I probably should have done this a few days ago, but as most of you know, we’ve been rather busy since our sports editor, Perry Ballard passed away a little more than two weeks ago.

I love this time of year as we begin the holiday season, or as I like to term it HOLY DAY season.

Even in the middle of that loss so many of us in the newsroom, and in particular our sports department,  continue to feel, there is much to be thankful for.

In the immediate days following Perry’s passing I took comfort in knowing I could count our local coaches as friends when I’m hurting.

The day after Perry’s death I went to Navarre to do a preview story on the Raiders upcoming game with Gulf Breeze. Yes, I talked a little football that day, but more than anything that day Navarre coach Larry Olson gave me a shoulder to lean on. He let me know it was OK to hurt and cry. He was there when I needed a strong and compassionate friend.

Larry, if you’re reading this, you will never know how much I appreciate you being there that day.

But it wasn’t just Larry that showed his concern. Fort Walton Beach football coach Mike Owens called that Friday night after a tough game with Niceville. He was checking on some scores, but more than anything he wanted to make sure those in our sports department were holding up.

The calls and e-mails we have received, and those thoughts and prayers we’ve felt that have gone unannounced, have helped sustain me.

At times sports writers and coaches have different agendas. We try to get a story, and they try to keep some things from us. It’s part of the game.

In the course of the seven years I’ve been at the Daily News there have been relationships…friendships built with the men and women who coach high school sports in this area.

So tonight I’m thankful that we are on the same team…one that seeks to encourage and grow young men and women through sports.

As a high school athlete my coaches impacted me. And today coaches continue to impact me. I am blessed to have a job I love, and to enjoy the relationships that are a part of the job.

And now before I get into my pick for this week, Jared says Hey.

Now there is just one area football team still playing. Niceville (8-2) host to Jacksonville Bartram Trail (7-4) 7:30 tonight in the Class 5A regional semifinals.

The Eagles are coming off an impressive win over Neptune Beach Fletcher. Last week the challenge was slowing down Fletcher running back Deschion Baskerville, and the Eagles did just that holing the explosive back to under 100 yards.

This week it will be Bear quarterback Kyle Parker who will try to stretch the Niceville defense. Parker is rated one of the top quarterback prospects in the country. After watching a short video of Parker on line I can see why. The kid has all the tools and could give the Eagles fit if they don’t stay at home.

The Niceville offense could help the defense in a big way. Jason Lentz ran for 113 yards last week. If Niceville can establish the run and keep the ball out of Parker’s hands a trip to the regional finals should be next for the Eagles.

This could be a barn burner, but the game is being played in Niceville’s barn and that’s why I like the Eagles 31-27.

This entry was posted on Thursday, November 22nd, 2007 at 10:46 pm and is filed under Uncategorized. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. Both comments and pings are currently closed.