While cleaning off the football gear and preparing for the Minor League season (Semi-Pro), I ran across some notes I did not publish. I made a classic rookie mistake and paid the price for it.
Classic Battle during High School Game
Late this season I worked one of the best games I've worked in a long time. 974 total offensive yard during the game, most of them rushing. And 17 penalties. A lot for a high school game. But, what a great game. As umpire, I worked my butt off. You can read about it in the local paper by clicking here. A rivalry game that went back and forth all the way to the end. There were huge swings in momentum and either team could have won. The home team had a terrible season and everyone expected blow-out. But as usually happens, the underdogs had nothing to loose and came to play. And play they did.
Late in 4th quarter the home team had held off a 4th and goal by the visitors. The score was 32 - 27. No f-ing way this should be happening. The home team had the ball around their own 15 with about 2:40ish remaining in the game. So, just make a 1st down, run out the clock, and celebrate the upset. But, where is the drama in that?
A false start, some dumb pass to the flats, a huge sack, and now it's 4th and 15 from their own 5 yard line with about 45 seconds remaining. Now, we have drama!
The punter is near the end-line when the punt is blocked...queue the slow motion close-up on the ball... switch to the linebacker standing in the end zone with his arms outstretched.... queue back to the ball hanging in the air... back to the linebacker. You get the picture. In fact, here is a picture. Notice there are no offensive players around him. The blocked punt skyrockets into the sky and takes forever to come down. The linebacker catches the ball. Touchdown.
Screw-up
During this game I made a mistake I have not made in a very long time - inadvertent whistle. And yes, I did by a round of beer after the game. A $25 dollar mistake.
The IW occurred on a pooch kick during a Free Kick (kick-off). I was working Umpire, so I was at the 20-yard line. The receiver was right in front of me. I see him waive a valid fair-catch signal and all I am thinking is I have to protect this guy. Players were bearing down on him. He must have known this also, because as the ball is slipping between his arms as I am blowing my whistle. I've explained the IW rules and options several times before. You can read about these other glorious incidents here. Wanna Get Away, Play Until You Hear The Whistle, Gridiron Brain Fart.
Spring Season
I'll be working Minor League games this spring, so I'll have plenty of interesting items to discuss in the new year.
Have a great holiday season.
