Desserts for Tanner

Tomorrow night. Round 3. Number 3 Tanner comes to town. And in their minds, this game is already won.

The Rattlers are big, strong, skilled, and unchallenged so far this season. Their road to the round 3 game has been a cake walk. They are already thinking about round 4. But, what they don't know is on Friday night, we aren't serving cake.

It blows my mind that any team in 2A north would fail to recognize the Bobcats as a contender after what they have accomplished in recent years. They say, "Respect isn't given; it's earned." And, that's true. But you can't tell me that Woodland hasn't earned respect. The fact that they have survived the gauntlet that is 2A Region 5 to make the playoffs for 8 consecutive years should speak for itself. If that's not enough, don't forget the fact that our Cats have played in the championship game twice during that run. Need more? As a three seed, we have knocked off two playoff teams with higher seeds and better records already this season. Not only have they done so, but they've done it with class and sportsmanship and pride.

I think that speaks for itself. However, there's more to our team than measurable accomplishments. We are never the biggest, strongest, or fastest guys on the field. But, we have that thing you can't measure, that thing you can't teach. Our guys are fighters. Those of us who follow the team have seen it over and over. We beat teams we shouldn't. We do things that are impossible. We fight.

On Friday night, we will have another fight on our hands. This team is good. Really good. We'll have to be perfect. We'll have to be physical. We'll have to play the best game of the season. Because right now, the only advantage we seem to have over those guys is that WE know we have a chance. They certainly don't think we do. They haven't even paused to consider the possibility of losing to us.

While they might not lose, the guys in the green and black who have to stand toe to toe with our Bobcats will know, when they walk off that field, that they've been in a fight. And, if they aren't ready for the fight, it won't be cake they are eating. It'll be humble pie. Because, our guys don't quit, they aren't afraid, they're not pushovers. And, they don't take too kindly to being disrespected. The joke may be on you, Tanner.

No matter what happens tomorrow night, I am so proud of our Bobcats. The players and the coaches. What they have accomplished this season so far is to be commended. I can't wait to put on my orange and head out into the cold hours before kickoff and yell myself hoarse in support of our team. And, I hope I get to do the same thing next week.