Coloma vs Watervliet: The Final Meeting

As you may have heard, Coloma vs Watervliet will play their final football game this year.  This will be the 102nd meeting between the two schools, with a rivalry starting over 100 years ago.  The two communities are close, in location and in family ties, will see their final game which abruptly announced this game will be the last.

With Coloma joining a new conference, the Wolverine, Coloma can play intra-conference games for their non conference games instead of what they have had to do in recent years, traveling to places like Hamilton High School, or having teams from Canada or Indiana come to McDaniel's Field. The downside is that the big game at the beginning of the year is gone.  Sure, the rivalry isn't what it used to be, with the teams being a less than competitive in recent years, and the game traditionally being at the end of the year.

But its a shame to see the game go away forever.  It is something I have looked forward to for the last 15 or so years, when I started going to Coloma games.  I remember the 100th game, with the throwback jerseys, the introducing old players before the game and all the celebrations.  Coloma won that contest, as they did my senior year game.  Last year Coloma wasn't so lucky in the final game in Coloma, but I thought the rivalry would continue.

Working at the local grocery store, I remember talking to customers and coworkers about the game.  Everyone was always really excited for it.  There was always a lot of bragging going on.  Sure, it was small town Michigan high school football, but the rivalry was real and intense, and a lot of rivalries can't say that. 

Its terrible this game is ending.  Its more awful that in 20 years, 30 years down the road, I will tell people about how when I was a young football fan, Coloma had a truly great and long rivalry with the team down the road. 

NCAA 12: What We Have Been Waiting For

NCAA Football came out about a month ago today.  So I have had plenty of time to play it through and try out all the game has to offer.  So here is my review.

If you have not already bought this game, do it soon.  It has the best, smoothest game play I have ever seen for any football game, Madden, NCAA or QB Club 1999.  The running engine has been overhauled, again, which at first I was not pumped about, but after playing I see why they did it.  I don't know if I could go back and play an older game after seeing this.  The running backs can make real cuts and accelerate like they should.  The tackling system is better too, with no more magnet style movement to the runner no matter if your the defensive player or not.  This makes the game much more enjoyable and easier to play. 

The graphics are better this year, as they always are.  But this year they are actually impressive.  They removed a lot of the glitches and added 3D grass.  The players look more realistic the stadiums have their own identity.  The fans are louder and look like people, not cardboard cut outs.  The atmosphere, with custom team entrances, feels like college and not like Madden comes to campus. 

The new features, such as starting as a coordinator and climbing up the coaching tree, or playing both sides on Road To Glory, makes the game more fun and deep.  I can play both and one doesn't overtake the other.  The little changes to the dynasty mode, as improved recruiting and custom schedules and conferences, makes the game more how college football should be, exciting and unpredictable. 

I can honestly say this is the best NCAA Football game I have ever played, and the best football video game ever.  Period.  They took the problems that has been plaguing the game, fixed them, and then fixed things that weren't really broken.  It is nice to see EA really try after taking a decade or so off with no competition.  I can only hope the same effort was put into Madden 12, which comes out at the end of the month.

Lets Not Forgot Those Who Won

This week sports fan got a special treat as the NHL and NBA concluded and for many people their dreams came true for those who lost.  LeBron and the evil Heatles lost in 6 games to the team oriented Dallas Mavericks, who have only one superstar on their roster.  Luongo and the choke artist Canucks once again blew a lead in a series to be outplayed down the stretch.  But I feel like lost in all of this joy of the villains losing, we will forget the achievements of the heroes, much like every Superman movie ever. 

I just hope that people can successfully balance out LeBron losing with Dirk winning.  Dirk had a great story, a redemption story, versus a superstar version of the team that did it earlier this decade.  Sure, LeBron made a bunch of people angry but he didn't lose as much as Dirk won.  Look at Jason Kidd, who turned his career around by learning how to shoot a basketball.  Sure, the Big Three will probably get a title if basketball is played within the next few years.  But, lets not let the hatred for the losers cloud our judgement.

Same with the NHL.  A lot of people rooted against Vancouver because they had some players that rub them the wrong way, because they wanted to see that Canadian drought run longer, or because they have been built up into a great team.  But Tim Thomas, the NHL's Dirk, won his first cup and possibly the Vezina in a few weeks.  He battled in the minors for years to finally get a shot to win.  Boston has waited as a city for so long for a title from their sometime forgotten Bruins. 

 I just hope five years from now, we see this is as the month where Dirk and Thomas overcame the odds and waiting for years to win titles in their sports, not lost titles for two all star teams. 

Glad To Be Back

It has been almost two months since I last wrote on STWWC.  And it was only about once a month before that.  Much less than at my height of almost everyday.  Work and school has really been keeping me busy, but now since its just work for a while, it isn't so bad.  Time away has made me think how much I miss doing this and miss writing my opinions at sports.  Some other factors have contributed to my not being around. 

The Cubs are awful. Awful and with little hope of improvement in the next five years.  Now we are looking to compete in 2015 at the earliest. 

The Red Wings losing was very disapointing.  Hopefully they turn it on and sign some big free agents to generate some excitement.  Otherwise, I can't see this team winning a title.  They have money now use it.

Oh and one thing,

THE NFL LOCKOUT!!!

I didn't think it would affect me so much.  Being away from Pro football, not knowing when It will come back.  I did say I wouldn't care until July, when camps are supposed to be opening and actual football was really close.  I was so wrong.  The draft was less interesting now than ever.  And the Lions had a great weekend!  It was just sad.  I'm sad there is no free agency or UFA signings.  Why haven't they settled this?  Are they waiting for one side to blink?

Well, I'll try to be on here more.  Being away has made me miss it for sure.  But unlike the NFL, I want to come back and not argue all summer over splitting up 9 billion dollars. Yeah I'm bitter!

Detroit Lions Wish List: A Draft The NFL Forgot

This is a tough year for the NFL, with the lockout in effect and the possibility of missing real game time exists.  In the mean time, lets act like its not happening and focus on the NFL Draft.

The last few years, the Draft has been something I looked forward to as my Super Bowl every year.  We seemed to always have very high picks and always had an idea of who we would take before March.  Luckily, the Lions actually won some football games and have the thirteenth overall pick, with multiple options to be taken.  Let's look at the Lion's option for this month's player selection ceremony. 

Biggest Needs:

OT:  I know people say Jeff Backus is underrated and the whole offensive line isn't that bad.  But Backus gave up kill shots and the Lions need to start thinking about replacing him.  There is some good depth at this position this year and may be some options in the second round.  Godser is in a make or break season this year, and although he looked better last year, he still isn't where I'd like to be on the offensive line.

OLB:  This is a huge need, with our options being a bunch of special team guys or Bobby Carpenter, who never lived up to the hype in Dallas when the Lions claimed him.  Lots of options here, but maybe not at 13.

CB: Houston looked pretty good last year, better than I expected.  He is a good one, probably a great two on other teams.  We need someone to pair with him to help out the other side.  Alphonso Smith looked good at nickel, and is still young.  I think he should stay there and make plays like last year.  I know he got destroyed a few times next year, but the potential is there.

Wishlist:  Maybe not as big of needs, but stuff I would like and feel better about:

Resign Stanton, or draft a young, developmental QB.  Stanton showed flashes of being a good solid backup, maybe even a successor to Shaun Hill is a longterm backup.  Then again it could just be a few games and he might search for a starting job somewhere.  A late round flyer would be nice for a QB to groom as a new backup, something everybody else in the league seems able to do. 

Another Running Back:  Jahvid Best should be good, maybe even special, but he can't do it alone, and Kevin Smith isn't the answer and Morris is aging.  A new tough running back, maybe even in the second  round.  It could go a long way to help the offense and balance out the team. 

Wide Receiver:  Nate Burleson is solid but needs to stay healthy and play better.  Megatron is a top five in the league talent.  Behind them, there isn't much talent.  A new WR should be brought in to help the offense and help Calvin not be triple covered every play.  The Tight Ends help the situation with their pass catching but there is still work to be done. 

Right Guard:  Get extreme, get a new right guard.  Peterman looked lost and regressed in a penalty filled, injury marred season.  A new Guard could do wonders for the run and pass protection for the potentially All-Universe offense the Lions could run. 

Players Weston Corbitt Likes:

Quarterback:
TJ Yates, UNC
Scott Tolzien, Wisconsin
Jerrod Johnson, Texas A&M

Running Back:

Ryan Williams, VA Tech
Daniel Thomas, Kansas State
Shane Vereen, Cal

Wide Reciever:

Torrey Smith, Maryland
Titus Young, Boise State
Terrence Toliver, LSU

Offensive Tackle

Nate Solder, Colorado
Tyron Smith, USC
Mike Person, Montana State

Offensive Guard:
Orlando Franklin, Miami, FL

Outside Linebacker
Casey Matthews, Oregon
Von Miller, Texas A&M
Bruce Carter, UNC

Cornerback
Prince Amukamara, Nebraska
Jimmy Smith, Colorado
Ras-I Dowling, Virginia


A lot of these positions could be filled by the end of the year with some good young players developing.  Then again, until at least half of these holes are filled, the Lions won't ever make a deep run into the postseason. 

Two Year Anniversary

With today being March the 12th, we have arrived at the second birthday of Season Tickets With Weston Corbitt.  First I'd like to thank my fans, my family, my friends, all my readers (which include John Madden, Tom Izzo and Calvin Johnson) for supporting this blog over the years.  All my guest bloggers who brought a better experience for people.  And all the other great blogs who have shown me some love.  It makes it all worth it.

Sadly, I don't have the time I would like to blog and write like I used to.  I have been pretty busy with school and work this year and although I try to make time to write its still hard to find the time.  I will keep writing, hopefully more than the past few months, and hope over the summer to really write a lot about my number one passion. 

The blog has come a long way, since the ESPN news feed style stories to actual kind of good writing.  I have included my family and friends, which is the most fun I have had blogging.  The playoff picks to season predictions has been a lot of fun to think of and see on my screen.  I have so much fun doing this and I hope to for many more years past this. 

So, much like the first blog, I follow MSU and their march to madness.  This year has been rougher than the last two, but still they are alive and that is more than I could say a few weeks ago.

Thanks for reading and I hope you can continue to read and find the joy I have writing these fun little posts on my views on sports. 

Tiger Woods: What’s the next step?

My friend Alex Johnson is a golf expert.  Playing, watching, following and analyzing.  To better cover the entire sports world, I asked him to cover golf for STWWC for the majors, players and other stories in golf.  Here is his first entry, and although it is a little different than what I write, I think you will like it.

In the past year and a half or so, Tiger Woods has gone from having not only the Golf world wrapped around his finger, but the entire sporting world. He was the most adored athlete across the globe.  Americans loved him because he was the world beater, and he belonged to us. China loved him because he was a proven winner, and they respect that. Hell, he gave the Black and Asian communities common ground (Tiger’s mother is Taiwanese, his late father a Black American war veteran.) He was loved the world over.

 Then he crashed his BLACK Cadillac (an AMERICAN company) while wearing clothes made in an ASIAN country  into tree and fire hydrant. Symmetry.

You all know by now that he is divorced, loves feeding his kids mac and cheese more than going to the range, and is $150 million lighter in the wallet. I am all for the institution of Marriage and what it stands for, but Tiger’s biggest mistake wasn’t having sex with all those women. Tiger’s biggest mistake came when he said “I do.” Without those two words, Tiger Woods is simply golf’s Derek Jeter. Big sports star gets a ton of action and nobody cares because “Hey, he’s a single guy.”

The Masters saw Tiger return to professional golf. He played to a T4 finish and everyone thought “This guy hasn’t missed a beat.” Then Tiger shot his worst competitive total last year at Firestone, a venue he dominated. He made a run at a few other tournaments, and was leading after 54 holes at his own tournament the Chevron World Challenge. Tiger Woods after 54 holes doesn’t lose. Until Graeme Mcdowell caught him and handed him a nice second place finish worth $650,00. Don’t feel too bad for the guy.

Now it is 2011, Tiger is 15 months or so removed from his last competitive victory. He’s dropped Hank Haney as his swing coach, Swedish Supermodel Elin Nordegren as his wife, his sex addiction, his #1 spot in the Official World Golf Rankings, and seems to be completely lost as to where to go now.

Don’t worry Tiger, I’m here to help.

Sean Foley is now working with Tiger on his swing. I have seen a couple major changes in this new swing as compared to the Hank Haney swing and the Butch Harmon Swing.

The Harmon swing was just a full out, guns blazing slash at the ball. His hips began to clear before his hands got set at the top. His swing plane was much flatter, and the speed at which his body unwound was unreal. It was more of a power and talent swing then. It literally tore his knee apart. So after 8 Major titles and a couple knee surgeries, he made the decision to let go of Harmon, and begin working with Hank Haney.

The Haney swing saw Tiger’s plane go more upright, a more refined swing. It didn’t torque his knee as much, and saw the emergence of deadly precision with the scoring clubs from anywhere on the course. Through both swings, Tiger’s putting was phenomenal. You expected him to make every putt in a clutch situation, just like Rocco knew he’d make that curler on the 72 hole of the 2008 U.S. Open. Tiger doesn’t miss those putts, ever. End of discussion. 6 more Majors and another knee surgery – why not, let’s switch coaches again.

And this brings us to present times and coach. Sean Foley. Sean has worked with Hunter Mahan, Justin Rose, Sean O’Hair. They are all solid players. They all have about the same problem. Short game and consistency. Justin Rose won twice in a month last year, haven’t heard of him since. Hunter Mahan has a short game that makes most weekend golfers think they could hang with him from 50 yards in. Sean O’Hair just doesn’t make sense, weak as they come on the PGA Tour if you ask me. So what does this have to do with Tiger?

Since working with Mr. Foley, Tiger’s short game has looked average at best in spots, and downright awful in others. He stills shows flashes of brilliance, but not nearly as often as we are accustomed to. Tiger is missing greens from the middle of the fairway with a short iron in his hand. Never happened with his old swing(s). His putting is also average, now you wonder if he still has the magic stick when it comes to crunch time.

Tiger is just mentally shaken. He is torn between trying to make a golf shot and make a golf swing. Yes folks, they are different. You think about the mechanics of your swing during your swing, making a good golf shot becomes damn near impossible. And you aren’t Tiger Woods.

The sooner Tiger can get his mind off of where his hands are supposed to be at the top of his swing or when to fire his right hip and just trust what he has done on the range, the better of fhe will be. And he has to switch putters. The Titleist he has been using isn’t working for him anymore. He’s playing more like the weekend duffer than he has since he was 4 years old, might as well give some new equipment a try like the rest of us do.

I do think that Tiger will get comfortable enough with his swing to win a golf tournament this year. No Majors. But he will win a tournament by a couple shots, I’m guessing at the end of the year some time. Once he gets that taste of victory back, everybody else better get ready.

They’ll be playing for second place once again.