1. The Panthers closed out the 2008 regular season at High Point with 4 wins in 7 games against the Lions. The Flags, Mitey Mite (Silver), Jr. Pee Wee and Pee Wee squads finished their seasons with wins. My choice for “team of the week” goes to the Jr. Pee Wee squad who won a 19 to 18 overtime “squeaker” in dramatic fashion. With the score tied 18 to 18, the Panthers lined up to kick an extra point for the win. Instead, the holder, Robert Howell, Jr., popped out of his crouch and lofted a short pass to Ben Cook for the winning conversion. Hats off to Coach Grant and the Jr. Pee Wee team for planning, preparation, execution and some exciting trickery!

2. The Panthers finished the 2008 season with an overall record of 23 wins against 26 losses. Our second half record was 17 wins against 11 losses. A strong finish to our season that we can “build on” for next year!

3. Congratulations to our two squads that are participating in Division 1 post season play. The Jr. Midgets are playing the Winston Salem Falcons at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, October 25, 2008 at the Winston Salem Indians field. The Midget game has been postponed indefinitely due to legal action filed by the Oak Ridge Colts to contest the disqualification of their team for a rules violation. Follow our teams through information posted on www.sfpanthers.com.

4. Support our cheerleaders at NWMFL Locals at the Joel Coliseum on Sunday, October 26, 2008. Tickets for the event are $8.00 in advance and $10.00 at the door, each includes parking. For tickets contact Betty Shults at 336-896-3940 or Katrina Boston at 336-918-7772. GO PANTHER GIRLS!!!

5. The First Annual Panther Fall Festival was a fun and fund success. It was a beautiful Sunday afternoon at Panther Field. Check the website for photos of the event. The Festival will be even bigger and better next year. Thanks to Andi Lentz and her committee for putting on a great Festival! Also, special thanks to those generous Panthers who donated the funds necessary to cover the expenses for the event.

6. In addition to post season league play, the Jr. Pee Wees are participating in a Bowl Game on November 1 in Harrisburg, North Carolina. Both Mitey Mite squads will be participating in the Mitey-Mite Bowl at North Forsyth High School on November 8. All parents should check with their coaches for practice schedules. We will post more information regarding the Bowl Games as it becomes available.

7. Banquet and early registration to be scheduled in February. With Bowl Games, regional cheerleading competition (over the Thanksgiving holiday), and the busy Christmas season, it is not feasible to have the Banquet before Christmas. Further, the Board believes that January is a busy month and families are trying to recover from the financial stresses of the Holiday season. Consequently, February is generally regarded as the best time to schedule the Banquet and early registration. The Board will begin Banquet preparations in December and will keep you informed as details become available.

8. Head Coaches for the 2009 season will be selected at the December Board meeting (Tuesday, December 9). Anyone interested in a Head Coach position for next year should contact our VP of Football, Jon Myers, at 336-414-3891.

9. The Board will vote in new Members at the January Board meeting (Tuesday, January 13). Anyone interested in joining the Board should contact Michael Johnston at 336-714-5309 or via email to mjohnston@baileyandthomaspa.com.

10. The following Officer positions are “open” for the 2009 season due to expiring terms:

Vice President of Football

Vice President of Football Equipment

Cheer League Representative

Secretary

Vice President of Buildings and Grounds

Vice President of Booster Club

Please contact Michael Johnston if you have an interest in serving in one of these positions next year. Officers will be selected by a vote of the Board at the January Board meeting.

11. Thanks to all Board Members, Coaches, and Volunteers for their contributions to the South Fork Panther program this season. By my count, over 100 adult volunteers contributed time toward making the Panthers “The Best Organization in Town.” I am proud of what we accomplished this year and look forward to more fun in 2009.

David Bailey, President

1. The South Fork Panthers won 4 of 7 games last Saturday at beautiful Panther Field. Now that many of you have visited other fields around the league, I’m sure you have a better appreciation of our field and facilities. “Hats off” to our V.P. of Buildings and Grounds Mike Boston and his crew for the excellent job they have done this season. From the quality of the playing surface, to pre-game field preparation, and to post-game clean up – you guys are the best! You are my choice for the “team of the week!”

2. As to the football “team of the week”, I could not decide among our four winning teams so I’ll choose them all for the following reasons:

a. Our Flag team scored with less than 2 seconds left in regulation to defeat the Oak Ridge Flag squad by the score of 18 to 13. The Flags have playing spectacularly all year and are truly a special group of boys.

b. The Mitey Mite Blue squad won their first game of the season by the decisive score of 19 to 0. This young Blue squad is full of boys who have not played competition football before. Teaching takes time and these boys are now beginning to show what they have learned this season.

c. Coach Grant’s Junior Pee Wes walloped the Oak Ridge squad by a score of 38 to 0. Our 38 points are the most registered on our new scoreboard. The Junior Pee Wees had much to learn when the season began but they are now coming together as a good football team.

d. The Pee Wees won their second game in a row with a hard fought victory by the score of 13 to 6. The Pee Wee defense was outstanding as the offensive continues to improve. With the victory, the Pee Wees raised their overall record to 3 wins against 4 losses.

3. The Panthers visit the High Point Lions this Saturday for the final game of the regular season. Check out (www.nwmpwfl.com) for directions to the game site at High Point Central High School. Game day starts at 9:00 a.m. with play on 2 fields. Be sure to confirm with your coach what time your child needs to arrive at the Lions’ field.

4. EQUIPMENT/UNIFORM RETURN FOR ALL SQUADS ON SATURDAY! All players must bring a change of clothes as no one will be permitted to leave the Lions’ field with their uniform and equipment. Uniforms and equipment will be bagged and labeled with the player’s name. Depending upon the post season practice and game schedule, the bagged equipment will be reissued. NO EXCEPTIONS FOR “FORGETFULNESS” or “BEING LATE TO GRANDMA’S HOUSE!” We must collect all of the uniforms and equipment on Saturday to protect the property of our organization.

5. Post Season Play – At this point, we know only that the Junior Midget squad will play Saturday, October 25 in the first round of the Division 1 playoffs. Also, both Mitey Mite squads are registered for the Mitey Mite Bowl on November 8 to be played at the North Forsyth High School Stadium. Practice schedule and post season play for other squads will be announced when determined.

6. PANTHER FALL FESTIVAL THIS SUNDAY! Bring all Panthers, children, friends and neighbors to Panther Field this Sunday from 2:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. for lots of food, fun and fellowship. Panther Field will be filled with fun and games including inflatables, a dunking booth, tug of war contest, and much more. For a $5 wrist band, kids will enjoy unlimited play in the inflatables. There will be a small charge for other activities and a donation requirement for tug of war. Come hungry as the concession stand will be open! Please support this important late season fundraising event1

7. BOARD MEMBERS FOR THE 2009 SEASON. Please let me know if you are interested in serving on the Board of Directors of the South Fork Panthers. Board elections will be held at the regular January monthly meeting.

In closing, I can’t believe the 2008 season is nearly over! Thanks to everyone for their participation in the South Fork Panther program – “the best organization in town!” Looking forward to seeing all Panthers on Saturday in High Point.

David Bailey, President

• It was a Saturday of victories last weekend for the South Fork Panthers as we won 5 of the 7 contests including 5 of 6 against the Union Cross Bobcats. Our Mitey Mite Blue fell to the Kernersville Raiders. My choice for the Panther team of the week goes to the Mitey Mite Silver who won a smashing victory by a score of 32 to 6. All of that hard work is beginning to show!

• HOW ARE THE PANTHERS DOING? The South Fork Panthers organization (all squads) have a combined record of 18 wins against 24 losses. The Junior Midgets appear to be on their way to a spot in the Division 1 playoffs. The Jr. Pee Wees have an “outside chance” at a playoff spot with a win on Saturday combined with losses by other teams. Division 1 is a tough league, but the Panthers are hanging in there! We are proud of you!

• The last home game of the season at Panther Field will be this Saturday against the Oak Ridge Colts. The first game of the day will be the 8:00 a.m. Flag contest.

• SUPPORT THE CONCESSION STAND! We are open and serving great food. Try our huge 5.3 oz. “Pub burgers” and jumbo all beef hot dogs. Hamburger combos including fries and drink are just $5.00 Speaking of fries, we do have the best! Check out our cheese and chili fries! We also have delicious flounder sandwiches, wings, and nachos – all hot, tasty, and at unbeatable prices! Tame that growl with great food from the Panther concession stand.

· Panther Fall Festival. Remember Sunday afternoon, October 19, 2008 from 2:00 to 6:00 p.m for the Panther Fall Festival at Panther Field. Inflatables, contests, and games featuring tug-of-war. The Concession Stand will be open for this event.

Look forward to seeing everyone on Saturday at Panther Field!

David Bailey, President

What a difference a week makes!

On a muddy field at Pfafftown last Saturday, the Panthers won 3 Division I games. Congratulations to the feisty Flags, the tough Jr. Pee Wees, and the courageous Midgets. The most exciting game of the day was the Midget contest. Trailing 0-6 at halftime, our Midgets roared back with 2 quick scores to take a 13-6 lead. Under the setting sun and with less than a minute to go, the Panther defense stopped a Packer extra point attempt to preserve a 13-12 victory. Way to go Midgets!

This Saturday the South Fork Panthers will host Homecoming at Panther Field against the Union Cross Bobcats. Saturday’s games begin at 8:00 a.m. with the Flag contest. The Homecoming ceremony will be conducted after the Jr. Pee Wee game.

CONCESSION STAND IS OPEN! Final inspections and approvals were obtained on Monday and we are cooking delicious hamburgers, hot dogs, French fries and fish sandwiches. The food and facilities are really great! Please support the South Fork Panthers with your food and beverage purchases at our Concession Stand.

Saturday is “Picture Day” so make sure you know when your child needs to be at Panther Field for photographs. Please check with your Coach or Team Parent for photograph times.

Field prep volunteers needed for Friday evening! Please call Mike Boston at (336) 918-7782 and let him know of your willingness to help with field preparation on Friday evening. We always need help with painting lines and numbers and stringing the boundary ropes. Help us make Panther Field look good for the games on Saturday.

Please again volunteer to help us by donating just one hour of your time on Saturday. This “DONATE AN HOUR” program works as follows:

Every parent knows about the “waiting time” between arriving at the field and when your child’s game begins. Some coaches want their players at the field one and half to two hours before game time. This is the time when we would like for you to “give us an hour.”

You will not get “stuck” in the concession stand. You are guaranteed to be able to leave the concession stand prior to the start of your child’s game so that you can support your team.

To help us with the “DONATE AN HOUR” program, just email us with your name, cell phone number, and child’s squad (i.e. Jr. Pee Wee, Pee Wee). We will plan on you helping us out in the concession stand while you are waiting for your child’s game to begin.

SAVE THE DATE. Remember that the Panther Fall Festival is Sunday afternoon, October 19, 2008. The Fall Festival Committee composed of Andi Lentz, Loree Armstrong, Katrina Boston, and Jody Thomasson are making plans for an afternoon of fun, food, and fellowship. More information about the event will be provided next week.

Looking forward to seeing everyone at Homecoming at Panther Field on Saturday.

David Bailey, President

Tough Week!

I am glad that I wrote about “adversity” last week. It was a tough Week 4 at the Indians last weekend. The South Fork Panthers lost all seven games. The Pee Wees, Junior Midgets, and Midgets failed to score any points. We all left the Indians’ field defeated and discouraged.

As we conclude the first half of our 8 week season, it is important to keep the season in proper perspective. Due to “random happenstance”, our schedule was “front loaded” with the toughest competition. The Falcons, Grayhounds, and Indians have consistently had the best football teams in the Northwest Midget Football League. These organizations have been in existence since the 1960’s when I played (oops! I’ve revealed my age!) and they all have a rich tradition of success in Pop Warner competition across the southeast and nationally.

How good are the Falcons, Grayhounds, and Indians this year? Prior to last Saturday’s game, these organizations had combined records of 43 wins against just 15 losses, including the Indians’ record of 16 wins and just 2 losses.

How good are the rest of the teams on the Panthers’ schedule? By contrast, the combined records (all squads) after Week 4 of the Packers, Bobcats, Colts, and Lions is 44 wins against 53 losses. One of these organizations has won only 3 games this season and the two that have overall winning records that are a modest 14-13 and 13-10. The South Fork Panthers should certainly be competitive against the remaining teams on our schedule.

Despite our losses in the first half of the season, there remains playoff possibilities for our competition teams which consist of the Junior Pee Wees and up. Playoff spots are earned by a fourth place finish or higher in Division 1 play. Only division games are considered for standings purposes. We have played 3 division games thus far and 3 division games remain. Even our 0-3 teams should “take heart!” Most seasons, a division record of 3 wins and 3 losses will qualify for playoff competition. So all South Fork Panthers should “keep their heads up” and win those remaining games!

Before we leave Week 4 and the Indians games, we should take note of the competitive excellence of their teams. You cannot dispute the Indians’ success on the field. Their performances do demonstrate that “standard” required for winning football. The South Fork Panthers must necessarily meet and exceed this “standard” if we expect to consistently win football games in Division 1 competition.

Achieving that “standard” for successful football in Pop Warner does not involve getting “better players”, but rather “bettering our players.” As an organization, the South Fork Panthers are aware of the importance of selecting the best coaches, improving the teaching of fundamentals, and possibly developing a “system” of playing football that would be required of every squad in our organization.

What can players, parents, and fans do to achieve the “standard” required for successful football? Consider these suggestions:

• Keep your children physically active all year long. Football is not a way to get in shape. Football requires that the player “be in shape”. Encourage your child to play other competitive sports such as basketball, soccer, lacrosse, baseball, track, etc. You can’t be a good athlete just 4 months out of the year.

• Encourage and support your child’s interest in football. Take them to high school games on Friday nights or college games on Saturday. Watch football on television with your child. Point out how players play your child’s position. Help them learn by watching.

• Talk football with your child. Their interest will follow yours. Help them develop a passion for the game- talking, watching, and most importantly, playing football.

• Be “practice perfect.” You must be present to learn from the coaches. Your child has undertaken an important obligation to the team. Be “on time” and ready to go! It’s all about commitment, discipline, and consistency!

• Support your child’s team on game days with enthusiasm that conveys a “focused sense of urgency”. It’s nice to sit comfortably in our field chairs clapping politely at appropriate times. BUT WE NEED MORE THAN THAT FROM OUR FANS! Get on your feet and make some noise at critical times! Bring cow bells and clappers (no air horns or whistles, please) and let the players know you are there. Get up and get loud for a critical defensive stand. Exhort the team to make to make that first down. Psychologically and emotionally push the team from the sidelines at the “right times” by “Amping up the Volume.” You will engage the children with the “drama of the game” and they will learn to do amazing things at critical times.

In closing, the first half of the season is over and better times are ahead for the South Fork Panthers. Let’s focus on what we need to do to win some football games and qualify for the playoffs. We may get a second chance to prove ourselves against the top teams in our Division 1.

Looking forward to seeing everyone on Saturday at the Pfafftown Packers!

Go Panthers!

David Bailey, President

More News and Comments to Panther Nation!

• It was a beautiful (but hot!) Saturday at Panther Field as we hosted the Winston-Salem Grayhounds. In a tough Division 1 match up, the Panthers won 2 of 7 games including the Flag and Jr. Midget contests. These two squads of ours remain undefeated with each having 3 wins against no losses. A big salute to the effort of our Midget squad who rebounded from last week’s loss to the Falcons with a spirited effort that fell just short of victory in a 20-13 loss. We expect great things in future weeks from this much improved squad under Coach Atwater.

• Hosting a home game at Panther Field is quite a production. Did you know that a Saturday at Panther Field includes about 350 football players, 200 cheerleaders, and 1500 family members and fans? In addition, game day involves more than 100 adult coaches for the two teams and more than a hundred volunteers who serve in various capacities. Lastly, we cannot forget referees and security. Pop Warner football in Forsyth County is “a big deal” and you should be proud of your association with the South Fork Panthers and the Northwest Midget Football League.

• Special thanks to our Buildings and Grounds crew headed by VP Mike Boston. Last week, the crew consisted of Mike, Chester Boston, Ralph Nixon, Chad Lentz, James Jenkins, Tony Wilson, and Dan Coffey. Field preparation began Friday night, continued early Saturday for the 8:00 a.m. start, and carried over to Sunday afternoon clean up. Thanks to these guys the field looked great for Saturday’s games and looked even better for the return of the school children on Monday. Our Buildings and Grounds guys really make us look good!

• More thanks to our DONATE AN HOUR and all concession stand volunteers. We hope you had fun helping the organization. We could not do it without you!

• In the news department, I am happy to report that Evan Honaker is doing well. Many of you have asked about Evan. He is the Jr. Pee Wee player who was injured during the game and taken to the hospital for examination. We are thankful that x-rays showed no broken bones or fractures. While Evan is certainly “banged up,” we hope he will be back on the field soon.

• More news about the concession stand. The project is completely finished but we lacked 2 inspections necessary to obtain the permit required by the Health Department. With all that had to be done, we simply ran out of time last week. We are anticipating that final inspections can be concluded on Wednesday of this week with full service available on Thursday night. Come by the concession stand and try our hot dogs, hamburgers, and french fries!

• Over the last two weeks, there has been a lot of discussion about issues relating to Mitey Mite competition. As you are aware, almost every organization has multiple Mitey Mite teams (ages 7, 8 and 9). There is no rule or standard for how organizations divide their children among the multiple teams. At the South Fork Panthers, we divide our 7, 8, and 9 year olds into two teams based strictly on age. Accordingly, we have older and younger Mitey Mite squads. Other organizations might divide their children into multiple squads based on other criteria including ability, experience, size, or even random draw. Competition issues arise when Mitey Mite teams of different ages, abilities, etc are matched together for a game. For the 2008 season, Northwest Midget has attempted to fairly match Mitey Mite squads but “parity” will not be possible unless and until stricter rules and standards are adopted by the league. At this point in time, generally speaking, older and more experienced Mitey Mite squads are supposed to play against their equals in other organizations. As the season progresses, we will continue to evaluate issues that arise in Mitey Mite competition and we will make our findings and views known to Northwest Midget thought our League Representative, Jo Jo Patella. In the meantime, we just need to “Play The Game!”

• In closing, I need to let everyone in on a “secret.” It is not the purpose of the South Fork Panthers to win football games and train football players. Our purpose is to teach our children courage, discipline, and integrity. We do that by subjecting them to challenge and adversity and by teaching them to succeed by overcoming those obstacles. Everyone needs to understand that bad calls, disastrous plays, and game losses are part of the game. When something “bad” happens during the game, you can “pile on” the adversity by responding negatively with sideline comments such as:

• The refs are unfair and are cheating us.
• The other team has “stacked” its roster so we can’t possibly win.
• Our plays are not working and our Coach doesn’t seem to know what to do.

Our children look to us for leadership. In the face of adversity they will absorb feelings and attitudes of supervising adults. So, if you want your children and his team to feel and act defeated, then simply accentuate the adversity with negative and defeatist comments. You will discourage the children to such an extent that they cannot overcome adversity and succeed.

On the other hand, you (as parents and fans) are in a unique position to teach the children how to handle adversity and encourage them to succeed. Tell your children to “fight on” and not give in to thoughts of “bad refs,” “bad luck,” “bad coaching,” “bad guys on the other team,” etc. You empower the opposition when you focus on your opponent and things you cannot control instead of “taking care of your own business.” We must project to our children that they can win – no matter what they are up against. We must insist that our children give 100% effort at all times no matter the circumstances and that they not “give in” to blaming someone else for self fulfilling failures.

Now, I’ll let you in on another “secret.” If we teach our children to overcome adversity, we will make them better and more capable people. Also, we will win some football games and develop some football players!

So, all you South Fork Panthers out there listen up!

• Expect adversity
• Welcome adversity as a teaching opportunity
• Encourage your children to overcome adversity.

Let’s teach our children how to succeed!

Looking forward to seeing Panther Nation at the Winston-Salem Indians on Saturday.

GO PANTHERS!

David Bailey, President