Friday, September 29, 2023

Rainy Football Friday

Don't worry. I'm (most likely) not going to write about every week's football game. 

Today was an insane day. 

With bad rain, flooding and thunder and lightning happening/in the forecast, there were decisions to be made about the games. 

Personally, my feeling was it's football and it's on turf, the games should be played, but I understand it was more about the people getting there and home, people coming to the game, etc.

Ludlowe's game got moved from 6pm to 3:45pm and Warde's game got moved from 6pm to 5pm. Other games in the state got postponed, while others played at the regularly scheduled times. 

Football is a lot more more and has a lot more involved than most other sports. A lot more moving parts when changes are made. This made for a busy and crazy work day. 

Once decisions were made on moving the games, a lot of people had to be notified and things had to be changed. This means officials, game workers, police, ambulance and others. This doesn't include families, media and just other fans. 

Of course, I was at Ludlowe so then it became "game mode."

Once all the "office work" was done, it was helping to get everything set up out on the field and around the stadium for the game, while getting wet and working to keep equipment and other important items dry. 

As I always am, I was on the scoreboard for the game. I actually felt guilty being in the press box and being mostly warm and dry, at least compared to those out in the elements. We weren't totally dry as some windows had to be open and the hatch to the roof of the press box was open as the Ludlowe coaches were on top of the press box coaching and Ludlowe players were filming next to me. 

In was fun to work with Phil Simpson, who was back on the public address tonight, after working with Phil all last season. 

Well, the game did not go in Ludlowe's favor and did not last long. Lightning was seen at 5:04pm with 1:54 left in the first half with New Canaan on top 43-0. 

Due to this, the stadium had to be cleared and the teams were sent to the school. Before the teams even got off the field there was word that the game was called. Shortly, word came down that we were indeed done. The game would be final. 

I get it. Be safe, especially with the score. Now can they actually have a game be official before halftime? I'm not really sure, but that's what happened. It sounds like it might have been a similar situation in the Warde/Wilton game. 

Then it was cleaning up afterwards. The normal post-football game cleanup, plus tents that were put up to try to try to keep people dry, and other items that were left out as the teams ran for cover when the game was stopped. 

A wet, crazy, stressful, frustrating (and kind of fun, though I think few others would agree) day. 


Friday, September 22, 2023

Falcons Soar to Huge Victory In Home Opener

Sometimes we rank games and wins bigger than they really are. Maybe I am doing that, but maybe not.

Ludlowe football defeated Hamden on Friday night 35-14 in the Falcons home opener. Hamden was definitely favored coming into the game. 

I think this is the biggest win the Ludlowe football history. I'd be interested to hear if anyone else has different thoughts. I've seen a lot of the games (and most of the wins) since 2009. While there were other wins that were a lot of fun, none of those compare to this. Hamden was ranked top five in Class LL. 

Those previous teams were different than this one. As if every team. Things change over time. 

Ludlowe is currently 3-0 after beating Simsbury, Bridgeport Central and now Hamden to open the season. Big game versus New Canaan next Friday at home at 6pm. 

Big games from many, including the entire defense. I will shout out Jackson Frame, who had three interceptions and a touchdown catch and Justin Toothaker who had a touchdown catch. 

Tremendous job by all the players and coaches. Total team win. 

I was back on the scoreboard, as I will be for all the games this year, just as I was a season ago. Nice to work with Paul Piorek, who is back as the voice of Ludlowe football on the PA this season. 

The Nest, the Ludlowe student section, was awesome tonight. Not only were they out in numbers in a USA theme, but they were loud and into the game all night. 

Back at it next week. Lots of other sports between now and then.