Marion Center at Chestnut Ridge

fleaflicker · Post by **fleaflicker** » November 7th, 2005, 8:57 am

My thoughts. It's great that Ridge can finally get into the playoffs. The next step is making something happen in the playoffs. And in order to achieve that, Ridge is going to have to take a step back, at least in the wins-losses column.

Ridge has gone 7-2, 7-2, and 8-1 the past three years in the ICC. Other than winning records, what did those years have in common? Three first round playoff losses, two coming at home. In order to take the next step, and have a team that can compete with the other AA teams in a state playoff, Ridge is going to have go back to the LHAC, play a tougher schedule, and put up with a few years of going 4-5, 5-4, and maybe, with a little luck, 6-3. This, however, will give them a far larger advantage when they make a return to the playoffs. That will be knowing how to beat quality AA opponents. And that advantage will be far more crucial than any home field edge that Ridge may ever get playing in the ICC.

Post by **foghorn** » November 7th, 2005, 10:09 am

Opinionguy has spoken.

Hey, you have the right to bash us all you like though there's an ugliness to you words that goes beyond criticism. What's your personal beef against Ridge? You sure sound like you have one. Of course, I guess we could take a page from Penn Cambria and have the president of our gridiron club write a letter to the Mirror publicly blasting their current coach. That's great stuff to read from afar but absolutely deadly for a community. I'm sure there are some great seasons coming up in Cresson.

At the risk of repeating myself and the other pro-Ridge posters, DON'T READ THE FREAKING RIDGE HYPE GARBAGE if it offends you so much. It's not like there aren't a thousand other threads to keep your brain cells busy.

Unlike some people on BC who revel in the misfortune of other schools, I'm delighted that Tussey Mountain seems to be turning things around. I'm happy when any county school does well -- in any sport. But I think I'll wait until the Titans put together a few winning seasons before I view them as an example of a model gridiron program.

And in case you haven't been paying attention, CR indeed is trying to make some changes to upgrade its schedule though for some people anything short of publicly hanging the coach, his staff, the AD, the principals, and the superintendent from the western goalpost in Dr. G Stadium isn't enough. (Hey, let's throw in a custodian or two -- heck, maybe even the librarian!)

All I'm interested in is the players and how THEY play and perform and learn. Losing to Marion Center was heartbreaking but hardly embarrassing, as last year's playoff loss was. MC was a team that could have easily gone undefeated during the regular season.

We lost to a terrific Bellwood team and a Marion Center team that might not have been as talented as Bellwood but probably hit harder than any team we played all year. Players and fans are and should be upset, depressed, angry, dismayed, PO'ed, etc., etc., etc.

But not embarrassed.

Lefteyelouie · Post by **Lefteyelouie** » November 7th, 2005, 10:20 am

Nice post Foggy! Its hard for any youngs kids especially seniors when they lose their last HS football game. I really don't feel that we should be bashing them. Regardless of the outcomes in Fishertown or Bedford or how the fans in the two communities feel about the opposing program both teams lost tough games on Sat. night. Both had nice seasons and should be commended.

Lefteyelouie · Post by **Lefteyelouie** » November 7th, 2005, 10:28 am

I do have a question though Foghorn. What is CR trying to do to upgrade its schedule? I had heard they were asked to leave the ICC. I was just wondering if they are being forced to upgrade or if it is by choice.

Opinionguy · Post by **Opinionguy** » November 7th, 2005, 10:37 am

"Ugliness to my words". Nice try. Ugly because its the opinion viewed by many, many people this football community. The only people who don't have this opinion are the people associated with CR football.

Let me know where I bashed the players at any time during the year? I haven't.

The kids played hard, I'm sure they did. The kids want to win, I'm sure they do. The players really have no control over their current situation.

I mean how long do you think people are going to buy into the hype of "We are getting better even though we lose in the playoffs every year". Lets be real here. You lost to a Marion Center team would would of most likely lost to any other team in the playoffs. Yea, get that Honorable Mention all year, then get blasted in the playoffs. That's a little beyond dissappointing if you ask me.

What is my beef against Ridge? I've stated it a million times. They are:
1) Stealing another teams either higher ranking in the playoffs, or stealing another deserving teams palyoff spot all together.

2) The ability is there for a competitive team. But it seams everyone (including you foghorn) likes to make excuses why Cheasnut Ridge can't win the big game or compete in the Laurel Highlands.

Seriously here. I understand the system we play in doesn't allow everyone to play at the same level. The problem is that Ridge had that chance to play on the level, ran away from it, and now is cheating the system just to try and get recognition.

If I were a Bedford fan, I'd be highly P.O.'d at what is happening. Think of it. If Ridge is in the Laurel Highlands they probably go 5-4 ish this year. Get into the playoffs at 8. Bedford slides up to 4, McCort to 3. Bedford is traveling to Sidman this week instead of sitting at home in round 2.

How many first round playoff losses is it going to take until you realize that the route you have taken to "improve" your program is total B.S.

Lefteyelouie · Post by **Lefteyelouie** » November 7th, 2005, 11:33 am

I agree with alot of what Opinionguy had to say also. I just can't seem to pick a side here. Being from Bedford you can understand my dilema. I have to pick between CR and FH here.

Post by **Gunner18** » November 7th, 2005, 12:03 pm

the rivalry with forest hills is more competitive than with bedford, having said that, it is also less bitter. i garuantee there would be alot more cheap shots in a bedford/ridge match up than there would be in an bison/ranger match. because of that i have to pick forest hills

Lefteyelouie · Post by **Lefteyelouie** » November 7th, 2005, 12:10 pm

You are right Gunner. There is a ton of respect between the Rangers and Bisons. Mainly because the teams play so much and the games are closely contested.

ham55 · Post by **ham55** » November 7th, 2005, 12:17 pm

Bedford's misfortunes the past 2 years in the playoffs are a result of what they've done themselves, not who they've had to play. Does CR play a weak schedule and receive an unfair seeding come play-off time? Yes. At the end of the day does it matter if Ridge is the 1 seed or the 8 seed? No. They'll lose. Bad part is, I'm starting to think that about the Bisons in the postseason now too...

Opinionguy · Post by **Opinionguy** » November 7th, 2005, 12:18 pm

Forest Hills also has a great deal of respect for Bedford. More than any other team in the Conference.

But it isn't about that. It is about what is going on at Ridge. It is about whether you believe if Ridge is doing what is right for their program to be an actual success. Or has the administration just found a way to put some more people in the seats, and give the kids a sense of false hope, only to be beat in the first round of the playoffs every year.

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Marion Center at Chestnut Ridge