A new beginning

There's no one doubting the fact that the 2009 football season at Columbia High School was the worst ever.
Take away games against Pequea Valley, Annville-Cleona and the first half of the Eastern game, the Crimson Tide never had a chance.
They were outscored 375-111 last season and gave up 40 or more points in seven of its 10 games. Sixty-six of their 11 points were scored in three games and they were shutout in two of their last three games.
Add to that, the Tide lost for the first tie ever to Pequea Valley, the second time ever to Eastern and the first time in a decade or longer to Donegal and one can easily see why it was a disaster.
But as I watched the Crimson Tide practice and scrimmage over the two plus weeks, I see a lot of things I like. Practices are very organized and for the most part crisp and there is a lot of work being done on the little things. It's my belief and others that you can't do the big things without being able to do the little things.
The Tide has hit two other teams so far -- York Suburban and Hanover in scrimmages. They done well and seem to be on track to make last season a distant memory.
There's a new coaching staff and all of them have been hard workers during their high school careers and in previous coaching duties on the hill.
For the most part, the team has taken to an entire new system, but at times lapses into its former mode of "hey we didn't win a game" last year, but are quickly turned around.
The off-season has been filled with football and more football and one thing that will help this team believe in itself will be a win Friday against cross-river rival Eastern. That will go a long step toward turning around the attitude and doubters.
Here's an invitation to everyone in Columbia to make the trek up the hill Friday night, partake in the pre-game tailgate (5:30 p.m.) and venture down the driveway for what I think will be a great night of football.
Roll Tide!