Weather Not Fit for Man nor Football

There were supposed to be seven football playoff games played tonight that featured teams from the Shore Conference including three head-to-head matchups pitting one local school against another.

These are important games as the winners will move on to play for state sectional championships which is a big deal for the players, coaches and fans.  You would like these games to be played in ideal conditions but football does not work that way as sometimes your biggest opponent is Mother Nature.

There will not be seven games played tonight because five have been re-scheduled to Saturday based on a weather forecast that is calling for plenty of rain to go along with strong winds.  That certainly would have been a factor as dealing with the elements sometimes is a great equalizer that gives an underdog a fighting chance.

However that’s football and since we are talking about rain and wind and not lightning and thunder safety is not really a concern. That is for the players.

So tonight instead of broadcasting the Brick Memorial at Long Branch game as planned I will likely be home. I would guess the overwhelming majority are happy with the postponements. I’m just not a part of that group.

The Monmouth University football team has won all ten of their home games since Kessler Stadium was refurbished prior to the start of last season.  That perfect record might lead you to believe the Hawks have a great home field advantage because of the tremendous support they receive from their fans, especially students. That conclusion would not be accurate.

Don’t get me wrong. There are plenty of devoted fans, many of them alumni who attend every home game to cheer for the Hawks.  Unfortunately the team does not get tremendous student support and that’s what they could really use tomorrow when they host powerhouse Kennesaw State in what is pretty much a Big South championship game.

Some 22 seniors will suit up for the Hawks Saturday and play for the final time at home.  The group includes Shore Conference alumni Vinny Grasso, Matt Castronouva, Pete Righi and Ryan Wetzel.  Sure would be nice to see students show up for the noon kickoff and give them some well deserved support.