Here We GO!!!

The Noles are set to begin the season with a pre-season game against the Patriots on Saturday. As a coach I am excited to see the excellent turnout the last couple of weeks practice. Every practice you guys have shown up at least 40 strong. Now in Minor professional football that is really unheard of for all the practices to be that deep, but it lets me know that you guys are believing in the coaches and the game plan for this upcoming season.

Many guys are wondering about the depth chart and where they stand. A true depth chart can not be established until after a real game situation. This weekend alot of you guys will get a chance to show your abilities. Please be aware that you are being evaluated in all aspects, from game performance, to arriving on time, being a team player, staying focused on the sidelines and alot more.

Right now the position battles at running back and cornerback are really close and we will be looking for the standouts this weekend.

Wide receivers need to know the route tree, you will be evaluated on your routes and blocking.

For the NOLES we have to remember that all teams in the league are looking to bust our heads. No one will come unprepared to play us. Therefore we must put the best on the field. These teams are not going to lay down for us, but be pumped up for us. So in turn we must raise our game, our expectations.

So as we prepare for this first game, As a coach I can say we are the best, just by the efforts we are getting from you guys, but we still must work on being a team of ONE. We need to be hitting on all cylinders, from the guys who are doing special teams to the starters......WE need everyone focused on the ultimate goal.......

THE MAGNUM CUP!

Trails and Tribulations

So are you a believer? Do you think that obstacles are placed in front of you for a reason. Well I do!! For the past couple of weeks we have had problems locking down a practice field. You also think that when you do everything by the book, it will all be fine. Now we could have taken the chance at just showing up to fields and hoping the lights are on, or that we have a place to park, or no one else is taking up the field, but we decided to do it the legit way, pay for the field, pay for the lights, and bingo we're good, right!......well let me tell you how the devil works. You do everything the right way and he finds something or someone to try to destroy what you are putting together.

Thurgood Marshall - wow, what needs to be said, day one we show up the lights didn't come on til 8:45. Day 2 - got little league football til - 8:00. Day 3 everythings okay - Day 4 cool - here comes the problems. We miss a week of football practice due to weather! Well we can't control the weather, but on Thursday we come to practice and find out no practice cause the it rained 4 days prior to that day!!! HUH? Week 3 - find out they have shut the field down a month and a half early for maintenance - wow just out of the blue.

Through all of these things the devil put in front of us, we still maintained. We still practiced, we found another practice field. We still showed up 45 strong to practice on a 4 hour notice.

When GOD puts something together no one can tear it apart. This will only make us stronger, better, hungry and determined. We now know that is not going to be easy. We will face trials and tribulations, but through it all we will remain focused and with the belief that GOD will take care of this family, we will be champions.

The Lady Noles

The Noles have taken another step-up in the Minor Professional ranks. With the leadership of Do'Nisa Hooks, the Noles would like to introduce the Lady Noles. These beautiful ladies will be performing half time shows and keeping the crowd hype during the games. This is a step we have been wanting to address since last year. These ladies are already showing the commitment to the family by coming to practice on Tuesday. We are very proud to have them as a part of the family and will support them in anything they wish to do. Again thanks to you beautiful ladies for your time and commitment to excellence!!

Noles Season 2 Begins

The first official first week of practice has ended. With highs and lows, the Seminoles are looking poised to take the Magnum Cup in hand. Key free agent signees include 3 lineman and numerous DB's. After this first week of practice these are the key position battles brewing.

Free Safety: After this week we had 3 guys showing their skills in reading the offense. This is probably one of the more questionable positions as the Noles are looking to run 2 safeties this year.

Def. Line: With the veterans returning as expected this is going to be a battle of the beast. With a free agency signing of a defensive lineman from University of Colorado, the line on paper may be the best the league will see. With Arabia Bradford and Jerry Nixon leading the way, the d.line may hit an average weight of 320lbs.

Quarterback: I am very pleased with the progress the QB's are showing, with Michael Smith being pushed to the limit veteran Nick Bonner. Right now the race for the starting position is up in the air, but the Noles will be in great hands with either choice.

Wide Receiver: This position is so deep that to even start picking out guys, would not do justice. With the veteran leadership of Jarvis Bonner and Jose Fuentes, the younger receivers will have to step their game up. Right now they are showing signs of being key guys.

Cornerbacks: This is another position that we are very deep in. The you guys are showing great footwork, but until we get in full pads, they will be tested on stopping the run not only covering pass.

With the first week passed, the coaching staff has it's work cut out for us. We must start setting up a depth chart. The intensity of practice must be turned up. The veterans are being pushed to the limit. As I have always stated it's not about what you did for me last year, but what your doing for us this year. All positions are open, if you want it, you got to earn it. No talent will be waisted, no position given out on friendship. Just as we are deep in key positions, other teams are also. As a coach you feel like this is your year, this is the best you've had, but again we have not played a game.

So to the players, get your equipment together, the longer you wait, the further down the depth chart you will fall.

NMLF

After traveling to Round Rock this past weekend, it has been decided that the Seminoles will be playing in the NMLF this year. I was asked by many owners and coaches of why take the chance on a new league. My answer why put up with the same ol' B.S. in the TUFL. Why have commissioners that actually own teams and bend rules as they see fit. Why give someone money to give me a schedule and nothing else. As the meeting progressed it seemed as though other owners were beginning to see what I was talking about and I believed some realized that there is a difference between these two leagues.

1. Professionalism - at the meeting this weekend there was a lack of communication between the owners and league commissioner. You couldn't ask questions or vote on any changes made.

2. Direction of the league - where is the league going? Not once did that league mention about any new ideas or changes for the betterment of the league. All I got is give us the league fee and listen while we read the bylaws.

3. NMLF = Minor Professional - TUFL = Semi-Pro

At no point did I feel like we were at a league meeting, more like I was back at school and had to sit on my hands and keep my comments to myself.

After being in Semi-Pro for so long you begin to take on a semi professional attitude. Not really caring what is going on with the advancement of your players. Just taking their money and blowing it. No standard dress codes for your players and coaches. You could pretty much wear anything you felt like. Players wearing different color helmet, jerseys and pants on game day. Showing up to games 15 mins before kickoff.

As we began this journey into Minor professional football, we all have to change our mind sets. Get out of the old way of thinking. Caring about the appearance of our team, coaches and facilities. Basically putting a better product out. Taking the necessary steps to help your players advance to the next level.

So my only question is which are you? Semi pro player or Minor pro player?

We only want MINOR PROFESSIONALS HERE!

Fallen Warrior

Last week one our family members passed away. This caught us all by surprise, as he was one of the healthiest young men you have ever met. As a coach you have to figure out how to address your team and his family and let them know that you are there for them, all the while dealing with the emotions yourself. Miguel was one of our most committed players. He did whatever it took to make it to practice and games. He practiced hard and competed hard. That is the player, but as a family member he was even better. He did so much to make us laugh and smile, by saying and doing things out of the ordinary. As I reflect on the year he was with us, I think about that Louisiana accent he had and things he would say to me when I was in one of the those no "B.S." moods to make me lighten up.

So as a final thought let's just remember how he touched each one of us in the short time he was here. GOD don't make mistakes, he works at all times. We question why such things happen to good people. The only thing I came up with is that GOD needed another Angel on his team. So Miguel play on my brother and we will never forget you!! R.I.P

This season has been dedicated to Miguel Coleman and his family!!

Gone but not forgotten!!