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AFM Magazine

AFM Magazine


Inside the Numbers - Running Up The Score

by: AFM Editorial Staff
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Reward Kids:
“Too many times coaches will make decisions based on statistics, things such as streaks of holding opponents under 14 points or letting a rusher break a hundred. I am a firm believer that once the game is in control every kid needs to be rewarded for their hard work and have the opportunity to play.” - Bryan Gray (GA)

If there is a chance:
“I don’t make the decision of when to pull starters for my team. My preference is to leave the defensive starters in if there is a chance for them to achieve a shut out. I’m also not comfortable with playing our reserve players who are mainly JV when the opponent does not pull their starters.” - Alan Willoughby (AL)

True Story:
“In the last game of the 2005 season we were playing a playoff-bound team. We fell behind early in the 1st half, and with a significant lead, they continued to play all starters. At one point, they were sending ten players to block our punts, they kicked an onside kick, they continued their passing attack, and they kept giving their all-state running back the ball. In the end, they put up 64 points and beat us by 50. We suspect they were using this game for state playoff seeding purposes. They told us that they wanted to work on parts of their game like punt blocks, onside kicks and passing game to prepare for the playoffs. You don’t work on these things in a game at the expense and embarrassment of an opponent, you should do so in your practices.
“Their head coach was the president of our state coaching association, and later wrote a letter to all members about the importance of sportsmanship and fair play – I still shake my head at that one.” - Anonymous

Character of the Coach:
“I think it’s important to keep things in perspective. Be sure to treat your opponent the way you would like your players to be treated. I feel running up the score is not OK, there have been many times our team score was out of line and we were doing everything possible to keep the score down. I think it shows the character of the coach and the values the coaches are teaching to the kids.” - Tim Dodson (OR)

Do the right thing:
“We have been fortunate to have had some very good football teams the last couple of years. When we are in control of the game, we don’t hesitate to play our 2nd and 3rd-line players. We expect them to play hard, get game experience, and take pride in being part of the team. We won’t use any pressure on defense and we run a basic offense. It has cost us in the stat department and some higher all-league spots for some players, but we feel comfortable with this approach and the players understand.” - Jim Morena (CA)

It’s like life:
“I believe good sportsmanship dictates that the coach with the big lead should pull his starters. I am thankful for the opportunity to give my players an example of good sportsmanship. On the other side, I would hope that a coach would extend that courtesy, but I NEVER expect it.
“I like to tell my players, that, just like life, you don’t always get to date the prettiest girl, get the job you want, or have the boss you want, but you still have to work hard to put food on your table and deal with circumstances beyond your control.” - Charles Cerney (FL)






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