"Upon Further Review" by Jim Sacco

Friday, March 30, 2007

Daily Pooch Punt: 3/30/2007

On March 14, Waynesboro Athletic Director Mel Morris told TNV Sports writer Rob Sisk that it would be about a week until a decision would be made on who the Little Giants’ new football coach would be.

The clock is still ticking.

Football fans of Giantdom (and, by the looks of home crowds, there aren’t many of you) are looking forward to what could be the biggest decision at the high school in years.

The new coach will have to scour the hallways to add on to the 25-man roster Dorton was saddled with, and that’s something he can’t do during the summer and there’s only a little over two months left in the school year.

According to Athletic Director Mel Morris, an offer has been extended. All we can do now and wait and see who it is. And hope the coach can hold a team meeting, talk with parents and recruit before school lets out.

And another thing: Waynesboro girls soccer got exactly what it needed on Thursday — it’s first win in three tries.

Got your shots?: The MLB starts Sunday. Sorry, can’t think of any steroid jokes today.

Oh, and: The Final Four starts Saturday. Now how can college football watch March Madness and say, “Nah, that can’t be any fun.”

You gotta love: What Fort Defiance softball player Laura Shifflett said about the Indians ending Turner Ashby’s 87-game Valley District win streak. “TA is a really good team. We have talent, but we were lucky too.” Nah, Laura. Your Indians are pretty good this year.

Wait: How many ACC teams are left in the Final Four?

One last thing: Maybe Tyler Crawford will hit the game-winning shot to win it all. Hey, he grew up dreaming of playing for Paul Hatcher at Lee so we know dreams do come true.

Wednesday, March 28, 2007

Daily Pooch Punt: 3/28/2007

Forgive me folks. I remember not how long ago it was. Nor do I remember what year Tyler Crawford was when it happened, that’s what happens when you’re a sports editor and life turns into a flurry of names, faces and stats that seem to change and restart every four years.

What I do know is that I was fairly new to the area, maybe in my first year as sports editor here, when Crawford, now an unheralded leader for Georgetown, then a standout player for Robert E. Lee, made me stop and think. He made me almost put down my notebook and extend my hand just to say thanks.

Sorry, I don’t remember the run he sparked. I’m guessing it was a 15-2 run (or something like that) with his Leemen down to a then-tough Western Albemarle squad. I do remember it was in Staunton, surrounded by hometown fans in the gym named after his legendary coach, Paul Hatcher.

I do remember what happened. A steal by one of his teammates, Crawford turned upcourt and streaked down the far side before the guard who stole the ball (sorry, his name escapes me, lost somewhere amid all the athletes I’ve covered) tossed a picture-perfect bounce pass that found its mark in stride.

I remember Crawford taking two dribbles, picking it up just as he entered the lane from the far side, jumping and extending the palmed rock over and behind his head.

I remember the sound. A hushed cheer, starting low and quiet before erupting as Crawford served up that tomahawk dunk with all the courtesy of a French waiter. I remember the crowd going crazy. I remember Western Albemarle calling a timeout. I remember Crawford not pounding his chest or pointing to his just-getting massive forearms. I remember Crawford waiting until the timeout was called then, and only then, did he do the slightest of fist pumps.

The dunk sparked a huge run for Lee and they went on to win the game.

It all started with the dunk, so I went up to Crawford after the game. His ever present smile, his red Air Jordan shirt. His shaved head.

And I asked him to tell me about that dunk and how the rest of his teammates fed off his explosive play to help secure the win.

He looked at me like I had a cat growing out the side of my head.

“The dunk?” he asked. “What about the bounce pass?”

He then pointed to the player that fed him the ball and called him over.

“I’ll tell you all about the dunk, Jim,” he said, his arm draped around the shoulder of the guy who got the ball to him. “But here’s the real reason why that run started.”

And that was the reason Lee won that game.

You can’t help but root for Tyler Crawford.

(Leave a comment and share your own Tyler Crawford memory from his days at Robert E. Lee)

And another thing: When Georgetown coach John Thompson III says, “It’s his commitment, it’s his work ethic, it’s his belief in how we’re doing it,” about Crawford, you know the Staunton kid hasn’t changed one bit in the big city.

Didn’t see that coming: Fort Defiance handed Turner Ashby a 9-2 loss in softball Wednesday. No big deal? Sure, this is the same TA team that won 87 straight Valley District games. All I’m sayin’ is WOW!

You have to choose one: Winning your NCAA office pool or winning the new Waynesboro football coach pool. Which pays more? Oh, and Waynesboro, you’re on the clock, your week is up.

Name to watch: Stuarts Draft JV pitcher Jeremy Fitzgerald stuck out 11 in a one-hit shutout win over Buffalo Gap on Wednesday. Hmm .. someone might not be on varsity for long.

So, all the Cougars did Tuesday: Was go out and beat Fort Defiance in boys soccer 2-1 in OT. Should the rest of the Valley be scared yet?

Oh and there Yeago kid.

Thursday, March 22, 2007

Daily Pooch Punt: 3/22/2007

OK, OK. So I know what you’re thinking.

You’re thinking, hey Jim, we all come here (both of us) to look at your Daily Pooch Punt and this week you haven’t been hooking us up. (Dawg!)

Yep, you’re right. But I’m working up some neat stuff for our spring sports coverage that should be kicking into full gear early next week.

So I am sorry. But starting Monday, the Daily Pooch Punt will be back to its normal schedule.

Tuesday, March 20, 2007

Daily Pooch Punt: 3/20/2007

Wilson Memorial girls soccer coach Rob Hopkins had every reason to put his head in the clouds and smile.

Instead, the Green Hornet coach stayed rooted in reality after his girls pounded Bath County 6-0 to open the season in Fishersville on Monday.

“It’s great,” he said. “But, at the same time, it was Bath County.”

Now Hopkins isn’t ragging on the Chargers’ girls soccer program. He’s just being truthful. When it comes to soccer, Bath County’s girls aren’t exactly on the map (and their easy road to regionals as the only girls program in the Pioneer District in the past—Parry McCluer joins the fun this year—can be viewed as a bone of contention by many).

And neither are Hopkins’ girls this season. They have to replace the program’s all-time leading scorer—Ginna Quillen—and a defense that allowed 16 total goals last season (and a mind-boggling lone first-half goal all year long).

Yep, it’s going to be a long road and Hopkins knows it. But a 6-0 win is a nice start and a confidence booster. And, without going overboard with the praise, Hopkins knew it too.

Speaking of Wilson: Summer Ramsey strikes out 15 Parry McCluer batters and gives up only two hits. I’m thinking this girl is only a junior?

Just play on the road: Nelson County has played two baseball games this year, both against Buckingham. They won the first one by two runs on the road and lost the second one by two runs Monday at home. Keep the road uniforms out, coach.

Man, please start districts: Wilson Memorial’s baseball team hammered Parry McCluer 14-0. Am I the only one sick of nondistrict fluff games yet?

Oh, and lookie here: The Hornets’ Jake Wood stuck out five and picked up a win in his varsity debut for Wilson Memorial in that game.

Just for kicks: Next time you go to Applebees with a significant other, tell your waiter/waitress it’s his/her birthday (even it’s it not). Sit back and hilarity shall ensue.

OK, back to sports: Waynesboro boys tennnis, Fort Defiance girls and boys tennis, Riverheads girls and boys tennis, Buffalo Gap boys tennis, Wilson Memorial boys and girls tennis, Stuart Draft boys and girls tennis.

What’s missing there?: Waynesboro and Buffalo Gap girls tennis. Hey, coaches. Wanna give us a call like everybody else? Hey, I’m just askin’ (and I’m sure your players and their parents will appreciate it).

And a final thing: Did you graduate from college in 1997? Do you live in Augusta County or the cities of Waynesboro and Staunton? If you answered yes to both of these . Let’s talk.

Until tomorrow ...

Monday, March 19, 2007

Daily Pooch Punt: 3/19/2007

Sure, there’s plenty of tears in the Commonwealth, but I have to be honest: I had Southern Illinois and Tennessee in my brackets so I’m happy.

And another thing: Imagine how cool that would have been in VCU could have pulled off another upset against Pittsburgh. Yeah. I thought so.

Here’s a question: Has Gonzaga’s days as THE mid-major program come to an end?

OK, here’s a local tidbit for ya’: Just walked past the new soccer field at Waynesboro. If there’s a nicer pitch in the Valley District, I haven’t seen it yet.

Hey, lookie here: Staurts Draft’s boys soccer team beat Harrisonburg on Thursday. No big deal, right? Uh-uh. It was the first time EVER the Cougars have downed the Blue Streaks on the pitch.

I’m the bracket king (maybe): From Friday’s Daily Pooch Punt: Oh, and just something random I wanted to toss your way: I got Daniel Miller, Addison Shue, Mariel Sullivan and Sophia Irvin in my Final Four bracket for Saturday’s 60th Annual Regional Spelling Bee sponsored by the Daily Progress and, of course, The News Virginian. Now, here’s who won. Darn, I’m good.

Friday, March 16, 2007

Daily Pooch Punt: 3/16/2007

OK, so yesterday I put shorts and a T-shirt on, sit on my deck and contemplate calling in sick to work so I can enjoy the 78-degree day.

Today I’m scraping snow and and ice off my car.

Now folks, THAT’S March Madness.

And another thing: Am I the only one who saw the Eastern Kentucky, North Carolina game sign off last night with something straight out of a Jefferson Airplane video?

If I was: I’ll make a mental note not to get the extra mushrooms on my Tombstone pizza.

Ladies and gentlemen: I am a living, breathing bracket buster. (I should toss all my bracket in the garbage and burn them now.) I mean, looking at my brackets I get that same feeling when you drop a new lollipop on the carpet, pick it up and discover a bunch of hair on it.

I need your help: That’s right folks, I’m going to allow you, the readers (both of you) decide which college team I should embrace. And I’m not talking just for this tournament, I’m talking for the rest of my life.

You see, I grew up in Chicago (a pro sports town) where my college love was for one team and one team only—Notre Dame football. Now that I’m in NCAA basketball country, I want you guys (and gals) to choose which Division I basketball team I should be fan of.

Should I go out and buy some Chicago Maroon and Burnt Orange? Or should I dud myself up in Wahoo?

Leave you thoughts on the comments. Remember, the fate of the world (OK, not really) is in your hands.

Oh, and just something random I wanted to toss your way: I got Daniel Miller, Addison Shue, Mariel Sullivan and Sophia Irvin in my Final Four bracket for Saturday’s 60th Annual Regional Spelling Bee sponsored by the Daily Progress and, of course, The News Virginian.

What’s your bracket like?

Thursday, March 15, 2007

Daily Pooch Punt: 3/15/2007

"So, where the heck have you been?”

Busy trying to type in all these spring schedules and whatnot.

“What’s up with that?”

Just something a sports editor has to do.

“Recovered from basketball season yet?”

Not really.

“So, when do spring sports start?”

Already have.

“Wow, no rest, eh?”

None at all.

“So, who is gonna be good in baseball?”

No clue yet.

“How about softball?”

The usual suspects.

“And they are?”

Turner Ashby and Wilson and Riverheads will battle it out again in the Shenandoah.

“Track?”

Buffalo Gap girls, duh.

“Soccer?”

No idea yet.

“Tennis?”

No clue.

“Um, OK.”

Anything else?

“Nope.”

Good, I need to get some rest.

Tuesday, March 13, 2007

Daily Pooch Punt: 3/13/2007

Sorry for being late posting this, but I’ve been busy trying to expel demons from my brain.

You see, the darn tournament hasn’t even started yet and already I’m sick of the the talking heads and their overused terminology for the NCAA Tournament.

I mean, seriously, the next time I hear: “Cinderella story,” I think I just might drown myself in my bathtub.

Or how about: “Punched their ticket.” God, I hate that. What’s wrong with saying “earned their spot”? Seriously, folks. Do you know how much money these Worldwide Leader heads make?

Don’t give me no: Big dance either. It’s not a dance. It’s a freakin’ basketball tournament.

And please, stop trying to sell me: Winthrop as this year’s George Mason. I don’t want another Mason, I want a new team to break into the Final Four out of a mid-major conference. Hey, that’s just me.

For the love of all that is holy: Keep Dick Vitale and his pro-Duke rants off the screen. The Blue Devils could be 3-22 and Vitale would think of an angle that could make this team sound like they were on the cusp of another national title. ("3 and 22, baby. Look at these Cameron Crazies, do you want to play these guys in March, no matter what their record is.") Yeah, actually Dick, if I’m VCU, I’m loving the fact that I can make a name for the Rams by beating a very vulnerable Duke squad.

And please: The next person who asks who my Final Four is can expect a good slap. Yes, I’m a sports editor, but I cover high school sports and, by no means, does that give me any sort of expertise on college.

OK, sorry. Back to local stuff tomorrow.

Monday, March 12, 2007

Daily Pooch Punt: 3/12/2007

So Stuarts Draft’s baseball and softball teams pack up the bus and leave for Fishersville today to play Wilson Memorial.

And I’m asking: Baseball and softball!?!? Didn’t we just get done covering basketball on Friday!

And another thing: I shouldn’t be complaining. Imagine how Waynesboro’s James Lucas and Jay Thompson feel.

Also: The News Virginian’s ”GiantsExtra" section has plenty of fans. It also had to detractors who sent me the following e-mails:

“Mr. Sacco,
There are other people besides fans of Waynesboro who read your paper.”

And

“Mr. Sacco,
I don’t care about Waynesboro basketball.”

So my answer is: A) No other teams were playing during Waynesboro’s run to the Group AA Final Four, so how were we to cover them?
B) Just because you didn’t care, doesn’t mean other people out there didn’t.

Don’t worry: We’ll do the same for any of the schools we cover when they make it that far.

See you tomorrow and don’t forget to fill out your brackets and check out our NC2A page during the tournament.

Friday, March 09, 2007

Can’t take anything away from this team

Congrats to Waynesboro on a hell of a season and proving that, despite Robert E. Lee being down, the Valley is never “mediocre.”

We’ll have extended coverage in our Giants Extra tomorrow.

Wish these guys well when you see them out and about. They talked about a lot of things and one of those things was not letting the community down.

I don’t think they did. How about you?

Giants’ season ends.

Giants fall 57-48 to William Fleming in the Group AA semifinals.

No sobbing for Giants

They left the court with heads held high… and the Waynesboro fans gave a standing ovation.

20 seconds left

And Lucas is fouled, hits two shots. 57-48 WFHS

Ending near.

WFHS hits two foul shots. Fleming up 57-46 with 27 seconds left.

Killer Miller

Replaces Robinson.