I would say Ouachita has at least 10 kids who are faster than Rummel’s fastest player, and overall, team speed was (is) an obvious disparity. OHS was probably a little bigger too, overall, but the biggest difference was speed. The question is, how is it possible that some programs seem to always have a stable of such great athletes? One would think in the ebb& flow of HS enrollment even the best programs would have some down years….just because. But some programs never seem to miss a beat.
A group of we old dudes, one of which played at De La Sallein the 1960’s back in their heyday, and the rest Rummel grads/fans, were discussing the obvious differences in pure athleticism. Together we have DECADES of HS football exposure and experience. The topic, given that we were playing one, turned to some of those North Louisiana programs, namely WM and Neville, and of course Evangel. Let me hasten to add that Curtis was also mentioned, which is an unapologetic football factory. So it’s not just a “North Louisiana” thing. But, much like Byrd last year, it was like watching a track meet. Not just on offense, but OHS’ speed on defense was obvious too. Our RB, Keith Fulton, is not exactly slow but many times what looked like a huge playabout to happen, say an option play where Fulton got outside, had a blocker ahead on the only DB in a position to make a play, ended up being a 3-7 yard gain as a Lion defender shot out of nowhere to make a tackle.
In our group of old dudes, this observation summed it up: they are playing a different game than us.
Rummel looks like a typical HS team. Just kids playing football. And, yes, that also describes many players on the OHS side too. But…there were (are) some kids that simply look waaaaaaaaaaaaay more physically mature.
BTW, there was a very obnoxious WM fan present. Never shutup…well, he moved twice when challenged by some Rummel fans who simply had hadenough of his BS. I spoke to him after the game. Asked him if he’s such a huge WM fan why wasn't he in Bossier supporting the Rebels. Said WM didn’t need his help to beat a crappy Airline team. He was there “to scout” Rummel. Said WM would crush Rummel by 40 points. No contest. Well, maybe. So…we made the walk to the parking lot together and I engaged him in a conversation. He neverlet up. Said Rummel did not deserve being ranked #1 He said: The difference in athleticism was so obvious, it was a joke. I asked him why was that. How is it that WM gets all these athletes? He said, we make ‘em! He wouldn’t explain that comment.Then he said, do yourselves a favor and lose in the semis, or face utter humiliation in the Dome. Nice guy.
I do want to add, spoke with several OHS fans before and after the game. They were very gracious and classy. Sorry for the long post, but I just find it curious that some programs seem to, year after year, be so loaded with athletes.
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Originally Posted by greggrambling
Both sides had their hosses. Some teams develop hosses and some wait for them to show up. I'd rather develop.
