How About Those Raiders!!!!
The Big Ones Blog
November 23, 2008
Well Raider fans, Friday night was great wasn’t it. For the first time in many, many years the Raiders are advancing to the football upperstate championships by virtue of their huge 10 to 3 win over Conway.
First off’ let’s talk a little bit about the game. The Raiders had to face many Giants Friday night in order to earn the right to play for the Upperstate championship this week. The Raiders had all kinds of things go wrong on the way to the game. First there was an hour delay when one of the charter busses lost a lug nut. A three and a half hour trip to Conway turned into a nearly five hour trip. Then the grill malfunctioned for their pregame meal. It was cold, and the Conway team was big and fast and suppose to be a lot better than the Raiders. Most pundits were prediction a Conway blowout. Why even Elmo predicted that Conway would win by three touchdowns! Everyone believed this except the Raiders, their coaches, and their fans. Bottom line, the Raiders stifle a high powered Tiger offense, our offense ate up huge gobs of the clock, our defense bent a little but never broke, the Raider faithful were the 12th man, yelling and stomping their feet and made Conway’s stadium a satellite of K. C. Hanna Stadium and the Raiders come away with a 10 to 3 win!!!
This win is a cornerstone win for the Raider program. First off they were not supposed to win. Everybody knows that the Raiders can’t win the big one. Give them time they will beat themselves. Well, other teams can’t make that statement any more. The Raiders can win the big one, and they proved this at Conway. For years the program has been mired in the lower echelon of 4-A football. The team did not expect to win; the town did not expect to win. Politics entered into the program as people outside the program tried to exert pressure to play this player or that one even if they were not the best at the position. It was a program mired in the muck of mediocrity.
To turn around a program is difficult, but not impossible. The right guy has got to be given that opportunity and be given a free reign to make changes without having to worry who may not like it. He’s got to be a person who knows football, and most importantly know what success is, what it means to be a member of a championship program. Someone who came to the program to build it, not to build their retirement.
In Greg Lawson we got this person. He has coached under such great coaches as Shell Dula, Phil Strickland, and Mike Anthony. All coaches who have built state championship programs. He has been involved with multiple championship seasons at Gaffney and Union. He knows how to win.
Next he assembled a staff dedicated to win. Some stayed over from past coaching staffs, and some were brought in. All wanted to win, and worked their butts off coaching to help the Raiders get this far.
While we are at it, we can’t forget the support staff. The folks at the District office and school board, Athletic Director Bill Boroff, Head trainer extraordinaire Barry Atkinson, the late John Hendricks, our new principal Wayne McIntosh, the list goes on and on, and all were dedicated to seeing the program succeed. It has been a team effort, and this team has given their best effort to see the Raiders succeed.
Finally there are two groups that we can’t overlook. First the players. These young men bought into the new program that Coach Lawson and staff have put in place. They have worked hard in the weight and conditioning room in the off season and spent hours and hours on the practice field. They have worked hard to keep their grades up and keep themselves eligible to play. They have bonded as brothers, and they have become winners. There is no quit in these young men, there is no back-up. They want to win; they have a hunger building in them that makes them give that extra effort. They never give up. They are determined to give their best effort for only their best effort will do. They have become winners.
Lastly let’s not forget the Raider fans. They have got behind the team and have become their 12th man. They have reveled in the teams wins, and encouraged them in their losses. They have been there and it means a lot for the team to have them behind them 100 percent. Believe me, you can hear the fans cheering on the field, and it, makes you reach down for that little bit of extra effort, and this is what builds championships. Well done Raider fans!!!!!
This win over Conway is what I call a cornerstone win. It is one that success can be built on. It is the dawn of a new era. In 1972, Clinton got their cornerstone win and the program thrives to this day. In 1972 the Red Devils faced Woodruff in the first game of the season. It was Keith Richardson’s fourth year at head coach of the Red Devils. The program had steadily improved but still had not won the big game, the game to build a program on. Clinton had not defeated Woodruff in 10 seasons. Well, Clinton did defeat Woodruff 20 to 0 back in 1972, and people started to believe. The team won the state championship that year and won six more in the next 15 years. The program is still successful, and the roots of the winning tradition can be traced back to that September evening many years ago.
This is Laurens cornerstone win. Can I guarantee that the Raiders will beat South Pointe this Friday night? No, but I can guarantee that the Raiders will head to Rock Hill and give their best effort, the South Pointe team will have a fight on their hands like they have not had so far because the Raiders are on the way, and they are winners!!!
God Bless!!!
The Big One
Sunday, November 23, 2008
Sunday, November 16, 2008
What a Week for Laurens County!!!!!!
The Big One’s Blog
November 16, 2008
Well, what a week we have had in Laurens County. We have truly been blessed several different ways. Where do I begin…….
First, how about the big announcement about American Titanium coming to Laurens. Man, 320 jobs paying 20 bucks plus an hour. Talk about turning around the county’s economy. Plus, we have heard that there will be several other related industries coming to the county to be close to the titanium plant. This is something that will change the face of Laurens County forever. You know it’s strange but the rest of the country is suffering through a recession, but we seem to be on the verge of economic development in our county the likes of which we have never seen before.
Next, how about those Raiders and Red Devils. Laurens took it to North Augusta Friday night in conditions that would be more suitable for a setting for a horror flick. First fog so thick you could cut it with a bread knife, and then the monsoon came. Good news is the Raiders adapted well to the adverse condition and win their first playoff game in many a moon. Next up Conway at Conway.
Saturday Night the Red Devils took a whipping stick to Greenville High School. With the win, the Red Devils head to the third round of the playoffs as they take on Chester in Chester.
Finally, how about the huge announcements at PC. The Blue Hose will be taking on Clemson in football in 2010. You know, the Blue Hose used to play the Tigers every year, and have actually beat them a three times, who knows, look what happened to Michigan last season!!!
That’s it for now folks, more later!!!
God Bless,
The Big One
November 16, 2008
Well, what a week we have had in Laurens County. We have truly been blessed several different ways. Where do I begin…….
First, how about the big announcement about American Titanium coming to Laurens. Man, 320 jobs paying 20 bucks plus an hour. Talk about turning around the county’s economy. Plus, we have heard that there will be several other related industries coming to the county to be close to the titanium plant. This is something that will change the face of Laurens County forever. You know it’s strange but the rest of the country is suffering through a recession, but we seem to be on the verge of economic development in our county the likes of which we have never seen before.
Next, how about those Raiders and Red Devils. Laurens took it to North Augusta Friday night in conditions that would be more suitable for a setting for a horror flick. First fog so thick you could cut it with a bread knife, and then the monsoon came. Good news is the Raiders adapted well to the adverse condition and win their first playoff game in many a moon. Next up Conway at Conway.
Saturday Night the Red Devils took a whipping stick to Greenville High School. With the win, the Red Devils head to the third round of the playoffs as they take on Chester in Chester.
Finally, how about the huge announcements at PC. The Blue Hose will be taking on Clemson in football in 2010. You know, the Blue Hose used to play the Tigers every year, and have actually beat them a three times, who knows, look what happened to Michigan last season!!!
That’s it for now folks, more later!!!
God Bless,
The Big One
Sunday, November 9, 2008
Random Thoughts from a Random Mind; Part III
The Big One’s Blog
November 8, 2008
Well, things didn’t work out like we hoped they would Friday as the Raiders lost to Greenwood, but when you consider what a great season the team has had so far, them things are not as bad as you think. At the first of the season I write down my predictions for the Raiders and this year I had predicted 6 and 5, possibly 7 and 4. The team ended up 9 and 2, and will host a first round play-off game. This is the first home play-off game in ten or eleven years. That ain’t bad by anyone’s standards.
I am also seeing a turn-around in the Raider fan’s attitude. In the past, many fans seemed to accept mediocre teams, and were not all that surprised when the team lost. It was like a losing mentality had taken over and the fans expected to lose. Well, Head Coach Greg Lawson and his coaching staff have turned that attitude around both with the players and the fans. Used to, a loss was a loss, no big deal. These days a loss hurts, people don’t like the feeling. They expect to win, and this a good thing. Believe it or not, a winning football team can turn the attitude around in a team in a hurry!!!
Go Raiders, Beat North Augusta!!!
This week could be one of the biggest in the history of the City of Laurens, and in Laurens County. The Greenville County Council kind of let the cat out of the bag last week, and it looks like that this may be the big week. Special thanks go out to all those who were involved in recruiting our newest corporate citizen to our area. It’s funny, but when the rest of the country was experiencing good times, Laurens County was suffering. We lost our textile plants, the Glass Plant, Torrington; the list goes on and on. Now, the rest of the country is seeing some hard times, and it looks like Laurens County is beginning to see some boom times.
Don’t forget the Hall of Hero’s ceremony Tuesday at the High School. There are going to be some amazing military equipment on display, some hero’s welcomed home from Afghanistan, and some hero’s honored for their sacrifice in defending our country in wars and conflicts past.
This past week our country elected a new leader. Most folks took it for granted, we had an election, we voted, and one guy won, and the other candidates lost. No big deal, right? Well in many nations, it would be a huge deal. We have freedoms that other nations dream about. We are able to cast our ballot in secret, without fearing for intimidation from the party in power. No matter if your candidate won or lost, we are blessed to live in a country we are free to elect our leaders without fear.
Speaking of the election, our newly elected president, Baraak Obama said something over the weekend that made me pause to consider what he said, and the magnitude of it. When asked about the dog he promised his girls when they moved into the White House, he said, “that he was thinking about getting a dog from a pound, but that would “be a mutt like me.” You know, you got to appreciate a guy who can poke fun at himself.
That’s about it gang, hope all have a great week!!!!!!
God Bless,
The Big One
November 8, 2008
Well, things didn’t work out like we hoped they would Friday as the Raiders lost to Greenwood, but when you consider what a great season the team has had so far, them things are not as bad as you think. At the first of the season I write down my predictions for the Raiders and this year I had predicted 6 and 5, possibly 7 and 4. The team ended up 9 and 2, and will host a first round play-off game. This is the first home play-off game in ten or eleven years. That ain’t bad by anyone’s standards.
I am also seeing a turn-around in the Raider fan’s attitude. In the past, many fans seemed to accept mediocre teams, and were not all that surprised when the team lost. It was like a losing mentality had taken over and the fans expected to lose. Well, Head Coach Greg Lawson and his coaching staff have turned that attitude around both with the players and the fans. Used to, a loss was a loss, no big deal. These days a loss hurts, people don’t like the feeling. They expect to win, and this a good thing. Believe it or not, a winning football team can turn the attitude around in a team in a hurry!!!
Go Raiders, Beat North Augusta!!!
This week could be one of the biggest in the history of the City of Laurens, and in Laurens County. The Greenville County Council kind of let the cat out of the bag last week, and it looks like that this may be the big week. Special thanks go out to all those who were involved in recruiting our newest corporate citizen to our area. It’s funny, but when the rest of the country was experiencing good times, Laurens County was suffering. We lost our textile plants, the Glass Plant, Torrington; the list goes on and on. Now, the rest of the country is seeing some hard times, and it looks like Laurens County is beginning to see some boom times.
Don’t forget the Hall of Hero’s ceremony Tuesday at the High School. There are going to be some amazing military equipment on display, some hero’s welcomed home from Afghanistan, and some hero’s honored for their sacrifice in defending our country in wars and conflicts past.
This past week our country elected a new leader. Most folks took it for granted, we had an election, we voted, and one guy won, and the other candidates lost. No big deal, right? Well in many nations, it would be a huge deal. We have freedoms that other nations dream about. We are able to cast our ballot in secret, without fearing for intimidation from the party in power. No matter if your candidate won or lost, we are blessed to live in a country we are free to elect our leaders without fear.
Speaking of the election, our newly elected president, Baraak Obama said something over the weekend that made me pause to consider what he said, and the magnitude of it. When asked about the dog he promised his girls when they moved into the White House, he said, “that he was thinking about getting a dog from a pound, but that would “be a mutt like me.” You know, you got to appreciate a guy who can poke fun at himself.
That’s about it gang, hope all have a great week!!!!!!
God Bless,
The Big One
Sunday, November 2, 2008
My 2008 Presidential Endorsement goes to............
The Big Un’s Blog
November 2, 2008
My 2008 Presidential Endorsement
Dear Friends,
As you know, tomorrow is Election Day, a day where Americans will go to the polls and cast their vote for the person that will lead our great nation for the next four years. This person will lead our nation through some very turbulent times, both economically and on the world front. These are dangerous times that we are in now. Our economy is weak and our citizens are suffering from high unemployment and the constant specter of recession hangs over us. Uncertainty in the banking industry and the stock market seems to just get worse and worse.
The world itself is a dangerous place for Americans now. Terrorists target us for their dastardly deeds and rogue nations support their efforts with both money and a steady supply of maniacs to fill their ranks. China has become our banker and can make us dance like a puppet when they tighten up our money supply. Iran, North Korea, Venezuela, Cuba, the USSR, our enemies are many. While we are at it lets not forget the good folks in the Middle East with OPEC.
Our next president is going to have to be tough, a man of action not afraid to make the hard decisions. Someone who loves our country and will surround himself with the best and brightest that will work tirelessly to bring our country back to greatness. Than is why I have decided to give my endorsement for President of the United States to a great man, a super patriot, and man who loves his God, his country, and his family……….. Ladies and gentlemen, my endorsement goes to:
Hank Hill
There are so many reasons for my endorsement of Mr. Hill for President, but I have decided to give you my top ten.
Top 10 Reasons that I have Decided to Endorse Hank Hill for President.
10. Tax Breaks for all businesses who either use or sell propane and propane accessories.
9. Don’t look for a Hill Administration to give any handouts, you either work or in President Hill’s own words, I’m Gonna Kick your ass!!!
8. As President, Hank Hill would know how to deal with third world countries. After all he’s lived next to Kahn Supanuspa for several years, and he’s from Cambodia.
7. President Hill would solve the country’s problems of illegal immigration real quick. In his own words his solution is and I quote, “Either y’all all go back to where you came from or I’m gonna kick your ass!!!”
6. Huge tax breaks for all individuals who use propane, and for those who don’t we will give them an incentive to begin. In President Hill’s own words, “Either you folks begin using propane, or I’m gonna kick your ass.”
5. President Hill would name Bill his Secretary of Defense, and if he caught a defense contractor trying to sell the government a hundred dollar hammer or a three thousand dollar toilet, to correct the problem in President Hill’s own words, either straighten out your business practices and quit trying to cheat the government, or I’m Gonna Kick your ass!!!
4. President Hill would name his wife Peggy his Secretary of Education, and her first act would be to put prayer back in school, and for any pantywaist liberal commie atheist who tried to prevent this, in President Hill’s own words, say your prayers mister, because I’m Gonna Kick your ass!!!
3. President Hill would name Boomhower as the head of the country’s United Nations Delegation, and to anyone in the UN who didn’t like it, in President Hill’s own words, “Back Off you UN America hating Commies, or I’m Gonna Kick your ass!!!
2. President Hill would keep all those tax and spend liberals in congress in line, First time they started this “Lets raise taxes so we can spend more money, he’d head over to capital hill, go before a joint session of congress, look them all in the eye, and in President Hill’s own words, “Back off those tax increases you socialists or I’m Gonna Kick your ass!!!
1. You’d be surprised how quick President Hill could deal with these rogue terrorist harboring nations. He’d call the dictator or premier or whoever ran the country into the oval office, look them in the eye, and in President Hill’s own words would say, “Either cut this terrorist stuff out or I’m Gonna Kick your ass!!!
Seriously folks, tomorrow is Election Day, don’t waste your vote by not voting!!!! I am not going to tell you who to vote for, that is for us all to decide, however I do urge you to cast your ballot. After all, if you don’t vote, you don’t have any reason to complain.
God Bless,
The Big One
November 2, 2008
My 2008 Presidential Endorsement
Dear Friends,
As you know, tomorrow is Election Day, a day where Americans will go to the polls and cast their vote for the person that will lead our great nation for the next four years. This person will lead our nation through some very turbulent times, both economically and on the world front. These are dangerous times that we are in now. Our economy is weak and our citizens are suffering from high unemployment and the constant specter of recession hangs over us. Uncertainty in the banking industry and the stock market seems to just get worse and worse.
The world itself is a dangerous place for Americans now. Terrorists target us for their dastardly deeds and rogue nations support their efforts with both money and a steady supply of maniacs to fill their ranks. China has become our banker and can make us dance like a puppet when they tighten up our money supply. Iran, North Korea, Venezuela, Cuba, the USSR, our enemies are many. While we are at it lets not forget the good folks in the Middle East with OPEC.
Our next president is going to have to be tough, a man of action not afraid to make the hard decisions. Someone who loves our country and will surround himself with the best and brightest that will work tirelessly to bring our country back to greatness. Than is why I have decided to give my endorsement for President of the United States to a great man, a super patriot, and man who loves his God, his country, and his family……….. Ladies and gentlemen, my endorsement goes to:
Hank Hill
There are so many reasons for my endorsement of Mr. Hill for President, but I have decided to give you my top ten.
Top 10 Reasons that I have Decided to Endorse Hank Hill for President.
10. Tax Breaks for all businesses who either use or sell propane and propane accessories.
9. Don’t look for a Hill Administration to give any handouts, you either work or in President Hill’s own words, I’m Gonna Kick your ass!!!
8. As President, Hank Hill would know how to deal with third world countries. After all he’s lived next to Kahn Supanuspa for several years, and he’s from Cambodia.
7. President Hill would solve the country’s problems of illegal immigration real quick. In his own words his solution is and I quote, “Either y’all all go back to where you came from or I’m gonna kick your ass!!!”
6. Huge tax breaks for all individuals who use propane, and for those who don’t we will give them an incentive to begin. In President Hill’s own words, “Either you folks begin using propane, or I’m gonna kick your ass.”
5. President Hill would name Bill his Secretary of Defense, and if he caught a defense contractor trying to sell the government a hundred dollar hammer or a three thousand dollar toilet, to correct the problem in President Hill’s own words, either straighten out your business practices and quit trying to cheat the government, or I’m Gonna Kick your ass!!!
4. President Hill would name his wife Peggy his Secretary of Education, and her first act would be to put prayer back in school, and for any pantywaist liberal commie atheist who tried to prevent this, in President Hill’s own words, say your prayers mister, because I’m Gonna Kick your ass!!!
3. President Hill would name Boomhower as the head of the country’s United Nations Delegation, and to anyone in the UN who didn’t like it, in President Hill’s own words, “Back Off you UN America hating Commies, or I’m Gonna Kick your ass!!!
2. President Hill would keep all those tax and spend liberals in congress in line, First time they started this “Lets raise taxes so we can spend more money, he’d head over to capital hill, go before a joint session of congress, look them all in the eye, and in President Hill’s own words, “Back off those tax increases you socialists or I’m Gonna Kick your ass!!!
1. You’d be surprised how quick President Hill could deal with these rogue terrorist harboring nations. He’d call the dictator or premier or whoever ran the country into the oval office, look them in the eye, and in President Hill’s own words would say, “Either cut this terrorist stuff out or I’m Gonna Kick your ass!!!
Seriously folks, tomorrow is Election Day, don’t waste your vote by not voting!!!! I am not going to tell you who to vote for, that is for us all to decide, however I do urge you to cast your ballot. After all, if you don’t vote, you don’t have any reason to complain.
God Bless,
The Big One
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