January 9, 2014
THE CENTRAL SHOW
The Central Sports & Business Report on The Central Story airs tonight, 5:30pm—6:30pm, broadcasting live from Me Pa’s Diner in Central, on WPFC, 1550AM, Baton Rouge and on the Internet at JonFineProductions.com. Host Steve Johnson will be joined by CHS Baseball Coaches Joey Jones and Frank Fresina,
Baseball player Cole Stevens and Wrestlers Hyatt Harris and Daulton Rainwater
… Monday night, it is Destined to Win on The Central Story with Pastor Rocky Bezet of The Rock Church (same Bat time, same Bat channel, same Bat internet).
BROADCASTING SCHEDULE:
Thursday, January 9: 5:30pm—6:30pm: The Central Sports & Business Report (on The Central Story)… with Steve Johnson … broadcasting live from Me’ Pa’s Diner in Central
WPFC, 1550AM, BR
Internet: JonFineProductions.com
Monday, January 13: 5:30pm—6:30pm: Destined To Win (on The Central Story)
Pastor Rocky Bezet, Pastor, The Rock Church
WPFC, 1550AM, BR
Internet: JonFineProductions.com
SportsRadio 1310 Radio, Lake Charles Programming of Interest (also heard on KEZMOnLine.com:
Saturday, January 11: 9AM—10AM: All Things Football with Scott Holtzman
Monday, January 13: 8AM—10AM: The Locker Room with John Goodman and Jim Gazzolo
WE THANK YOU FOR DOING YOUR UTMOST TO PATRONIZE SPONSORS OF OUR PROGRAMMING. THIS HELPS US TREMENDOUSLY IN SUSTAINING OUR WEEKLY LINE-UP AND WILL ASSIST US IN ADDING MORE PROGRAMS IN THE FUTURE. KINDLY MAKE AN EFFORT TO LET SPONSORS KNOW YOU HEARD THEIR BUSINESS MENTIONED ON OUR BROADCAST(S).
THE WIZARDRY OF OS
Assistant Basketball Coach and Head Swimming Coach at Central High
One of the best part of sports is the hope for the future that comes as soon as one season ends. With football these days, the highest hopes rise and fall with the quarterback.
Travis Knight's success against Alabama doesn't guarantee success next year anymore than Anthony Jennings' struggles guarantee a return to poor quarterback play at LSU next year. Nevertheless, Oklahoma fans with spend the next 8 months feeling very confident about their team. Meanwhile LSU fans will be wondering if Cam Cameron can develop a second year quarterback at LSU like we have recently seen at FSU, A&M, Oklahoma, Alabama, and many other schools.
While I am not going to predict the success of LSU's quarterback for next year, I am interested at looking at next year's depth chart with a focus on which freshman will make an impact on the roster.
We might as well start with running back and the man who saved 2014. No matter what happens on the field, I am extremely confident that Leonard Fournette will be an awesome representative of New Orleans, LSU, and Lousiana. He will team with Terrance Magee to garner most of the playing time. Due to depth, I expect Darrell Williams from John Ehret to play as a true freshman as well. If the rumors are true and Jeremy Hill returns, then LSU will have the best backfield in the country.
Many Tiger fans are very disappointed Speedy Noil chose Texas A&M, but he clearly made the right choice for his ability. A&M's offense will give him many more opportunities to touch the ball in space on speed sweeps, shovel passes, screens, and end arounds. Tiger fans should think of it this way, at least they won't be frustrated watching Noil be under utilized as a Tiger.
In the meantime, LSU is in great shape at wide receiver as they are getting players that fit their system. Obviously, Dural and Leslie will play a lot at receiver next year. I would also expect redshirt freshman John Diarse to get a lot of playing time. Trey Quinn is a lock to play as a true freshman. If Malacai Dupree signs with LSU, I would expect him to play as well considering his experience as a run blocker in Curtis' offense as he develops as a receiver.
One thing I know for sure, is that too much will be made this off season of LSU’s lack of depth at wide receiver. Most of LSU’s formations involve two wide receivers at maximum. LSU does not require depth at wide receiver to run their offense. LSU needs quality starters.
Many Tiger fans will be expecting to see Jacory Washington play next year, but those fans may be disappointed. With all tight ends returning and Desean Smith from Barbe fulfilling the same role as a pass receiving tight end, Washington will probably redshirt.
Offensive and defensive lines are positions where it takes the longest time for young players to make an impact. The reason is that they are used to getting by in high school on physical ability, but the next level requires technique that must be applied very quickly on instinct. Considering the time to develop and LSU's experience on the offensive line, I don't expect any of the true freshmen to play. Regardless, the offensive line should be a strength of next year’s team.
On the defensive line, I challenge someone to find a true freshman that has made an impact in the past 10 years. It just doesn't happen, which is why last year's class was so important. Next year will be the time for Bain, Gilmore, and Lacoutre to make their impact at defensive tackle. I also expect a defensive end or two to be moved to tackle.
At defensive end, Danielle Hunter will be expected to have an All-American type season. The other players who should contribute should be the redshirt freshman, not any true freshmen. Had Gerald Willis committed to LSU, I would have given him of having an impact next year. For that reason, I feel his commitment to Florida has the most immediate sting.
At linebacker, LSU had to get an immediate impact player in this class and they did with Clifton Garrett. Even if he isn't totally ready, he should start from day one and be given the opportunity to develop while playing. Otherwise, it is time for Alexander, Jones, Beckwith, and others to fulfill their potential.
In the secondary, LSU has their cornerbacks set for the next two years in White and Robinson. Safety is another story where Paris and Adams have a chance to play as true freshman. Jalen Mills looks great at the nickel spot.
Overall, the Tigers look to be a solid 8-9 win team next year. With solid quarterback play, LSU could win 10 games.
Of course, I couldn’t let the week go by without mentioning the Saints historic victory. After the Saints loss to the Seahawks on MNF, I said I thought that loss would be an advantage to the Saints should they face the Seahawks again. I still believe that to be the case. While it is an advantage to the Saints, I also believe Seattle is the better team.
Obviously, the better team does not always win, but the team who plays the best on that day almost always wins. Here is what I think has to happen for the Saints to win.
1. To even have a chance, Keenan Lewis must play. His injury against the Eagles highlighted how thin the Saints are in the secondary.
2. I still think a fast start on the road is vital. I hope the Saints kickoff to start the game. That way, the crowd has to take a chill pill for at least a bit.
3. Turnovers involve 75% skill and 25% luck. The Saints have had zero luck in this area the second half of the season, and had zero luck the first game against Seattle. A few bounces the Saints way would be nice.
4. The defense must keep the ball in front of them. I know they will key on Marshawn Lynch, but they can’t do it at the expense of giving Seattle easy yards and explosive plays. A bend, but don’t break style of defense would not be the worst.
5. Everyone knows the Saints must run the ball with some success, but to expect what transpired against the Eagles would be nuts. Specifically, I think the Saints must run right at the Seahawks just to slow them from sideline to sideline.
6. Finally, Drew must stay patient and take care of the ball. Earl Thomas was a hall of famer last time and the Saints must find a way to occupy him in order to make plays.
I know that sounds like a tall order. For that reason, I would put my money on the Seahawks, but my heart says Who Dat!
HEY REF
Hey Ref 1 9 14
A belated “Happy New Year” to everyone since there was a PROBLEM with my provider’s equipment that took 3 visits to fix. Was told twice in no uncertain terms it “isn’t OUR equipment” yet when all was said and done IT WAS! They should know better than to argue with a Referee. And that’s the best lead-in I can come up for this week’s words of wisdom.
I’m just amazed or baffled by some of the calls made in not only the bowl games but also in the NFL playoffs. I’ll never point fingers at any certain official or crew but with the technology available to these college and NFL crews you’d think the mistakes would be very minimal. But it seems the better replay gets the worse the rulings get.
The pressure put on game officials at the college and professional levels are so extreme basically because of the amounts of money that are at stake. The difference between winning and losing are astronomical in many cases. And with the added pressure that surely will come with the new playoff system put in place for next year’s NCAA Championship there’s no doubt in my mind that all that extra pressure will be dumped in the laps of each striped shirt on the turf.
Many of us relish that pressure while many wilt under it. One thing I detest above anything and everything is the self-serving official. We’ve all seen those officials that will do anything to get that “Big Game”. I’ve seen it this year so much to where I’m ready to either hang ‘em up or move to another association where becoming a better official is first and foremost. I’ve never nor will I ever be an “(Derriere) KISSER” and it sickens me to see officials have drinks and pat the assignment secretary on his back, tell him he’s the greatest guy with the funniest jokes, etc. just to be handed games they’ve got no right working. But I’ve been a witness to this deviant behavior time and time again and the better officials and kids are the ones that suffer.
Before coming back after a ten year forced retirement due to health issues, I was very lucky to belong to an official’s association that believed in getting every member better for the good of the association. We studied rules, games situations, rulings made by crews, mechanics, how to handle situations that came up in previous games and on and on. That no longer happens in Baton Rouge as our regular Monday night meetings are a hurried question to accept the minutes of the previous meeting followed by a few choice words by the Assignment Secretary and a very quick adjournment.
We’re told to study our questions that’ll be on the yearly test but given no support except to try and find individual meetings later in the week to go over these questions or just study on your own. I’m a video junkie so to speak because I’ll spend hours in front of my TV studying game films or tapes. That is if I can get a coach to send one to me.
In the “old” days I’d hardly have to ask before a VHS tape was in my mailbox. Now it’s basically impossible to get coaches to send a tape or DVD in today’s world. The major of major tools each and every official needs is video. Looking at your position, mistakes, calls and non-calls can only be corrected by looking and studying game films you were directly involved in. Even with this great tool of technology called “HUDL” coaches don’t know how to use it to help officials.
I was at the wake of a former longtime fellow official and asked a 5A coach there that I’d been able to get tapes back “in the day” if he would send a disk or set it up on “HUDL”. He told me no one has given his school the instructions on “How To”. I’ve known this coach for nearly 30 years and he’s one of the most respected coaches in our area so I won’t even consider he’s not telling the truth.
I’ve in the past asked and begged for two years in this media and at games for coach’s help in obtaining a game film with ZERO success. Until all involved both coaches and officials get their collective heads together the state of the continued decline in quality of officials in the Baton Rouge area will continue.
I’m no angel by any means because I can tell you without hesitation that I’ve blown some big ones. In the past I’ve been able to go home knowing I’ve done a great job only to see, find and correct my mistakes AFTER sitting down and watching the game films of my games. But in today’s high techno world it’s impossible with the mindset of our local high school coaches to correct some of the flaws in my game.
Coaches you spend hours with your staffs and teams watching films of your own team and the next opponent yet you refuse to help or work with the most important team on the field. Yes, those guys in stripes are a team or that’s the way I was brought up. A fine-tuned engine only runs at peak performance when it’s hitting on all cylinders and so true is the game of football. If all of us aren’t running their best then someone suffers and most times it’s the kids.
That’s where this official is coming from, we, all of us involved in the game we all love must work harder together so we’re able to insure the kids are given the best experience that is high school football. That is my hope, wish for the upcoming season that finally coaches and all officials start working for the benefit of the game and the kids…
Till next week…
The Rotary Club of Livingston Parish
The Rotary Club of Livingston Parish
Rotary Bull
“Service Above Self”
Please visit our website at www.rotaryclublp.org.
This week’s meeting:
• This week’s meeting will be held at Big Mike’s. Fellowship begins at 11:30. The meeting is from 12:00-1:00. This week’s guest speaker is Denham Springs Mayor, Jimmy Durbin. If you want to know that status of things here in Denham, I suggest you be at Rotary this Friday.
•Leesha Gleber is presenting education.
Last week’s meeting:
• We learned all about Heather Pitarro. The most fascinating thing about this wonderful Rotarian is her ability to jump to new heights, reach for the stars, and always keeping her eye on the prize. Heather is a hard-working, determined woman who loves the outdoors, her family, and being a horse ( a little inside joke there). We are very pleased to have Heather as a member and future president of this Rotary Club.
• Starting this week our club will have a brag jar. Better bring your dollars folks!
• Supply list for animal shelter was distributed. A request for donations was supplied to Lowes.
• Supply lists for the veteran’s house were distributed. It was asked that members follow up with their contacts to see who is willing to donate what items.
Upcoming Events/Projects:
• Jan 11 – work weekend at Mr. Smiths
• Jan 11 – Mid Year Assembly
• Feb 21-22 – PETS
• Feb 23 – Rotary’s Birthday
• Mar 28-29 – District Conference
Note from the President:
• January is Rotary Awareness month. How much do you really know about Rotary? Are you sharing that knowledge with your neighbor? Now is the time!
Guest Speakers and General Membership Meeting Dates:
• Jan 14 – “Who am I” Jonathan Whitman
• Jan 24 – Guest Speaker Bob Ingalls
• Jan 31 – “Who am I” Kay Landry
Brags:
• Everyone is extremely excited about the Summer, Fall, and Winter committee projects underway. This is going to be an amazing year for the Rotary Club of Livingston Parish!
• Big thanks to the members who have been hustling this week to book us some guest speakers. Excellent work!
Members:
• Your quarterly dues will be emailed. Keep a lookout! AND Please kindly and timely submit your payment to Lisa Casas.
• Shirts for sale only $7.00 for members. These things are selling like hotcakes!
Jon Fine owns the cloning rights to Ivy Graham.
JON IS PROUD TO WORK AS A MARKETING REPRESENTATIVE FOR SPORTSRADIO-1310-KEZM-LAKE CHARLES, IN ESTABLSHING THE “DOLLAR A HOLLER” MARKETING PROGRAM AND HELPING SELL SULPHUR HS FOOTBALL BROADCASTS AND BARBE HS BASEBALL PLAYOFF BROADCASTS.