BleacherCoaches.com

yes the lose was a hard thing for the lions but for the next few games they kept their heads on their shoulders...dunno what happened the last 2 games tho.

I think it has alot to do with the coaches and players equally. Preparing a team from week to week after winning all year is easy to do, confidence is high, the will to work is there, and they know they have the ability. When a team loses a tough game, like this year for Ridge vs. Bellwood, the next week(s) of the season in preparation is the most important. The players begin to doubt what they can do after suffering a tough loss. A team would sooner lose 440-0 and forget about it than lose 22-20 in overtime and have to answer all these what-if's. The coaches have to instill confidence in their players and rebuild them. Weather that be by running them into the ground the next week at practice or taking it easy.