for the Divas this game means much more than a “W” or an “L”. For us it is Life or Death, and we intend to play it that way. See you all there on Saturday the 22nd. This one is a CAN’T miss.

Sincerely,

Ezra M. Cooper Jr., Head Coach