ACKERLY SANDS # 8 Division 2

By
October 1, 2008

I had an opportunity to stop by Ackerly today. Had a great visit with the Principal, Zelda Bilbo, and the Head Coach, Wayne Henderson. The Principal is a home grown product. She has been at the school for 31 years. There are several things she likes about the community but she is most proud of the students that attend there. As she discussed the students the smile on her face said a lot but it was the sparkle in her eyes that really told me how proud she is of them.

Coach Wayne Henderson was surprised by my visit. I introduced myself and he said he reads my comments on SixManFootball.com. Here is a sample of how that all went down.

SMC: I also write a blog on GoFridayNight.Com. called Six-Man Central.

Coach Henderson: At the Abilene Reporter~News?

SMC: Yes, that's correct. Can we talk a moment?

Coach Henderson: Sure.

SMC: You guys are currently ranked # 8 in the state in Division 2. How do you feel about that? Is your team worthy of the ranking?

Coach Henderson: Well, it feels good. The team has worked really hard. That was a goal we set as a team, that and making the playoffs. What I talk to my guys about is the # 8 ranking is just on paper. A computer beat out some numbers and we are ranked # 8. It is exciting. We are doing good. We are 4-1. We got down a couple of scores to Sterling City early and never made it up. We know we have to play the games.

Here is the season record injected my SMC.
Sands (4-1)
week 0 Sands 30 Hermleigh 16
week 1 Sands 47 Wilson 0
week 2 Sands 48 Trent 0
week 3 Sterling City 58 Sands 40
week 4 Sands 88 Spur 40

SMC: You guys are Division 2. How much did you miss the cutoff on being Division 1?

Coach Henderson: It was close, we did not miss it much. Those numbers fluctuate as you know. If we were to turn in numbers today, we would be in Division 1 by a couple or so. Of course we are in Division 2 this season and next. Then, we will see how it goes. We believe we can compete in either Division. This season we are 1 and 1 against Division 1 teams.

SMC: There are several factors that one has to take into account when determining if you can compete at whatever level, right?

Coach Henderson: That is for sure. Numbers would be one thing and of course injury will always plat a role in your numbers. I started out one season a couple of years ago with 21 boys and wound up with nine. That season went South in a hurry.

SMC: How healthy are you right now? I believe you go to Dawson Friday?

Coach Henderson: We are looking pretty good. I have one player that they are looking at a knee today. We hope for the best. I have another player with a health related issue being checked out today as well. Worst case we may go to Dawson with 10 players. I usually try to carry twelve.

SMC: An injury can indeed turn a promising season into a disaster.

Coach Henderson: Yes sir.

SMC: I noticed there is lots of construction going on.

Coach Henderson: Yes sir. We are building a new gym and auditorium.

SMC: (laughing) How about turf for the field?

Coach Henderson: Actually that has been discussed. Water source or lack thereof is a problem for us as I am sure it is for many other six-man schools. We got around six inches of rain a couple of weeks ago that has sure helped out.

SMC: What about the playoffs? You guys in for sure?

Coach Henderson: Staying healthy means everything and you have to win your games. Yes we think we will be there. October 24th is a big game with us. That is Borden County. We have to take care of business between now and then for sure. We have Dawson this week. We are open the next week. That is kind of funny. We have had the last week of the season open for the last two seasons. I am having to rethink the open date here in the middle of the season.

SMC: I know coaches feel like open dates can get you out of sync. At least it gives you a week to nurse any injuries before district play.

Coach Henderson: Yes sir.

SMC: I don't like to rely on luck so I say Good Football To You.

Coach Henderson: Thanks. We just need to stay healthy and play hard and smart.

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