Game 4. THOMPSON

Ok, so I will be the first to admit that my Game 1 prediction against Carver was coming from an eternal optimist who often predicts with his heart instead of his head.  I will be the first to tell you that an 0-2 start to the 2012 season for our Lions had gotten me feeling a little despondent.  I will also be the first to tell you that the pain felt by you, Lion Nation over this 0-2 start is magnified by a factor of 100 in the hearts of the players and coaches who are laying their guts on the line week in and week out for us!  The start of the 2012 season brings some old song lyrics to mind, “For this is my quest, to follow that star, no matter how hopeless, no matter how far. To fight for the right, without question or pause, to be willing to march into hell for a heavenly cause.” The song, “The Impossible Dream” from the Broadway play Man of La Mancha, articulated what Don Quixote called the knight’s quest. That life was not about winning or losing, but being true to one’s purpose. Those words, etched in my head and heart, helped guide me through many of the difficult choices in life, and really where our Lions are at the dawning of the 2012 football season.

We are taught from the time we are born to conform. To conform to current and conventional views. We are discouraged from taking risks and encouraged to follow the proven path. In many ways we have been taught how to follow, rather than lead. We’ve been encouraged to look at the stars rather than reach for them. Yet inside each of us exists a unique and authentic light, a set of beliefs that, when followed, gives us a sense of purpose and ignites the human spirit within.

In a world guided by peer groups and overly critical armchair quarterbacks, we, the Lion Nation admire OUR COACHES, PLAYERS AND SUPPORT STAFF who believe, like we do, that the ideas of the future don’t exist in the past – who are true to their quest, fearlessly and hopelessly pursuing EXCELLENCE ON AND OFF THE FIELD.

Our Lions have begun the football season at 0-2 for the first time since 1988.  But, I believe in this team and these coaches.  they remain guided by their common values and beliefs and live both Fearlessly and Hopelessly. The successful teams are the ones less concerned about winning or losing, but are passionate about, as Don Quixote said, being true to their purpose. And who will follow that star, no matter how hopeless, no matter how far.

“When we fearlessly fight for what we believe in and remain hopelessly optimistic about life, love and the future, we create an authentic connection with all in our path. Most importantly with ourselves.” And make no mistake, when that connection is made, the wins will come.  They will come in a way that is honorable and right.  Last Friday night, the Lions got their first taste of sweet victory by crushing rival Wetumpka 44-14.  Out Lions looked like they were finally having fun, finally comfortable in their own skin, finally trusting each other, finally believing in the coaching staff enough to 'fight for the right, without question or pause, to be willing to march into hell for a heavenly cause' at the direction of the coaches.  It is amazing what a victory can do to galvanize a team, to return the old swagger, to make the game fun again!  Mark my words, this was a turning of the corner for this young Prattville squad.  The first win only made this team hungry...hungry for more of that sweet taste of victory.

So, the stage is now set for Prattville vs. the Thompson Warriors.  Prattville needing the win tonight to move to 2-1 in the region and keep pace with Oak Mountain and Spain Park, both sitting atop the region standings at 2-0.  Thompson badly needs the win to prevent an 0-3 start to region play all but eliminating them from playoff contention.  It’s going to come down to Thompson’s aerial assault against Prattville’s punishing rushing attack.  Both defenses have shown susceptibility to the opposition’s key weapons.  Which defense will rise to the occasion?  Can Prattville make it two wins in a row for Coach Anderson?  Is this going to be the breakout game for young Lions QB, Kalen Whitlow?  Can Kamryn Pettway run his consecutive 100+ yards rushing performances to 4?  How many pancake blocks will the big Lion Offensive Line claim tonight?  The answers to all these questions are right ahead.  It’s time for Prattville Lions Football.  See you at the game folks.  God Bless and Go Lions. 

Fearless Prediction:  Prattville 45 - Thompson 21