Mohigan Journal- 3-02-02
by Coach Hoffman
Great sectional game for the Mohigans. What a difference a year makes. I felt that last season's emotional victory over UHS in the sectional, cost our team when it came time to prepare for the Regional final. This year's team didn't expend much emotion and came to practice on Saturday focused and ready to prepare for this year's regional final. It is great to be back in the regional, this being our third year in a row. There will be a sellout at the Feaster Center and fans should arrive no later than 6:30 or you risk not being admitted. There have been many times when they have shut the gates down on this game. None of those games were as big as this year's #1 vs. #3 matchup. Our fans will sit opposite the benches this year. Much like we do at the MAC. The "Rowdie Society" likes that because they can be involved in the game on the floor, literally. They have become a huge advantage at or games.
I thought our juniors and sophomores had a good game against UHS. They scored 41 points and played good defense. The future does look bright, but we need to stay focused on the present as we have a tough matchup with West Fairmont on Tuesday. They have the advantage of playing in Fairmont and having a huge following. We will hopefully have a great following as well.
In the two games between us and West Fairmont this year, both teams jumped out to large leads, but to only lose them. The difference was, in the game at Fairmont, West let us back in it, but ran away with a twenty point victory in the last 3 minutes. We had a large lead in the third quarter at our place, but let them back in it and it took a last second shot by Bobby Prim to win it. This next game is going to come down to defense and who takes advantage of the other team's weaknesses. I don't doubt either teams composure. Both teams are as good as there is in the state and adversity will not doom either team as they have proven that they can fight back. Coach Yester is known for his ability to put a game plan together and communicate it to his teams. He has won more big games and upsets than most Coaches will ever coach in. He is a 31 year veteren and has had a marvelous season this year with this group. There is a cynergy beween him and his players, and they have really executed game plans all year. This group has worked harder than any group in this area for a long time. It is a shame that one of these teams won't get to go to states and the winner of our region stands an awesome chance of winning it all. I have faith in these guys.... See you at the Feaster Center and GO MOHIGANS!