Once again this year, we had a tremendously exciting "Clash Bowl", the Kanto collegiate championship. On a crisp, sunny day in December Hosei defeated Nichiday 21-20 in double over-time, when Takahito Maruto converted the extra point after a 2-yard TD run by Takuto Hara, his second 2-yard TD run and third of the afternoon.
Nichidai had scored on a 25 yard pass from Keiya Hiramoto to Kotaro Okano on the first play of the second overtime period. But Nichidai missed the extra point. It was obvious to me from watching pregame warm-ups that kicking might become a problem for Nichidai, and they were 0-3 on FGs due to a missed kick and couple of blocked kicks.
For many of their drives during the game, Nichidai seemed to move the ball at midfield at will- indeed the Phoenix outgained the Tomahawks 427 to 301 ; but several drives bogged down in the Red Zone, turning the ball over the ball there three times and missing 3 FGs.
Hosei scored near the end of the 1st half, when Hara scrambled twice- the first for 49 yards, the second for a 4 yard TD- on plays designed for him to throw back to the QB. It was 7-0 at the half.
Nichidai scored two TDs on the second half on runs by Hiramoto. He was 17-30 for 200 yards with 2 INTs on the day. He also gained 107 yeards on 18 carries. Senior Takuya Yamashiro started and was 1-5 with one interception.
Hara gained 117 yards on 16 carries for the Tomahawks. Keiji Yamashiro was 16-22 and 138 yards passing.
Hosei advances to the Koshien Bowl to meet the Kansai champion on December 21st at the Kyocera Dome.
Thursday, December 11, 2008
Friday, December 5, 2008
nervous?
I visited the Hosei University football practice this week, as the Tomahawks prepare for their Clash Bowl rematch against Nippon University on Sunday. The Phoenix won last year 38-34.
I must say, I don't know if I have ever seen a practice where the team seemed so relaxed before a big game. It is probably a testament to their confidence- Hosei has been to this game 14 of the last 16 years (and won it thirteen times) . Last year was also the first time Nichi-dai beat Hosei in twelve tries, going back to 1992. The Phoenix dominated the series in the 1980's.
I must say, I don't know if I have ever seen a practice where the team seemed so relaxed before a big game. It is probably a testament to their confidence- Hosei has been to this game 14 of the last 16 years (and won it thirteen times) . Last year was also the first time Nichi-dai beat Hosei in twelve tries, going back to 1992. The Phoenix dominated the series in the 1980's.
Sunday, November 30, 2008
2008 season
The regular season for 2008 in Japan has just concluded.
Hope to have a chance to go over some notes and post more here in the near future.
This weekend I attended KCFA Division 2 and Area League games. Last week, (the three day weekend in Japan), I attended quite a few games, including college, the high school championship (won by Waseda High School with a 10 point 4th Q), and x2 League final games, where I had a chance to talk a bit with Bill Passwaters, an American who officiates games for both the military bases and the Japanese leagues. I hope to have a chance to talk to him in more depth in the near future.
On to the playoffs!
Hope to have a chance to go over some notes and post more here in the near future.
This weekend I attended KCFA Division 2 and Area League games. Last week, (the three day weekend in Japan), I attended quite a few games, including college, the high school championship (won by Waseda High School with a 10 point 4th Q), and x2 League final games, where I had a chance to talk a bit with Bill Passwaters, an American who officiates games for both the military bases and the Japanese leagues. I hope to have a chance to talk to him in more depth in the near future.
On to the playoffs!
Friday, October 24, 2008
Back on the field
I am very glad to get back to attending football games and practices on a regular basis now, after some health issues (including chemotherapy) and recovery have taken much of last year and this. Didn't want to make a big deal about it by mentioning it, but it has slowed things down. So now that I am mostly recovered, I hope to continue interviewing and writing about football in Japan, and to finish the book by next season. I'd love to get back to coaching as well.
There is no better time of year than autumn, and football is a big reason why.
There is no better time of year than autumn, and football is a big reason why.
Saturday, July 5, 2008
We'll miss you, coach!
We were all sad to hear of the passing of John Pont to cancer on July 1st at his home in Oxford, Ohio.
He was indeed an inspiration to so many on both sides of the Pacific.
His coaching career at his alma mater Miami of Ohio (where he set career rushing records inhis playing days); at Yale; Indiana; Northwestern; and Mt. Saint Joseph's was impressive in the way that he loved to embrace the challenge of taking downtrodden teams to new heights. He took Indiana's to the Rose Bowl at the end of the magical 1967 season, its first bowl game ever. He guided Mt. Saint Joesph's (Ohio) through its first few years. In Japan, he took a Rokbull team all the way from the bottom into the top division.
Coach Pont did much to advance the game in Japan, not only as head coach of Rokbull, but with his John Pont coaching clinics as well. He would always take time to talk football with me, and encouraged me to get more involved. I had plans to interview him this summer for this writing project on football in Japan, as he was one of the inspirations for it.
Those of us who were blessed to know him will miss him greatly.
He was indeed an inspiration to so many on both sides of the Pacific.
His coaching career at his alma mater Miami of Ohio (where he set career rushing records inhis playing days); at Yale; Indiana; Northwestern; and Mt. Saint Joseph's was impressive in the way that he loved to embrace the challenge of taking downtrodden teams to new heights. He took Indiana's to the Rose Bowl at the end of the magical 1967 season, its first bowl game ever. He guided Mt. Saint Joesph's (Ohio) through its first few years. In Japan, he took a Rokbull team all the way from the bottom into the top division.
Coach Pont did much to advance the game in Japan, not only as head coach of Rokbull, but with his John Pont coaching clinics as well. He would always take time to talk football with me, and encouraged me to get more involved. I had plans to interview him this summer for this writing project on football in Japan, as he was one of the inspirations for it.
Those of us who were blessed to know him will miss him greatly.
Thursday, March 20, 2008
Gamesmanship vs. Sportmanship
This Saturday (3/22) in Kawasaki there will be a US representative team meeting a Japanese team for the "" Under-19 Global Challenge Bowl game at Kawasaki Stadium (2:00 PM) Kickoff. The game will also be telecast in Japan on Sky A. But will it be a trap?
Unfortunately, the approaches to this game seem to be quite different. The US team has come with the assumption that this was about cultural exchange. Their players are seen as "ambassadors"- generally honors students (the overall team GPA is something like 3.6), all in high school, all under 19. Many are from smaller schools around the country that don't get much attention. They have been enjoying cultural exchange throughout the Kanto area- martial arts demonstrations, visits to schools, a Toshiba factory, etc. 35 host families have volunteered to house and feed them breakfasts and dinners. The players and their host families received tickets to the Red Sox and Oakland A's game on Easter Sunday. By all accounts, Kawasaki has done a marvelous job, and it has been a terrific experience for all sides. There was a banquet for both teams on Tuesday night, where players got to meet each other, talked, even arm-wrestled each other in fun. It was an example of the sporting experience at its best.
At the banquet however, the head coach of this year's Japanese squad Mr Uchida (Nihon University), seemed to set a far more grave tone, invoking "national pride" several times in his address. This alarmed the Americans, who thought they were coming over for a friendly game and cultural exchange for young people (principally sponsored by GE).
Whereas the US team is made up of some good players (all under 19), they are not necessarily the top football talent from the US; rather they're good kids who are good citizens and very good students. They are representatives. Young men who love football, but also hope to have a great cultural and educational experience, and make some new friends. On the contrary, most of the Japanese team seems to be stocked with the top athletes only from the top Japanese university school teams, and only a few high school players. What is more, most of the Japanese players are 19 (some allegedly more).
As the US head coach expressed to me, "I feel like we've been set up". Apparently he has not received proper exchanges of video tapes, etc. either.
This antagonistic, hyper-competitive approach by the Japanese side is a mistake for two reasons. First, it could be seen as a serious slap in the face to the concept of friendly sportsmanship. This could trigger a very negative reaction on the other side. Not good for international football relations. Perhaps the answer is simply the concept of 'sportsmanship' is somehow lacking in Japan.
While the hyper-competitiveness on the Japanese side is somewhat understandable, and it admirable to strive to win, winning should never come at the expense of the integrity of the game of football or the broader experience in society.
Secondly, the approach by the Japanese staff seems to be missing a fantastic opportunity to grow the game of football in Japan. It is sacrificing the growth of the game for the short-term interests (a win in a "trap game", an artificial boost for the ego, etc.).
A team selecting only the top athletes from only the top universities may serve the interests of a single game win (or someone's political or recruiting interests), and may drum up some false pride, but it is certainly NOT good for the game of football in Japan. These attitudes might win a battle, but will certainly lose the real war in the long-term.
It continues to be a problem within the football community in Japan- too much power (greed) and wealth concentrated with only a few. Not enough thought and effort to growing the game over-all, which in the long run would be to everyone's benefit- including those bigger fishes in the pond.
The rules also allow up to six players from a single school (no more than three allowed on the field at one time). Six players from one school? Any more than two from a single school is probably too many- especially on a 35 man roster. Especially for the host country, one where there are quite a few more schools that play football. (The US team represents 25 schools from at least a dozen States). Here was a golden opportunity for Japanese young men at smaller, less well-known schools (for football) in Japan- which don't get the same opportunities for publicity or excitement- to send representatives, and all the benefits it would bring. A chance to broaden the opportunities and appeal to as wide a network of players and fans as possible in Japan.
The USA team in last year's World Cup games was better example of how it was meant to be done: the USA selection rules insisted that the team was truly representative. Players came from all divisions of the NCAA (college and university) and NAIA schools, not just the top division. Sure, the exciting final game was much closer than it otherwise would have been, but more important objectives were also met. Japan would do much better to follow this example.
I can only hope that corrections will be made in the future with more of the interests of young people and the game of football foremost in mind.
Unfortunately, the approaches to this game seem to be quite different. The US team has come with the assumption that this was about cultural exchange. Their players are seen as "ambassadors"- generally honors students (the overall team GPA is something like 3.6), all in high school, all under 19. Many are from smaller schools around the country that don't get much attention. They have been enjoying cultural exchange throughout the Kanto area- martial arts demonstrations, visits to schools, a Toshiba factory, etc. 35 host families have volunteered to house and feed them breakfasts and dinners. The players and their host families received tickets to the Red Sox and Oakland A's game on Easter Sunday. By all accounts, Kawasaki has done a marvelous job, and it has been a terrific experience for all sides. There was a banquet for both teams on Tuesday night, where players got to meet each other, talked, even arm-wrestled each other in fun. It was an example of the sporting experience at its best.
At the banquet however, the head coach of this year's Japanese squad Mr Uchida (Nihon University), seemed to set a far more grave tone, invoking "national pride" several times in his address. This alarmed the Americans, who thought they were coming over for a friendly game and cultural exchange for young people (principally sponsored by GE).
Whereas the US team is made up of some good players (all under 19), they are not necessarily the top football talent from the US; rather they're good kids who are good citizens and very good students. They are representatives. Young men who love football, but also hope to have a great cultural and educational experience, and make some new friends. On the contrary, most of the Japanese team seems to be stocked with the top athletes only from the top Japanese university school teams, and only a few high school players. What is more, most of the Japanese players are 19 (some allegedly more).
As the US head coach expressed to me, "I feel like we've been set up". Apparently he has not received proper exchanges of video tapes, etc. either.
This antagonistic, hyper-competitive approach by the Japanese side is a mistake for two reasons. First, it could be seen as a serious slap in the face to the concept of friendly sportsmanship. This could trigger a very negative reaction on the other side. Not good for international football relations. Perhaps the answer is simply the concept of 'sportsmanship' is somehow lacking in Japan.
While the hyper-competitiveness on the Japanese side is somewhat understandable, and it admirable to strive to win, winning should never come at the expense of the integrity of the game of football or the broader experience in society.
Secondly, the approach by the Japanese staff seems to be missing a fantastic opportunity to grow the game of football in Japan. It is sacrificing the growth of the game for the short-term interests (a win in a "trap game", an artificial boost for the ego, etc.).
A team selecting only the top athletes from only the top universities may serve the interests of a single game win (or someone's political or recruiting interests), and may drum up some false pride, but it is certainly NOT good for the game of football in Japan. These attitudes might win a battle, but will certainly lose the real war in the long-term.
It continues to be a problem within the football community in Japan- too much power (greed) and wealth concentrated with only a few. Not enough thought and effort to growing the game over-all, which in the long run would be to everyone's benefit- including those bigger fishes in the pond.
The rules also allow up to six players from a single school (no more than three allowed on the field at one time). Six players from one school? Any more than two from a single school is probably too many- especially on a 35 man roster. Especially for the host country, one where there are quite a few more schools that play football. (The US team represents 25 schools from at least a dozen States). Here was a golden opportunity for Japanese young men at smaller, less well-known schools (for football) in Japan- which don't get the same opportunities for publicity or excitement- to send representatives, and all the benefits it would bring. A chance to broaden the opportunities and appeal to as wide a network of players and fans as possible in Japan.
The USA team in last year's World Cup games was better example of how it was meant to be done: the USA selection rules insisted that the team was truly representative. Players came from all divisions of the NCAA (college and university) and NAIA schools, not just the top division. Sure, the exciting final game was much closer than it otherwise would have been, but more important objectives were also met. Japan would do much better to follow this example.
I can only hope that corrections will be made in the future with more of the interests of young people and the game of football foremost in mind.
Saturday, February 23, 2008
new rules?
The NCAA (presumably to appease the television networks), are at it again:
another attempt to shorten the length of games.
After the rule changes (such as the poorly thought out one to start the clock on the kickoff) were tried and failed, this time they have two proposals:
1. To start the play clock immediately upon the conclusion of the previous play (a 40 second clock just like the NFL, rather than the current 25 seconds from the Ready For Play signal).
2. To stop the game clock on plays out of bounds only until the ball is re-spotted, rather than until the next snap.
They claim that the former rule will make the procedure more consistent (and take away the incentive for pileups, etc.).
I read that they also claim latter (out-of-bounds rule) would only affect 12 plays a game (which sounds low to me).
The only statistic I have seen previously (care of Homer Smith) is that it takes officials an average of 12 seconds to spot the ball and to start the play clock. So this will give Offensive Coordinators a slightly longer (and a slightly more consistent) time frame in which to send in plays. I can imagine that we will see more changing of personnel packages; with the offense waiting, and then sending in the play call based on the corresponding changes in defensive personnel.
At any rate, these rules will make it a little more difficult for teams to come from behind; and a little easier for teams ahead to run out the clock. Where previously the team trying to run out the clock attempted to stay in bounds at all costs, they will now have a reason to take long, slow convoy sweeps to the sideline (remember the old USC Trojan Student Body Right?), stepping out of bounds at the last minute to avoid being stripped of the ball, as the clock will be restarted even on an out-of-bounds play.
This will make the out routes less effective as part of the hurry-up offense.
While a good argument could be made for the first rule, I suspect the second rule will prove to be unwise and unwelcome.
Besides the implementation of overtime, the real reasons that recent regulation games are taking much longer are:
a. more TV commercials in televised games
b. occasional stoppages for replay of calls
c. the increased amount of passing in the game today- more passes equals more incomplete passes, and each of these stop to the clock.
While commercial television (a) or the replay rule (b) may not affect other divisions (including Japan), I would like to urge that TV be encouraged/obliged to take short automatic commercial breaks (say one minute) on each replay stoppage (or injury timeout), rather than showing countless angles while the officials decide, and then lengthy commercial breaks after a score or at the quarter or for a 'TV timeout'. After one minute, the TV crew could have chosen the best angle to show the result, except for the most controversial of plays. This quick commercial break would be good for TV too- viewers would be unlikely to change channels while still in suspense as to the outcome of the call.
As far as the increased amount of passing in the game today (c), the longest games generally involve those teams that throw 50-60 times a game, with consequently many more incomplete passes. When teams run the ball (for no gain, for example) the clock continues to run, as long as the ball remains inbounds. This probably causes the greatest inconsistency in the length of playing times of games. So I would propose that after incomplete passes landing within the field of play, the game clock is restarted after the ball is set. I have no way of field testing this at the moment, but I would imagine that this would do much to even out the running length of games.
another attempt to shorten the length of games.
After the rule changes (such as the poorly thought out one to start the clock on the kickoff) were tried and failed, this time they have two proposals:
1. To start the play clock immediately upon the conclusion of the previous play (a 40 second clock just like the NFL, rather than the current 25 seconds from the Ready For Play signal).
2. To stop the game clock on plays out of bounds only until the ball is re-spotted, rather than until the next snap.
They claim that the former rule will make the procedure more consistent (and take away the incentive for pileups, etc.).
I read that they also claim latter (out-of-bounds rule) would only affect 12 plays a game (which sounds low to me).
The only statistic I have seen previously (care of Homer Smith) is that it takes officials an average of 12 seconds to spot the ball and to start the play clock. So this will give Offensive Coordinators a slightly longer (and a slightly more consistent) time frame in which to send in plays. I can imagine that we will see more changing of personnel packages; with the offense waiting, and then sending in the play call based on the corresponding changes in defensive personnel.
At any rate, these rules will make it a little more difficult for teams to come from behind; and a little easier for teams ahead to run out the clock. Where previously the team trying to run out the clock attempted to stay in bounds at all costs, they will now have a reason to take long, slow convoy sweeps to the sideline (remember the old USC Trojan Student Body Right?), stepping out of bounds at the last minute to avoid being stripped of the ball, as the clock will be restarted even on an out-of-bounds play.
This will make the out routes less effective as part of the hurry-up offense.
While a good argument could be made for the first rule, I suspect the second rule will prove to be unwise and unwelcome.
Besides the implementation of overtime, the real reasons that recent regulation games are taking much longer are:
a. more TV commercials in televised games
b. occasional stoppages for replay of calls
c. the increased amount of passing in the game today- more passes equals more incomplete passes, and each of these stop to the clock.
While commercial television (a) or the replay rule (b) may not affect other divisions (including Japan), I would like to urge that TV be encouraged/obliged to take short automatic commercial breaks (say one minute) on each replay stoppage (or injury timeout), rather than showing countless angles while the officials decide, and then lengthy commercial breaks after a score or at the quarter or for a 'TV timeout'. After one minute, the TV crew could have chosen the best angle to show the result, except for the most controversial of plays. This quick commercial break would be good for TV too- viewers would be unlikely to change channels while still in suspense as to the outcome of the call.
As far as the increased amount of passing in the game today (c), the longest games generally involve those teams that throw 50-60 times a game, with consequently many more incomplete passes. When teams run the ball (for no gain, for example) the clock continues to run, as long as the ball remains inbounds. This probably causes the greatest inconsistency in the length of playing times of games. So I would propose that after incomplete passes landing within the field of play, the game clock is restarted after the ball is set. I have no way of field testing this at the moment, but I would imagine that this would do much to even out the running length of games.
Tuesday, February 5, 2008
Super Bowl XLII
Should probably make a quick comment.
A low scoring game, great defensive play. Clutch drives by both teams. A thoroughly entertaining game.
I was personally glad to see the result (with the Red Sox already winning the baseball World Series last fall my highly vocal and opinionated brother-in-law from Boston would be absolutely insufferable to his dying day if the Patriots had win and finished with a perfect season).
It is always exciting to see the underdog win. Satisfying to, as long as the favorite being upset was not our team.
A low scoring game, great defensive play. Clutch drives by both teams. A thoroughly entertaining game.
I was personally glad to see the result (with the Red Sox already winning the baseball World Series last fall my highly vocal and opinionated brother-in-law from Boston would be absolutely insufferable to his dying day if the Patriots had win and finished with a perfect season).
It is always exciting to see the underdog win. Satisfying to, as long as the favorite being upset was not our team.
Wednesday, January 9, 2008
AFCA Convention
Loads of interesting stuff! Seminars, etc.
One of the most interesting obsrvations was by a USA Today reporter, but repeated by many other coaches in speeches and seminars after that:
The University of Michigan Wolverines began the 2007 season by losing to the reigning champion in FCS (formerly 1-AA) in a shocking, humiliating upset loss to Appalachian State; and concluded the season with a win over reigning Bowl Subdivision (formerly 1-A) champion Florida on New Year's day....
Football...what a great game!
One of the most interesting obsrvations was by a USA Today reporter, but repeated by many other coaches in speeches and seminars after that:
The University of Michigan Wolverines began the 2007 season by losing to the reigning champion in FCS (formerly 1-AA) in a shocking, humiliating upset loss to Appalachian State; and concluded the season with a win over reigning Bowl Subdivision (formerly 1-A) champion Florida on New Year's day....
Football...what a great game!
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