CoachWally

Blasphemy  

Aledo Alum here, so,  a few thoughts... as a HS coach, these are the things that make Aledo, ALEDO.
Aledo has won at least one playoff game every year since 1996... think about that. I coach at a HS that has never won a playoff game! Not one, and we play in a district with Washington's small school version of Aledo, so I get to see life from the other side. Oh and our Conferences don't change from year to year, so we get to see the same two Semi-Finalist/State Finalist teams every year... EVERY YEAR! 
So here is what Crosby has to overcome:
Aledo's seniors have played in 23 playoff games, and their now 4th State Championship game...
On average over the past 20 years, these kids have played in 5 playoff games a year... think about how many extra practices those kids have had over the past 4 years, thats 24 weeks of extra practices. Or almost 2.5 extra seasons of football to get it right. I'm not even sure how to express how much of an advantage that gives a program. If you never make the playoffs, a HS kid gets 40 games over his career, these kids after Friday will have played in 64 games. 
This means these kids were on the sidelines during the playoffs as freshman, and some of them got mop duty in blowouts, including that game 2 years ago. Every season they get more playoff reps, so they are used to being here, which is just a crazy thought. 
The next challenge for Crosby is Aledo's athletes walk on the field expecting to win, and then they do. Thats not to say Crosby does not have a special group of athletes and coaches. You don't get to this game if you don't, but it's just different. 
Challenges:
So Crosby has to travel, for Aledo it is virtually a home game, at a place they are used to winning big.
Crosby has to get over playing on the field with a big blue star on it. 
Crosby has to see Aledo as just another game, because to Aledo they are the next one up. this is a huge one.
Three big gets, and that doesn't get into matchups. 
I watched the Semi Final game and Crosby is dynamic and athletic, but I saw a lot of Barry Sanders type "make something happen" plays... that can't happen against Aledo. 
Crosby has to get out of the blocks, and not let Aledo jump on them early or it will be a boat race. 
I hope its a great game!
 
 
 
 

Just because you got one doesn't give you cause to make fun of us that don't!!   HA!  Just kidding!!
Enjoy your elite coach.  Man, you have actually had 2 of them.  Many schools go forever without ever having 1.  Again, congratulations and enjoy!

Couple points you made that I agree with.
"So Crosby has to travel, for Aledo it is virtually a home game"- You're right about it basically being a home game. That in itself is a big advantage. Being able to sleep in your own bed and go to the school like a normal game. Not having to travel either the day before or morning of. 
"Every season they get more playoff reps"- These kids have also been in the stands watching for even longer. They have literally grown up seeing deep playoff runs and most of the time winning. They know it is earned and not given. 
"I saw a lot of Barry Sanders type "make something happen" plays... that can't happen against Aledo."- For the most part if you are going to beat Aledo you cant play backyard football. You have to run the play and not rely on things breaking down. It might work a time or two but it will get you beat.  

I did not discount Crosby's season, if my words gave you that impression, my apologies, it was not the intent. I should have left the longer post that shared my frustration at coaching in a conference against an Aledo level program (we will never get away from them as there is no realignment here, its all conferences) How do they win every year? Great coaching and buy in. Community support that is unrivaled, and tradition. Beating a team like that is a tough nut, and only College Station has been able to do that in the Championship game since Aledo beat Cuero in 98. 
I'll skip over all the rest down to the part about Aledo and their ability to acquire talent... 
My point about Aledo playing in an average of 5 playoff games a season since the late '90's is a HUGE reason why people move their kids there. It's much like Alabama, and Ohio State every year getting the pick of the litter. People want to be part of something bigger than themselves, and Aledo has become that. 
If you are moving to DFW and have a child who is an exceptional athlete, where do you go that offers that child the most exposure and opportunity to win? Aledo, Southlake, Allen all come to mind. I send my kids where the best coaching is, and where they get a great education (not in that order). This is why my daughter goes to the 4A (our 6A) school versus running for her dad at the 1A school where I am a very successful head coach. 
Same for Bama and OSU, and Clemson. Kids go to win championships and get a ring. 
Aledo doesn't need to recruit, 9 championships keeps them coming, just like Bama. They could sit back and just take the best kids based on their history. 
Id really like to see a good game Friday. Crosby has the athletes to make it fun. 

Aledo Alum here, so,  a few thoughts... as a HS coach, these are the things that make Aledo, ALEDO.
Aledo has won at least one playoff game every year since 1996... think about that. I coach at a HS that has never won a playoff game! Not one, and we play in a district with Washington's small school version of Aledo, so I get to see life from the other side. Oh and our Conferences don't change from year to year, so we get to see the same two Semi-Finalist/State Finalist teams every year... EVERY YEAR! 
So here is what Crosby has to overcome:
Aledo's seniors have played in 23 playoff games, and their now 4th State Championship game...
On average over the past 20 years, these kids have played in 5 playoff games a year... think about how many extra practices those kids have had over the past 4 years, thats 24 weeks of extra practices. Or almost 2.5 extra seasons of football to get it right. I'm not even sure how to express how much of an advantage that gives a program. If you never make the playoffs, a HS kid gets 40 games over his career, these kids after Friday will have played in 64 games. 
This means these kids were on the sidelines during the playoffs as freshman, and some of them got mop duty in blowouts, including that game 2 years ago. Every season they get more playoff reps, so they are used to being here, which is just a crazy thought. 
The next challenge for Crosby is Aledo's athletes walk on the field expecting to win, and then they do. Thats not to say Crosby does not have a special group of athletes and coaches. You don't get to this game if you don't, but it's just different. 
Challenges:
So Crosby has to travel, for Aledo it is virtually a home game, at a place they are used to winning big.
Crosby has to get over playing on the field with a big blue star on it. 
Crosby has to see Aledo as just another game, because to Aledo they are the next one up. this is a huge one.
Three big gets, and that doesn't get into matchups. 
I watched the Semi Final game and Crosby is dynamic and athletic, but I saw a lot of Barry Sanders type "make something happen" plays... that can't happen against Aledo. 
Crosby has to get out of the blocks, and not let Aledo jump on them early or it will be a boat race. 
I hope its a great game!