Fights are not for football

I like to watch sports and I like high school sports but I saw something on Friday night I don't like to see anywhere but in a boxing match. I saw the Lincoln Splitters (who actually won the game) get into a fight on the field with the Belleville Tigers.
Both teams had players take their helmets off and swing at each other. Four players were ejected from each team and they are not allowed to play this week as well. I was up in the press box when it happened so I was not in direct contact with it (as I have been before). This was the first time in all my years I saw Belleville do this but not the first time it has happen with Lincoln.
From where I was sitting it got out of hand quickly but the officials and and coaches got it under control rather quickly. I give them credit for that. More players in my opinion should have been thrown out.
I pretty much have a zero tolerance for this. Just like a fight at school. This is a school function and you are representing the school on the field.
Hopefully I don't see too many more of these this year. The last one was a few years ago when Ypsilanti lost control at Milan. It ruined the rest of the Ypsi season. Let's up this doesn't ruin either Belleville or Lincoln's season.

Tigers look strong

I like watching professional sports and we are not always able to write about it. Since the Detroit Tigers are doing so well I want to take this opportunity to say I think they can win their division this year.
Watching Justin Verlander pitch has been exciting all year. It is nice to have a potential Cy Young Award winner in your rotation. He is one of the most exciting pitchers I have watched in a long time. The Tigers are interesting this season. Last year some things happened and they didn't quite make it to their potential. I guess you could say they fell apart.
This being said it hasn't happened this year and will more than likely not happen now.
The 2-1 win last night over the Rays was exciting and all the games lately have been very interesting and coming down to the final inning.
I like Detroit and I like the Tigers. I can't wait to see how far they get.

Manchester vs Clinton

Anyone interested in one of the biggest football rivalries in the state should go to Eastern Michigan University on Thursday at 5 p.m. and watch Manchester battle Clinton. These teams have played each other over 100 times in the past. Clinton holds the series advantage by a slight amount and there are four ties involved as well.
Manchester coach Wes Gall said his team loves to play Clinton and they have won the last two meetings. I am excited to see my first game between the two on such a huge stage.
Stop in and get your tickets at Manchester HS ($8 adults and $6 for students). You can get them by noon on Thursday.
Look for me on the sidelines or in the booth. Give me a shout and a wave.

Football camps

I will say this is the first time in a few years that I have gone to several football camps for high school. I will also add it has been an interesting experience to see the different coaches and the ways of holding camp. From a young coach at Ypsilanti High (Jason Malloy) to an older more experienced coach at Manchester (Wes Gall). It has been a treat.
I look forward to watching some good games this season. It will start for me at the Kickoff Classic at Eastern Michigan University next Thursday when I watch the opener when Manchester battles Clinton which has been a win for the Flying Dutchmen for the past two years.
The next day Belleville will battle Lincoln in a battle with two teams who as far as I can tell have never played each other and they are literally right down the street.
Ypsilanti will battle Milan is what has become a bit of a rivalry game between the two. Milan has come away with the wins as of late but I have a feeling this could be the year of the Phoenix or at least that way for the first game of the season. Look for Austin Sanders to play a big role in this one.
I can't wait look for some exciting high school football.

Lincoln coach will be missed

Late on Friday I learned that one of my favorite coaches in baseball would be retiring. Lincoln's Marty Lozano was calling it quits after 20 years of coaching baseball and football.
He was always one of those coaches that was interesting to talk to and he played in a very competitive league (Southeast Conference). Lozano would state year after year how tough his conference was and it was always backed up by the fact that a team or two would make it to the state finals from the SEC. A few years ago Saline battled Pioneer in the finals.
He was a fair coach with and excellent staff including his son Carlos who was also a big part of his coaching.
Marty is one of those coaches who did a job and did it well. He was not in it for himself but rather to make the kids better so they could understand the game more and this may sound cliche but understand life lessons as well.
I have covered many coaches over the years but he was a special one. Lozano was one of those guys who loved what he did and preached it on and off the field. Good luck to you in whatever you will be doing. Come spring time it will be hard not having you to cover.
Look for a story very soon in print to follow this blog.

Friday night lights

Time for football practice and you know what that means? Pretty soon the first game of the long season will be played. This year for me it will be at the Eastern Michigan University Kickoff Classic and it will feature Manchester against Clinton. Two teams that know the meaning of rivalry.
I will also get to see Lincoln battle Belleville the next day and I hope the other game we cover will be Milan against Ypsilanti.
I am really excited about the entire season and can't wait to get out and see the camps. We will have a story, photos and videos from each camp this season and start running them on Thursday.
Looks like summer is officially over and the fun will begin!