2006.09.05

Dion Byrum and Mini-Mattis at Peden Stadium in Athens, Ohio. (April 2006)

Pee Wee Football
My son's Bantam team was idle this weekend. I assist with the 'varsity' team. We played in a wet and sloppy game. We were beaten 27-0 by a well-disciplined Catholic Central Irish team. The 'junior varisty' played extremely well. The 'jv' won by a score of 24-6.

High School Football
Mini-Mattis and I were able to attend the first half of the local high school game. At halftime, the Rams were winning 13-12. The Rams ended up losing 21-13. The Rams have not won a game since 2004. Sadly, it could be another long season for the hometown team.

NCAA Football
The Ohio Bobcats soundly defeated their 1AA opponent, Tennesse-Martin, by a score of 29-3. That is the good news. The bad news is the offense generated only 150 yards. The defense did all of the work.

This week the Bobcats will cross the border to face Northern Illinois. The Huskies will be anxious to assert themselves following a 34-3 loss to the Ohio State Buckeyes this past weekend. The Bobcats will have to step things up a noth or two offensively to compete with the Huskies.

NFL Football
The Cleveland Browns trimmed their roster o 53 and made another trade. Eagles center Hank Fraley is the latest addition to the Browns interior line. He is either the fifth or sixth center signed/acquired in the past month. The Browns need to suck it up - overcome adversity - and win some games. Otherwise, the general manager and head coach had better start looking over their shoulders.

Dion Byrum (CB, Ohio) was a final day cut of the Chicago Bears. Robert Redd (CB, WR Bowling Green) was a final day cut of the Atlanta Falcons. Robert Redd and I were teammates on the Central Ohio Lions in 2003/2004. Dion and Robert are both amazing athletes. Having seen these guys up close, it is scary to think what level NFL superstars perform at if these guys aren't good enough to make the 53 man roster.

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This is where it ends (Barenaked Ladies)

I don't cry every time I bleed,
My eyes are dry, but they're bloodshot.

Call the police and call the press
But please, dear God, don't tell my friends

Where's my pride? Where's my self-esteem?
Does it show in the drinks I've bought?
I don't hide every time I'm seen, but I try not to get caught.
Make excuses for behaviour
Can my illness be my saviour?

Mental health is overrated
This is where it ends