Two-thirds

We don't play kids two ways.  If you start on offense, you won't start on defense, and vice-versa.  We want as many kids as is possible, gaining experience. And we want fresh legs.  We play to win.  If a game is close, our third and fourth string players probably won't play.  That's an issue, since we have 65 kids on our roster.

Two-thirds of our squad will stand on the sidelines when we have close games.  That means two-thirds of the parents who came to watch their sons, won't see them.  That means two-thirds of our workforce will remain unrewarded.  The sweat they sweated, the pain they endured, and the fear they fought through will go unrecognized.  Sometimes that's just how it goes.

But not always.  Sometimes it's up to you.  
  

Recently, we challenged our starters.  We told them we, as coaches, will no longer apologize to those players who don't see playing time during regulation.  Instead, they will.  We challenged them to set the bar higher.  Make it your goal to give everyone the same opportunity you have.  Let's give everyone the opportunity to  perform for their parents, and friends.  Let's give everyone the same opportunity to represent the Aptos High Freshman Football Team.  Apply your God given talent toward providing an opportunity for someone else who otherwise would never have it.  Use your talent to enable someone else.

For some of our players no amount of hard work, or determination, will bridge the gap between their ability, and others.  Not in this arena.  Not in the context of this forum.  The effort they exert, however, often exceeds the effort of those above them. As does their courage.  The more gifted athletes will experience mismatches in their favor.  Some less gifted athletes never will.  For the less gifted, every time they take the field (whether in practice or a game) they'll be the underdog.  

If you're one of the "gifted" ask yourself:  "Would I keep showing up if I knew I'd be physically dominated daily, get fewer reps than everyone else, and rarely get to play in games?"  Then ask yourself what it takes to say 'yes'.  That's what's standing on the sideline waiting for you to take charge of the game.  If you respect the conviction in your team mates, play like it, and get them on the field.