Camden vs. the other Aquinas

Camden County is playing St. Thomas Aquinas (Florida) tomorrow night at 7:00, on espn the ocho, or one of those. Aquinas has produced many upstanding citizens such as Michael Irvin and Billy Crudup.

Let's Gay It Up

How bout this new layout?  What do ya'll think?

The Camden Game: The Final Chapter

The away stands at Chris Gilman Stadium.

And so the muddy dogfight that defined the first half continued well into the second.  Both squads violently sloshed against each other throughout the third quarter with nothing doing on either side.  BC, desperate to get on the board, finally started going to the air in the final quarter of play, and debuted a freshman receiver by the name of Kenny O'Neal.  I distinctly remember after Owens' first long completion to Kenny, which came about midway through the 4th, Reardon yelled out "Who the hell is this kid?  Is he Irish?"  A few plays later, Owens scampered into the endzone and the Cadets finally had their 6. 

But there was just one major problem:  kicker John Porzio had been thrown out of school earlier in the week for getting in a fight.  Sophomore Brandon Mell, grandson of the legendary Vic, was the backup and had never kicked in a varsity game.  Few were surprised when be missed the PAT, and most of us thought that was probably it at that point.  Here we were trailing 7-6 with 5 minutes left.  Camden would now find a way to come back and ram it down our throats.  Even if they didn't, they were still up, so we'd still lose.

Instead, the exact opposite happened.  After regaining possession,  Camden did pick up a first down or two, but then they collapsed.  It sure sounded like the fat lady when, with just 2 minutes left and BC having burned all its timeouts, Camden drove comfortably into Cadet territory.  But then a string of penalties against the Wildcats were called, stopping the clock and preventing an additional first down.  A Camden receiver also conveniently stepped out of bounds for no reason.     

BC then took possession with no more than a minute left at midfield.  Lamar hooked up with O'Neal again on a sideline route, and then went to Zeigler, who had already put up the most yards for the Cadets that night, to put BC in what only Brandon Mell and his mother thought was field goal range at that point, 38 yards away with 9 seconds left.

Another series of penalties then ensued.  The first against BC for delay of game, the second against Camden for being offsides.  By this point all of us are kneeling against the fence near the endzone with our eyes closed and heads down, rambling off as many Hail Mary's as possible, looking up every other second, vigilantly awaiting the final snap.

The ball was finally snapped, and the suspense ended right then and there because the millisecond after it left Brandon's foot, everyone on the away side of the stadium knew it was good.  The scene that erupted after it sailed through those uprights is seared into my memory.  The 9 of us leapt into the air, hugging each other and screaming the fight song at least 10 times in a row with the rest of the alumni.  I cried or at least came really close to it.  We then stormed field, taking full advantage of something they wouldn't let us do back home.  For a brief few minutes, it felt as if the atmosphere on the away stands of the Wildcat Den was more electric than Memorial Stadium could ever be.      

Mell was hauled off the field and is hailed as a hero to this day.  Ziegler and Owens will reminisce with you about the experience as often as possible.  And Kenny O'Neal is probably in jail somewhere.  But congratulations to the 9-2 2000 Benedictine Cadets, Region 3AAAAA Champs, and the last region opponent to topple the Camden Wildcats, 9-7, exactly 10 years ago this weekend.

The Camden Game: Part 3 of 4

We meandered further down the Georgia coastline as the rain continued to violently pelt against the windshield, virtually blindfolding us from any distance markers.  After an hour of darkness and deluge, we are able to make out a brightly-lit outpost ahead:  the Hwy 82 Steak and Shake.

We pull in about a half-hour or so before kickoff, and are happy to find the Pyramid there as well. We take our time eating, because everyone thinks the stadium is just down the street, when in fact it's an additional 30+ minutes down 95.  You have to remember this is before GPS existed, and when you combine this with Savannahians' mostly benighted sense of geography and distance ("oh no big deal, Camden County is just 'down there', right by Glynn and Jacksonville and Georgetown and Richmond Hill, it's all the same") you can understand why none of us made it to the game until midway through the 2nd quarter.

We go another 30 miles further south, and when we finally make the exit off 95, the torrential downpour suddenly decides to slacken off into a slight drizzle. The lightening and thunder quickly cease as well. It is clear God is set on this contest going forward . We pull into Camden's university-sized campus with Cadet Fleming and his date, young Jennifer, tailgating. We quickly make our way towards the stadium, but can't see the scoreboard because it's facing the direction opposite the parking lot. With each step, the curiosity intensifies. How bad were we down? 21-0? 28-7 maybe? Could we at least keep it respectable?

As we entered the stadium, my eyes painstakingly darted right toward the well-lit, turquoise-colored display, which had finally come into full view. With 6 minutes left in the half, the Cadets were only down 7-0!!

The picture immediately came into focus:  Owens was hurt but still playing both ways. Taking snaps every other down, Dotson was filling in when needed.  Lamar was struggling to get much of anything going and Camden's offense was driving a little better but could never seem to capitalize or make any big plays.  The crowd was pretty thin:  in addition to Fleming, Whitledge, Madison, and myself, Cadets Bruce and Toraya are present, as are former (i.e., couldn't cut it in military so had to drop out after sophomore year) cadets Reardon, Hissam, and Sauers, but no one else from the class of 2001.  

As the halftime buzzer tried to penetrate the humid but cooling September air, BC fans immediately rose to their feet in astonishment. Could this really be happening? Were we really only down to one of the state's biggest schools and strongest programs by a touchdown after 24 exhausting minutes?  Could we just hold on for 24 more?

An unknown freshman wideout, white senior running back, and untested sophomore backup kicker must have thought we could...

To Be Continued...

Gov. Chris Christie's Stance

Whatever your convictions are regarding abortion, Gov. Chris Christie has a pair of brass gahones larger than anyone else in the country. Whether his veto was based upon moral conviction or strictly fiscal, he has done what many are too scared to do. On top of his slashing of ridiculous teacher pensions and freezing property tax rates, the Governor really is bringing "Hope and Change" to many. Plus, his wife must be a great cook.

The Camden Game: Part 2 of 4

Few fans were looking forward to the 2-hour journey to the Florida state line after watching BC fall so hard against Wayne County in 2000. Most thought the Cadet's pre-season hopes for a region title and home playoff berth had been dashed after the Yellow Jackets walked away with a 27-3 drubbing at Memorial Stadium.

And the reason is that most knew that Camden, whom the Cadets had cleverly managed to never schedule in the regular season for 50+ years, was even stronger than Wayne was. Why bother wasting all Friday evening and the early hours of Saturday driving up and down I-95 just to watch BC get drilled?

The Savannah Morning News predicted the Wildcats would be the easy victor, and I'm sure the Florida Times-Union did was well. At the lunch table that week, I had few takers on my offer to drive whomever was interested to Kingsland. And that's understandable. I'm sure Ryan had to go to a Blink 31182 Chili Pepper's concert, I bet Chris had to work at a grocery store, etc. By Friday, TC, Whitledge, and myself all agreed we would ride down together to watch what looked like it would be an ass-beating, but would turn out to be a spectacle I will be telling my grandchildren about.  

The three of us saddled up in my '97 red Jeep Grand Cherokee and got ready to make our way down the entire length of the Georgia coast on a stormy September Friday night. We prepared to depart civilization and venture into the heart of darkness that is South Georgia, where no Catholic kid from the city is safe. Okay, that's probably romanticized and way over-the-top, but whatever, I am trying to make this sound real dramatic so just go with it.

The rain picked up and the thunder boomed louder as we made our way past Richmond Hill and then Darien, blaring TC's Slipknot CD's, descending through what felt like Dante's nine circles of hell, until all that lay between us and the enemy kingdom was the Brunswick Steak and Shake...

To Be Continued...

New Water Park in Savannah Has Folks Talking

What do I expect? A lot of minorities in their t-shirts.

10 Years Ago: The Camden Game

In the past decade, we've watched BC squads of varying strengths rise to thrilling victories.  There was the last-minute touchdown pass against 5th-ranked South Effingham in 2005.  The 29 unanswered scored against Glynn in 2000 after being down by over three touchdowns with little more than a quarter left to play.  Or the tough defensive stand that prevented Richmond Hill's risky 2-point conversion attempt in the waning seconds of play in 2006.  The come-from-behind wins over Wayne County in 2001 and 2002 also come to mind.

But without question, the greatest and most exciting BC victory of the 2000s came out of nowhere on the evening of September 29, 2000.  That rainy night, the Cadets, having been demoralized the week prior by a 27-3 pummeling by Wayne, pulled into Kingsland, Georgia to face what is now the strongest team in the state and probably the entire Southeast.

Stick with me as we recap this magical week in BC football history.

Nice Win

Photo: Randy Thompson for Savannah Morning News

Congratulations to the Cadets for their first win of the season. I'll leave the in-depth analysis for someone else. I just believe in giving credit where credit is due.

Lowlife Deadbeat vis-a-vis Why I Hate eBay: A Short Rant

"Dear [my seller id],

Good morning I am writing because in the day yesterday was ready to remove the laptop, but to check their average rating in the store with the paperwork executive has instructed me not enough to allow me to make you transccion, thousand apologize and we will not be able to make the transaction


- [deadbeat loser]"

Got this message today from the winning bidder of a laptop I was selling for my Dad. This guy technically has 7 days to pay me, but I know he won't. And what can I do about it? Nothing.

I can report him as a non-paying bidder and he'll get a strike. I can't leave negative feedback for him and there is no way to block bids from bidders who have below a certain rating. Absolutely no protection from trash like this.

This guy is human garbage, unworthy to breathe the sweet air of freedom in this country. I do not accept his "thousand apologize" and I hope he drops dead today. That is, of course, unless he decides to pay.

HALFWAY THERE!

It may just be me and Shane tonight at KB's. Anyone else is welcome to attend.

Friday Prediction

At some point in the next couple of hours, Will will post something about how there's only 6 months left til St. Patrick's Day.

Rock Bottom

Sunday discussion topic: Has BC football reached its nadir?

What's become increasingly frustrating for the Cadet faithful is declaring "well, at least we know it won't ever get any worse than this" year in and out.

- I can remember driving to Augusta exactly six years ago this weekend to watch BC squeak past Richmond Academy, arguably the worst team in the state at the time, 6-0, in front of no more than 50 fans. BC would go 2-8 that year.  I thought we'd reached rock bottom then.

- Then came Liberty County 2006. BC traveled to Olvey field late in the season and was shut out 57-0. Liberty was a lot better than usual that year, but they weren't amazing.  We ended up at 3-7 but remained patient as it was Herndon's first year and everyone agreed he'd need another season or two before we'd returned to glory.   

- Now comes 2010. Granted, Windsor is good. It's still early in the season and I can't quite figure out how they knocked off Wayne but lost to Pierce.  But my point is that irregardless (I didn't think "irregardless" was a word, but black people at my job say it a lot so it must be), 10 years ago, BC losing to Windsor Forest would simply have been unthinkable to anyone in the city.  I am happy for the public school programs and am glad they have improved.  I would always much rather watch BC play against them than Appling Academy, but Jesus, I thought we'd at least be competitive in Savannah.  

So what do you think:  have we reached the low point now?  Will things get worse before they get better?  Are the fundamentals in place, but just not the talent/depth?  Or is the problem bigger than that?  I've also heard some administrative changes in the athletic department may be in the making.  Not sure if anyone can comment on those either.

Are You Kidding me?

My Thoughts for Today:

James Madison 21 VT 16.....only the second time a 1-AA has beaten a ranked 1A (App state over UM 2007)

Kansas 28 GT 25.... Good passing Nesbitt....What makes it worst was the announcer was saying "Nesbitt is running over Kansas like a F-150 truck".... Go to hell Fox Sports

Oklahoma 47 FSU 17.... Christian Ponder released his inner Chris Rix
Miami 24 OSU 36.....Randy Shannon or Jim Tressel? Stupid Question

Wake Forest 54 Duke 48.....Thanks for that potent o Wake....oh you played Duke? Well learn how to play D

Clemson 58 Presbyterian 21.....Dominating performance Tigers. Let me give you a damn ribbon for the most annoying chant ever

I love college football, but with this display of futile football, I declare the ACC the Big East's little sister. Oh Yeah, Boise State beat a 7-5 VT team, so go play Texas in the Fiesta Bowl and have a blast Kellen "Justin Bieber" Moore.

Go Georgia Southern!

10 Years Ago: Commissioning

The 2010-11 school year marks the 10-year anniversary of the BC Class of 2001. In honor of our greatness, I will chronicle our senior year, as it relates to the same events that still occur today. Commisioning is this weekend. Do you remember Commissioning 2000?

The "Big 4" (Fleming, Houser, Lane, Zeigler) was given a budget of $1,000 to plan the Commissioning Ceremony and Military Ball.

Chris got "f'd in the ass" by the florist, even though he used the same florist that JMO3 suggested.

Chris also informed Carl during rehearsal that he did not have his hat on while outside, to which Chief replied, "F you, Lane!"

I followed in the Holland tradition of marrying the girl I took to Commissioning my senior year. That means Pat is destined to marry Kelly Sheehy.

Nardis stole my thunder by showing up late and being the last senior to walk through the sabre arch.

Ty flipped his truck and didn't show up at all.



Here I am with JMO3 and CDT/LTC Houser, awaiting the arrival of the guest speaker, COL Armbrister (pronounced "Arm-bruise-ter" by JMO3).


Enjoying the Military Ball with CDT/LTC Lane.



With my future wife at the Post-Commissioning Party at Pat's house.

I know I am leaving out a lot, so please post your memories in the comments section.

"Imama, Didn't Mean to Make You Cry"

"If we move from the location, the story will be that the radicals have taken over the discourse...the headlines throughout the Muslim world will be that Islam is under attack...if we don't do this right, anger will explode in the Muslim world."



'>-Imam Feisal Abdul Rauf, on Larry King Live last night.



We always hear that if we do this or that, we will ignite the Muslim world and spur terror attacks. These apologists take a very dangerous tone with these warnings...one that suggests that we bear responsibility for the end result.

The folks in Tennessee that plan on burning Korans on Saturday are crazy through and through, but to get the White House involved out of fear of reprisal is gutless.

Start blaming the people with the crazy ideology. Why should we tailor our behavior to make those who hate us, hate us a little bit less? They will find a reason to recruit and kill Americans for anything we do short of national conversion.

By no means am I justifying any violence or mass burnings of the Koran, but, as a society, we need to quit acting like a bunch of eunuchs.

Oh the "Irony"

I thought this was funny.

Barry, Barry, Quite Contrary

Has anbody caught the Campaigner-in-Chief's recent "policy speeches" in places such as recession-ravaged Cleveland? Of course you have, Pat.

Everyone else, watch this happen...

Typically, when a party is in control of both Congress and the White House, the electorate tends to vote for a division of powers during the incumbent president's first midterm elections. When the economy is facing recession (as was the case with Reagan and Clinton), this plays directly into the incumbent's political posturing goals.

By sweeping Republicans into office in November, we will actually give him a scapegoat that will allow him to win re-election in 2012. Thus far, he has only competed with himself, so it is no wonder that his approval ratings are so low (as were Clinton's and Reagan's).

If you read a recap of Obama's two speeches this week, they were less policy speeches and more a call to arms against the....minority (?). He claims that Republicans, "the party of no", have treated him "like a dog." They oppose key pieces of legislation that he has attempted to push through for the betterment of the middle class, he claims. These "poor old me" statements are made in spite of the fact that it is his party who has had total command of the legislative and executive branches for the past two years, and all of his major initiatives have been run through Congress at the expense of republican debate (with a little "r").

Barry's political advisors basically have him jumping the gun; he is not even waiting for the elections to occur before he begins to paint the Republicans as the big, bad wolves out to get his innocent little piggies (stimulus bills, healthcare, etc.).

It will not matter in terms of the results 8 weeks from right now, but we are getting a nice preview of the next two years. Instead of working towards solving America's multitude of real world problems, we can expect two years of campaigning against the House...and ultimately 6 more years of Obummer.

Rest assured that Republicans do the same thing when given the opportunity. Everybody sucks. We're just seeing history repeat itself, and Americans will be fooled into thinking that at each turn there will be actual change.

Baseball Sucks

Why do we watch baseball? Is there any point? The past two games proves there is no rhyme or reason. The team with one of the best records in the NL faces the team with the worst records in both leagues, and yet they lose both games so far. And that's with our two best pitchers.

And yet, they could go play the Phillies next week and win two or even sweep them. So, why even bother following a season of baseball? Because it's all just a matter of chance apparently. Flip a coin. It's more like the Braves, who happened to win more games than they lost, faced the Pirates, who happened to lose more games than any other team. If the Pirates can beat the Braves at this point, when they were on top in September, is there any real tension?

When I watched the UGA game last week, I knew they would win. Because of level of player talent, coaching talent, funds, previous win-loss records, etc. I knew that LA Lafayette would lose, because they were the lesser team in all areas. Sure, you can have upsets, like Jacksonville St. beating Ole Miss, or Appalachian State beating Michigan a few years ago, but that's why they're called "upsets." It's rare. When the Pirates beat the Braves, it's just "Pirates beat the Braves. That's baseball."

Or say, unranked UGA beating #7 GA Tech last year. It made sense as you watched the game. You saw what worked for UGA and what was not working for Tech, and you understood and appreciated by the end how UGA deserved the victory. You watch the Braves lose to the Pirates, and you just go, "Oh, well he struck out there. That sucked." Or "he hit into a double play. That makes me angry." Or "Hudson gave up a 3 run homerun after this number of hitless innings." Okay. Great. Means nothing. Because the very next day the complete opposite will happen. Then the day after that back to the crap. Hot streaks, slumps - what's the difference?

In summary, the Braves are pissing me off and I'm still excited about football starting.

The Twelve Months of Hilliard's: September

What a great start to any meal...5 piece, fried Mozzarella Cheese Sticks for only $2.99! (Reg. $4.29)

 Never before offered! Our NEW Scallop Au Gratin served in its natural shell! The cheesy dish is served with our famous fried shrimp for only $ 10.99. Comes with cole slaw, french fries and hush puppies... no substitutions, please.

The $4 Meal... whata Deal! Four fresh hand-breaded chicken fingers served with fries, green beans and toast... all for only $4.00! No substitutions, please.

And to top it off, our "Fried Banana Pudding" dessert... one bite, and you're hooked! 4 pc. only $2.99 and the 6 pc. is only $3.99!