I hate to say it, but maybe not. I said two years ago that Hubbard would be in the State finals this year.
Why? Because they had some serious sophomore talent that I knew would step up in 2003. What I forgot to think about was the rest of the team.
The biggest problem that faces Chicago Public schools football programs is that lack of football. Only recently have some of these schools had a serious feeder program (AKA pee wee football) & Chicago is a basketball town (high school wise).
They lack the consitency of coaches is another. Not just head coaches but the asst who have been there for ever. look at the top programs in the state, these guys love their team, they love their town & they aren't going to try & get a head coaching job in the next school district over. Once you get a core coaching staff you need to address two other problems, additude & support.
I've watch far to many good CPL teams bow out in round one to crap suburban teams because they fall apart. The disipline is not there for a lot of these teams. I've seen more individuals on the field for what should be a team sport in the CPL this year than I've seen in the past 5 else where.
And last Support. Kids want attention, lets face it. So what are they going to do when they're getting their ass whupped in front of a roaring crowd of 50 people. Monday's practice "Coach. I quit" so now you're down to 21 kids & you're playing at some crap field at 11am on saturday morning. The parents don't support you, your school has no fans to support you & the CPL sure as hell isn't supporting you, because the locker room is wetter than the field and it's raining.
But still like you I wait for a CPL team to win the state title at any level.
Cheers,
Vincent Johnson
Posted on Nov 21, 2003, 3:23 AM from IP address 68.78.43.202