Points Per Game/Points Against Per Game

We really need to up our offensive production this year. Less then 50-60 points per game is unacceptable.

Spring 2008
65.7 PPG
50.3 PAG

Fall 2008
46.0 PPG
65.8 PAG

Spring 2009
49.1 PPG
55.4 PAG

10 Keys to Winning Flag Football Games

Here are Dr. G’s top 10 keys to winning in flag football.

1. Flag football playbook - an architect would never attempt to build a house without a blue print or “plans”. Just the same, a team should never show up to a game without good plays or a game plan. Make sure you have a reliable flag football plays and your teammates have access to it.

2. Wrist bands – having your flag football playbook “portable” is also important. Determine what your top plays are and transfer them to your wristband. Not only will this help the hurry up offense, but it also reduces time in the huddle. Also, there is nothing like trying to verbally communicate while panting from the last play. Your plays should be numbered so you can refer to them quickly without confusion. If you have 8 plays, you really have 16, because you can “flip”, where everyone one runs the same route, but to the opposite side of the field.

3. Pressure on the opposing QB– Even the best QBs play poorly when they get too much pressure. Get in there and get in there fast! Most interceptions are created by excessive defensive pressure. So often, the worst players are used to rush the QB. Send your best, most athletic players after that QB! Speed and agility are needed to really shake up that QB. Keeping “fresh legs” for rushers is also important, so plan on rotating rushers every few plays.

4. Pitch the ball! – In most flag football leagues, a fumble is a dead ball. Because of this, pitching the ball is a MUST. The risk-reward continuum is outstanding (in your favor) and your team should take full advantage of this. Flipping the ball is a team concept and everyone should be thinking “flip”. Put it this way… the chance of you turning a short yardage play into a touch down far outweighs the possibility of a turn over.

5. Reliable teammates – First of all, make sure your teammates are committed to playing every week. If they plan to miss, they should let you know in advance. Make sure your phone and email list is up to date and make sure your team is deep enough to cover your back on light attendance weeks.

6. Cool headed teammates – Everyone has that loose cannon on their team. Decide first if they are worth keeping and if so make sure you know how to manage them. It never fails that the loose cannon comes unglued at the most in-opportune time.

7. Turnovers – Avoiding turnovers seems like a common sense tip, but it’s perhaps the most critical component of the game. When the game begins, you can assume that your team will get 6 drives (possessions) and your opponent will get 6 drives. If you throw 2 intercepts, now they get 8 drives and you get 4. All things held equal, this is a tremendous obstacle to over come. Since almost all turnovers are passes, just play smart. On those low percentage or broken pass plays, don’t force that throw, but throw it away!

8. Time of possession – Is time of possession really that important in flag football? Well, it depends! If you are the underdog, then you want to reduce the total number of drives per team. If this is the case, burn that clock where you can.

9. Defensive audibles – Based on what the opposing offense comes to the line with, you need to be able to change your defensive plays on the fly. Take the time to create defensive plays and audibles just like you do your offensive plays and audibles.

10. Pulling flags- Every missed flag means 7 more yards for the other team. Make sure you practice grabbing flags. This is often overlooked, but very important in stopping your opponent’s offense.

Career Defense Leaders

Here are the Top 6 Career Leaders in Tackles, Sacks, INTs, and Defensive Touchdowns. Matt has no competition for tackles with an average of 44 per season!! Nick is in 2nd and averages 26 per season so you can see how impossible it will be to pass him. Kolav got 8 sacks back in the Spring of 2008 and no one has passed him yet. Nick and Justin are tied for the lead with 17 interceptions which Holly did in one season!! That is one single season record that will be tough to beat. He averaged over 2 per game. The defensive TD leaders are a 3 way tie between Nick, Tim, and Justin with 3.

Tackles
1) Matt - 131
2) Nick - 78
3) Ryan - 49
4) Adam - 44
5) Jim - 43
6) Dan - 42

Sacks
1) Kolav - 8
2) Ryan - 6
3) Matt - 5
4) Rich - 2
5) 3 Tied - 1

INTs
1) Nick - 17
1) Justin - 17
3) Zach - 14
4) Matt - 7
4) Tim - 7
6) Jim - 5

Defensive TDs
1) Nick - 3
1) Tim - 3
1) Justin - 3
4) Matt - 2
5) 3 Tied - 1

Reception and TD Career Stats

Some of our numbers are getting way up there. Here are the Top 6 Career Leaders in Receptions and Receiving Touchdowns. Matt is only 1 reception from the 100 Catch Club. Zach should easily surpass 50 Career Touchdowns this season right around the second week is my guess! Adam is a surprise addition to both lists since he has only played 2 seasons with us.

Receptions
1) Nick - 170
2) Zach - 140
3) Matt - 99
4) Rich - 68
5) Adam - 59
6) Ryan - 51

Receiving Touchdowns
1) Zach - 44
2) Nick - 36
3) Adam - 18
4) Matt - 15
5) Ryan - 12
6) Rich - 9

The 5 Best Foods to Eat for Football Players

1. Whole grains

Whole grain food such as cereal,
bagels, pasta, and bread give good,
long-lasting energy to the whole body.
As the most important food group, athletes
should eat many whole grain carbohydrates before an event.

2. Peanut butter

Peanut butter is a good source of protein
and essential fats, and it is easy
to carry and eat on the go. Other protein sources
will work as well, such as lean meat or dairy;
the important thing is to get adequate
protein before and after a work out.

Protein helps the body in maintaining
aerobic metabolism instead of anaerobic metabolism,
which prevents the body from taking protein from
lean tissue. Adequate protein speeds recovery
and helps in actual performance situations.

3. Fresh fruits and Vegetables

Fresh produce is a great way to get vitamins
and minerals that help the body function as normal.
They are usually fat-free and contain lots of
energy for the body to use during exercise.
Some fruits, such as bananas, contain potassium,
a mineral that regulates water levels in the body
and stabilizes muscle contraction. Low potassium
levels can lead to muscle cramps and fatigue, so
eating potassium-rich foods is a good idea.

However, it is important to regulate potassium
intake, because too much too quickly can lead to a heart attack.
Athletes should take in 435 milligrams of potassium
for every hour they exercise.

While potassium does not aid in actual performance,
it speeds recovery and should be considered as one
of the most important supplements to an exercise program.

4. Calcium-Rich Foods

Foods such as cheese, yogurt, and milk
contain necessary calcium, which creates strong
bones and protects athletes from injury.
These dairy products are also a good source of
protein, but they should be eaten well before an
event, as they take some time to process.
If the body does not tolerate dairy well,
supplements should be included to ensure that athletes
receive the recommended daily intake of 1000 milligrams.
As an example, a cup of skim milk provides
about 300 milligrams of calcium.

5. Fiber-Rich Foods

Fiber is the nutritional component that keeps
athletes full and regulates the digestive tract.
Many of the foods already mentioned include fiber,
but it is important for coaches to know which foods
help athletes regulate fiber levels. Examples of
fiber-rich foods include whole grains, apples,
berries, almonds, and legumes. A simple way to
determine the necessary amount of fiber is to add
5 to the athlete's age. For example, a 10-year-old
athlete needs about 15 grams of fiber daily.
After the age of 15, athletes need 20-25 grams of fiber a day.

Bad Ass Logo

We need to get back to this kick ass logo instead of that gay football we have now! I remember just a few seasons ago when we had the coolest logo in the league. I like the Orange and Black colors more then the white and black, but I feel like our old logo was ten times more kick ass!

Punishers Get a Website, Forum, and Blog!!!

It's an exciting time for the Punishers with a new updated Website that includes records, stats, pictures, and much more. Not only do we have the updated website, but we also have our own forum where we can post strategies, stats, schedules, and anything else we want to discuss. Anyone that has any ideas to make either site better please let me know as I have only been adding things as they come to my head. I'm sure there are things I'm missing that I don't even realize.

The blog is going be for weekly game reviews, new records, stats, pictures, and some video highlights.