Con·serv·a·tive - holding to traditional attitudes and values and cautious about change or innovation, typically in relation to politics, religion or football.
Innovation - the introduction of something new
In 1989, Charlie Weis became a first-time head coach at Franklin High School in Somerset, NJ, installing a run-and-shoot offense, guiding Franklin Township to a 10-1 record and a state title. A much slower paced formula seemed innovative for Weis as offensive coordinator of the New England Patriots and Tom Brady from 2000-2003. Stops with the New York Jets, Kansas City Chiefs, University of Florida, University of Kansas, University of South Carolina(twice) and the University of Notre Dame should be classified as conservative.
The oldest schoolboy rivalry in Southern Ohio is neither conservative nor innovative. Ironton High School has played Portsmouth 125 times since 1899. The first meeting ended in a scoreless tie, 0-0. The game was a double-header for Ironton, which also played to a scoreless tie against rival Ashland, Kentucky. Portsmouth and Ironton are deadlocked in the series at 58-58-9.
In 1997, Ohio changed the rules for ties. If a game is tied after regulation, each team gets an offensive possession from the opponent's 20-yard line. If no winner is determined after one round of possessions, overtime play continues until a winner is determined. Now that's innovative.
Lower Merion and Radnor High School in Pennsylvania meet each Thanksgiving with a lot riding on its outcome. The annual football game played since 1897 has been a great rivalry with Lower Merion holding a slight edge over Radnor, 56 wins, 55 losses and 11 ties. Radnor High School grants the students of the school a half-day on the next school day if the school beats Lower Merion. However, the students of Lower Merion do not enjoy any similar reward.
Nobody noticed when the diminutive Timmy McCarthy brought the water bottles onto the field for Radnor during a fourth quarter timeout. Little did the Lower Merion defense know that Timmy would be staying in the game lining up at the tight end position next to the right tackle.
While in the huddle, Timmy took the ketchup packets from his pocket and spread the ketchup on his knee pads. His white pants now had the look of a player who worked in the trenches. When the teams broke the huddle, the defense didn't recognize that he was by far the smallest player on the field.
Most high school coaches like to run the ball and throw mostly on third downs. Screen passes are quite prevalent and trick plays are generally used in the season's final game.
It helped that Timmy McCarthy's older brother Tommy, was the starting QB. Other than the fact that Timmy might get trampled coming off the line, the play was called with Radnor facing a third down and one at midfield. Tommy took the snap from center and threw a short pass in the right flat to Timmy. The ketchup on the knees never touched the ground as Timmy caught the pass and lateraled to his brother who ran down the right sideline untouched.
Thanksgiving Feast with All the Fixings - Rachael Ray
“All Rachael wants is to go to bed knowing that everyone who came to Thanksgiving dinner couldn’t have had a better meal and is stuffed beyond belief.”
Herb-Roasted Turkey with Dried Plums, Parmesan Flats, Goat Cheese Truffles, Cranberry Sauce, Autumn Greens and Apple Salad, Mushroom Stuffing, Calabaza Squash with Golden Raisins and Pine Nuts, Chive Mashed Potatoes, German Chocolate Pecan Pie, Orchard Fruit Pie, and plenty of Ketchup.
One high school play from scrimmage. One half day off from school. One win on Turkey Day. Not a chance I'm playing my senior year, said Timmy. "I only have, but the one brother."
Happy Thanksgiving
Paul Murphy
Follow me on Twitter at @_prmurphy
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