Season ending party

Well gang the 2008 Monsoon season has officially come to a close.
I for one am sad, as always, to see it end. Not only do I enjoy watching my boy play, but also the friendships and sense of community that comes along with our Monsoon family. Being part of this organization is truly a unique experience, which our family is proud to be part of.
I would like to take this opportunity to personally thank all the parents for their kind words throughout the season regarding the Blog. I really enjoyed doing this and I am already missing it!! I would also like to thank the Coaches for all their hard work and dedication to our team. Also, a very special thanks to Coach Mike and Carrie, without you there would be no Monsoon. You guys are AWESOME!!!
Finally, I would like to thank the players. You guys are great!!! I have known many of you for several years and some just one season so far, but all of you inspire me every day. I see your hard work and dedication on the field and the way you conduct yourselves off the field. I just want to say thanks for the ride. I can't wait to see how you guys turn out!!!

In closing, I just want to ask....Who's House?????
Check out the link below to the web album of the Season Party.

Playoffs Game 3 vs Falcons

"Far better it is to dare mighty things, to win glorious triumphs even though checkered by failure, than to rank with those poor spirits who neither enjoy nor suffer much because they live in the grey twilight that knows neither victory nor defeat" Theodore Roosevelt

What a run!!! Another fantastic season of Monsoon football has come to an end. While the end result was not what we had hoped for, a trip to the "final four" for the second year in a row and an overall record of 9 wins to just 2 losses is still an awesome season, something all the boys, coaches, and parents should be very proud of!!!
Looking back over the season there are many more highs than lows, the growth in ability, skills and fortitude throughout the season have been impressive, our young men are growing up, the bonds of friendship and team work are helping to shape the men they will become. It is extremely difficult to see the boys like they were after the game Saturday, but like coach Thompson said that just shows they care. This is an extraordinary group of young men that I know will go far in whatever they decide to do with their lives. I would like to take this opportunity to thank each and every player for all their hard work and dedication, throughout the season, and to congratulate them on a heck of a good season!! And a special thanks to our coaches, who put in countless hours to help our sons become better players and give them all a little piece of themselves. I know I will never forget their tireless efforts, and I'm sure the team won't either.
Now for some fun... I think it would be fun to have every parent reflect on the season in a personal way, try to pick your favorite moment, play or whatever about your kid this season. Mine is easy, this is Cody's 5th year in football, but the first time he has scored a TD. And it came in the first game!! I'm pretty sure I was more excited about it than he was!!! OK parents your turn...

Playoffs game 2 vs Bombers

HOLY COW!!!
What a great game!! Our boys really played with heart, determination, and the desire of champions this past Saturday to win over a very tough opponent in the Bombers.
Kind of a weird game, with a nice interception for a TD called back for what looked like a questionable penalty call. Then their only score coming on a fluke play. Then what was one of the nicest drives our offense has put together all season we matched the score, only to miss the point after attempt to send the game into overtime. Then our defense held them on an awesome goal line stand in overtime with some spectacular hits. And in fine Monsoon fashion we jammed the ball across the goal line to win 12-6. It was truly great to see how our boys reacted to adversity these past two games. Like I said before, we didn't have much to go on as far as how they would play after a loss, or like this Saturday, after being behind late in the game. Now all our questions have been answered, this group of young men have what it takes to be champions on and off the field. Time for some great practice this week before we go into the Falcon's nest to claim it as "OUR HOUSE".

Playoffs game 1 vs. Vipers

Here we go!!!!

Awesome victory to start our playoff run 22-6 over the Vipers.

Really solid play on both sides of the ball. The offense with great play calling and excellent execution, moved the ball up and down the field at will. Some great blocking by the o-line, and tough running by all the backs led to some nice drives, many yards, and 3 touch downs.

And the defense!!! What can you say??? WOW other than that one hiccup (what was that??)

the defense was outstanding. I can only think of a couple of first downs allowed, other than that it was pretty much shut down time!!! Give credit to the Vipers, they played tough, and hit hard, but were no match for the Monsoon on Saturday.

Now it is time to get ready to play the Bombers who are UN-defeated so far this season.

It was great to see how our team played after some adversity, we haven't been able to see how they would play following a loss, but the effort put out on the field on Saturday silenced all those doubts. The hunger and desire has returned...

Onward, to the championship!!!!

MONSOON ROLLS!!!!!

PS. Leave some comments, let the boys know how you feel!!!!

Don't forget to scroll down to see more pics!!!!

Game 8 vs. Superstition Falcons

Well here we are, uncharted territory.

All weekend I have thought about what I could say on the blog...

I guess it is best to just go for it!!!

Our first loss of the season comes at the hands of a very good, tough, and extremely big football team. We all know, and Coach Thompson has said many times we are an "older lighter" team, and on Saturday the Falcons were obviously a "younger bigger" team. And even with that, were it not for a couple of very UN-timely turn overs that resulted in two of their touch downs, our boys held their own and did a great job overall. They were unable to convert on any of their extra points and if not for the previously mentioned turnovers we could have won 8-6.

But now is not the time to dwell on it, but time to get busy and prepare for the first round of the playoffs. Many times a defeat can be used as a motivator. I heard Coach Thompson tell my kid

"what good did going UN-defeated do us last year?" We have two weeks to prepare for the next opponent, and now is the time to lace 'um up and play some Monsoon football!!!

Onward to the Championship!!!!

Game 7 vs. Gilbert Bruisers

WOW!!

What else can I say?? WOW!! What a game.

I would say that was the best competition we have faced so far this year.

Good smash mouth football from both teams for the whole game.

Much like last year, our team had superior conditioning and desire to win and continued to pound away until they finally took it to the house!!

Then our awesome defense held out for the final few minutes to seal the victory 6-0

On to next week and the final regular season game against the Falcons.

They are also UN-defeated and have a very similar record and power point total.

Our boys will need to prepare for another very tough game and be ready to play come Saturday.

P.S.

I am sure you all got the e-mail from the Henry's regarding Jay.

Jay is one of those players many of you may not know right off. He is a player who doesn't get a lot of fan fair, doesn't get yelled at in practice or games because he is a solid player who always gets the job done. We missed your good solid play on Saturday Jay, so get yourself healthy and get back out there. We need you buddy!!!

Game 6 vs. Rio Salado Pumas

Another week, another resounding win!!!

Monsoon rolls on 31-0

Again a great effort by both offense and defense, another shut out for the "D", and I think coach Mike was purposely being very conservative with his play calling to set up the second half , but a spectacular kick return by Josh #28 to open the second half, kinda put the skids on that!!!

The next 2 weeks are against very tough opponents, our boys will need to rise up and play tough Monsoon football to head into the playoffs with that coveted #1 seed.

Onward to the championship...

Don't forget to scroll down for more pics, also be sure to leave a comment!!!

Desert Ridge Homecoming

On Friday evening several of our Monsoon players (and future Jaguars) got all painted up to show their support for Christina Smith who was in the running for Queen. For those of you who don't know, Christina is the daughter of Coach Gary and Irene, and is a big supporter of Monsoon football doing a lot of volunteer work behind the scenes. Even though Christina didn't win the title, she had the loudest cheering section and she and Tommy were the best looking couple by far!!!

Game 5 vs. Ironmen

Five down Three to go!!!

Another decisive victory on Saturday for our Mighty Monsoon!!!

From the very get go this week it was all go, smash mouth football. No waiting around for half time or any of that business, the boys came right out ready to play, against a much better team,

but still no match for our dominating defense and clockwork offense.

The last couple of minutes of the first half was definitely the most exciting football so far this season. A truly mighty goal line stand with some inspired play by the defense, and then some awesome play calling and execution by the offense, to make it some 90 yards for the score just before the clock expired. There was no looking back in the second half as our boys posted a resounding 24-0 win. On to our next opponent and our last away game before playoffs.

On a side note: Did any of you see all the cars in the parking lot with "Beat Monsoon" painted all over them?? Cody and I got a big old kick out of that!!!!

Don't forget to scroll down for more pics!!!!!

Game 4 vs Superstition Sin Nombres

Monsoon Rolls On!!!

Another victory goes in the books 23-6

As suspected this team was quite a bit better than our previous opponents, but desire, coupled with great training, and awesome coaching again triumphed in the end.

The first half was a little shaky again, but with some half time adjustments our boys came out with renewed energy and dominated both sides of the ball.

Onward to next week and another game in "OUR HOUSE"

Game 3 vs. Mesa Eastern Moccasins

Another resounding victory!!!!

34-0

The team was a little flat in the first half, but a couple of long plays from the offense, a little razzle-dazzle, and we were well on our way to another win.

The defense got off to a shaky start as well, allowing several first downs on the opening drive, but settled down to come away with another shut out.

Stand out performances were made by several players, awesome effort by all.

OK, cupcakes are over, time to buckle down and get ready for some better teams. I know our team will be ready for the challenge.

GO MONSOON!

PS.

Be sure to scroll down to the bottom of the page for some additional photos!!!

Game 2 vs. Superstition Phoenix

Another victory for Monsoon football!!!

In a spirited display of smash mouth, monsoon football, our boys emerged victorious over the Superstition Phoenix, 25-6

While numerous penalties did slow down our offense and help out theirs, our team showed their resolve to end up with a decisive win.

*On a personal note*

I was kind of upset about getting scored upon, I don't think this is the end of the world or anything, but it would have been nice if they actually did score. Our defense had an awesome goal line stand, congratulations to our defense. After some thought and conversation with several of the parents and coaches, I agree with coach Thompson, The "unscored upon" business is over, time to move on. We have a great team and in many ways I think even better than last year, so being scored on now may be a blessing in disguise. Now is the time to work hard at practice, and get ready for the next opponent.

Rant over, thanks for the indulgence.

Game 1 vs. Rustlers

Here we go again!!!!

After a heartbreaking loss to end the magical championship season we had last year,

MONSOON FOOTBALL is back!!!!

The game against the Scottsdale Rustlers proved to be a great begining with a decisive victory 34-0. In a display of dominant defense, and clock work offense, and great special team play, our boys took up right where they left off, sending a message to all, Monsoon are back!!!! and ready to have another great season!!!

All the boys played great and showed what great coaching, hard work, and awesome desire can do on the field.

Little Scholars

On Saturday evening the Arizona State Sun Devils honored the Pop Warner Little scholars at half time of their season opener against NAU. A great time was had by all that attended, the boys got to meet "Sparky" and see the Sun Devils rout the Lumber Jacks.

A big high "5" to Gary Smith, Bubba Thompson, and Cody Manning for their hard work in the classroom as well as on the football field. Way to go guys!!!!

Week 4 / second scrimmage

The last week of every day practice is behind us and much like last week the scrimmage was a success. There were no injuries, we scored more than they did, and had several turnovers. So, even though this team was much better and faster, our boys were up to the task, and many valuable lessons were learned. And don't forget this team as we will see them later in the season.

Now on to the regular season opener against the Scottsdale Rustlers. The teams from Scottsdale are always well coached and physical. This will be a good test to see how our boys will do this season. I don't know anything more about them but I am sure coach Mike will have some nuggets for us all at the parent meeting on Tuesday.

Also, great news regarding C.J. Raidy. Thanks for the update from the Raidy nation. Looking forward to seeing C.J. on the sidelines to help out our new Quarterback!!!

Get well soon my friend!!!!!

Week 3 / First scrimmage

Week 3 of practice has come to an end, with a resounding "victory" in our first scrimage.

Now I know what you are saying, they don't keep score in a practice scrimmage, but the outcome with us scoring multiple times, and recovering several fumbles, and an awesome interception, on top of the defense totally shutting down the Viper offense, and no major injuries, really relates to a win in my book. Congrats to the players and coaches, and thanks to all the parents, friends and family for coming out, what a great turn out for our first scrimmage!!!

On a more sober note; best wishes to CJ Raidy. I hope we hear some great news about his hand injury after the meeting with the hand specialist on Monday. We need you buddy, heal up fast and get back in there!!!

Lunatic Fringe

Must be an omen,

During the off season Coach Thompson coined "Lunatic Fringe" as a battle cry for the new season, and on the day of our first schrimmage what did I hear on the radio???

Oh yeah, we know your out there!!!!

you're Not gonna win!!!

GO MONSOON

week 2

The second week of practice has come and gone, aside from some minor bumps and bruises all the boys seem to have made it through. It seems some of the boys have caught some kind of "bug". Those first week of school blues, but again it does seem that they get over it fairly quickly.
Looking ahead to out first scrimmage this Friday, Go Monsoon!!!

Special thanks

A very special thanks to Fred and Jackie Tafoya, for all the hard work and effort on the 07 season photo disc. It turned out just excellent and I for one will be watching this for years to come!!! Thanks again!!!

Week 1

The first week of practice is over, and now the fun begins!!
Even though we were shuffled around to here and there I think the boys took it in stride, and now we can get down to business at Crossroads for the remainder of the month.

First Practice

Monday's first practice went well, it looked to me like the boys worked hard and did well in the drills and conditioning work. Coach Thompson's speech to the parents was inspirational as usual.
Getting to see all of our Monsoon friends again and catching up was also nice. I, for one was ready to get going again after the off season. Ready for some smash mouth Monsoon football!!!!

"Courage and perseverance have a magical talisman, before which difficulties disappear and obstacles vanish into thin air"
John Quincy Adams

New season

A new season is upon us, and I for one am very excited. Last season was a very magical run for the championship. This season, lets go for the championship again, and we will take that final step and lift the big trophy!!! Lunatic fringe, we know you're out there!!!