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My first week of football practice at Pasco High School is behind me now and here are a few observations I have made about Florida football versus Virginia football.  First let me qualify this by saying that I realize Northern Virginia does not represent the whole of VA football and that Pasco County does not represent the whole of Florida football. 

1. Talent. I knew it would be different but wow. The kids down here are bigger, faster, stronger at every position.   There is so much more atheleticism than what I’ve seen in a few years. 

2.  Discipline. I expected there to be more discipline down here but it’s not the case.  These kids have the talent, the atheleticism, and the attitudes to go with it.  And…much to my surprise…they get away with it.  Not completely but way more than they would have in Virginia.

3. Facility.  I didn’t know what to expect in this category.  But it’s TOTALLY different.  No training room, a small (but very organized) cage, a mediocre locker room, and a sub-par weight room.  The atheletic director is one of the coaches, he doesn’t have a full time admin assistant, and I haven’t even received a key.   I guess I got spoiled by all the Northern Virginia money. 

4 . Personnel.  Again, it’s just what I’m used to but where’s the trainer?  And the managers?  They don’t exist.  At least not that I’ve seen.  We get our own water, take care of our own injuries.  No giggly high school girls running around nursing injuries and fetching water.  I know, I know, I’ve been spoiled but geez. 

5. Freshman Football.  No such thing.  If it’s not Varsity, it’s JV.  I’ve never heard of that but that’s how it is. 

6. Coaching. Surprisingly comparable.  I coached with some GREAT guys in VA and I’m coaching with some great guys down here.  I’m learning alot — not just about football, but also working and coaching a different type of student athelete.  I feel like I’m getting well rounded. 

7.  No 2-A-Days.  It’s illegal in certain parts of Florida because of the heat.  No camp either.  We just showed up on Monday and starting practice at 4 just like we would mid way through the season.  They do have spring football practices, though so they make up for the lost time on the front end. 

8.  It’s not that hot.  I’m sure this isn’t normal but it’s been surprising cool this past week.  You read that right.  Overcast, low 80’s, and a slight breeze.  Believe it or not it’s been a cooler August than I ever experienced in Virginia! 

9.  Parents at Practice.  This was fairly uncommon in Virginia other than the occassional disgrutled dad.  Here, there are literally about 3 dozen parents lined up along the fence outside of the practice field every day.  It’s crazy.  The first day I felt like a celebrity coach. 

There are a few more but these are the biggies.  I love it.  Having a blast and I can’t wait til the games begin.  First game – Sept 5 at Land-O-Lakes…….It’s on T.V.!