Winning TWICE in One Game.

Today was one of the most gratifying wins of my life. But it was really two wins and took a double OT to achieve. On a day in which the Rangers overcame losing the starting Qb on Wednesday and the 2nd team Qb in the 2nd half, AND overcame the WORST OFFICIATING IN THE RECORDED HISTORY OF MANKIND.

I have to begin with the reason for my previous statement. We had played our hearts out and held an amazing offense to only one score. Our offense had overcome great adversity and tied it up late. In the first OT, the defense held them out of the end zone and the offense SCORED on a long Lars Gabler run. AFTER the referee had signaled touchdown, the team ran onto the field in understandable jubilation. The DUMBA** referee throws a flag for get this..... sideline interference! Lars actually scored on the offensive left, clear away from our bench. Not only did the winning td get called back, they penalized us for the after-the-td infraction, took away the td, AND penalized us an additional 15 for unsportsmanlike conduct on a certain defensive coach (you may decide who that may have been).

Our team promptly scored on a gutsy 4th and inches run Robert Holocher behind GREAT O-LINE BLOCKING and this gave the defense a lift. They gashed us and got to the 5 by running. Then on 3rd and goal, Mike Graetz tackles the Qb on the 2, saving the td. Again the referees decided that their earlier snafu wasn't enough and called facemask. 1st and goal from the 1. First down, stuffed 'em. AND 2nd down, from inside the one, Raphie Dachs made a play to stop the Qb run and and Raphie Hackl tackled him when he tried to scramble away from the first Raphie, he fumbles, and Felix Schildorfer recovers! GAME OVER! RANGERS WIN!!

Game over! Rangers WIN in double OT. After having beat them in OT and then to overcome the obviously horrendous and potentially devastating referees lunacy. A lesser team could have just thrown in the towel and made the excuse the referee cost them the game. Not the Rangers! The maturity and character to overcome the adversity only reinforces my favorite saying:

Adversity; expect it- Welcome it- OVERCOME IT!

I am afraid that if I try to list all the big plays, I will leave someone out. I will watch the film and report back. I am proud to have been a part of a big win by a quality bunch of guys. Now, we must improve by quality practice attendance, hustle, and hitting.

Next Saturday, we play the Swarco Raiders. Then, on Sunday, I fly back home for our off-week. I am looking forward to playing another game but more than that, reuniting with my best friend and biggest fan.