Will John Gagliardi Build For The Future Or Play For Today?
If you’ve been paying any attention to the news, local or national, you’ve witnessed a vast array of developments including financial foreclosures, the race to the presidential “throne” and even local philanthropists succumbing to greed. Whether you’re suddenly concerned about discovering your on-line bank account zeroed-out or ability to make next semesters payment for your son or daughter’s college education, Johnnie football provides the necessary and pleasant diversion for a world gone mad.
Saturday in Arden Hills was to be the perfect succession to an astonishing home schedule that included opening with four match ups in Collegeville. This year’s Johnnie Football team opened their schedule with a new opponent from East Texas Baptist, a new quarterback and a new offensive line. Sure there were changes to be made, particularly when the same Johnnie quarterback took every snap from center the past four years.
SJU finally appeared ready to roll after selecting a new quarterback following a solid Jordan Hansel performance vs. Gustavus Adolphus. Their objective for the first trip away from Collegeville would be Johnnie pay-back for two prior seasons of defeat to the Royals. Had Coach John Gaglliardi rediscovered the formula that would carry his team and Johnnie fans to at least a share of the MIAC title and another shot at the NCAA DIII playoffs?
Unfortunately the inability of the Johnnie offense to score from close range was the story of the day. It was most obvious in the 4th quarter following a botched Bethel long snap that gave St. John’s the ball at the Bethel 2 yard line. After finally scoring, the two point attempt and ensuing snap from center was fumbled.
The missed opportunity could have given kicker Russell Gliadon a 3-point deficit and a shot at a game tying field goal. As it stood, the final seconds played out with wide receiver Bryan Busack stopped at the Bethel two yard line..
The Johnnie offense has offended more than pleased for the majority of the 2008 season causing dissent among some fans and certainly disappointing many. With Saturday’s loss to the Bethel Royals the growing pains associated with developing a new team have become particularly apparent. Will coach Gagliardi now plan for tomorrow or play for today?
This week’s game against the Hamline Pipers suddenly takes on added pressure. A series of uneven performances leaves the Johnnies wondering about their season and ability to dominate a supposedly undermanned team.
In a world gone mad let’s not forget the real reason we show up every week to cheer on our team. Heck, we might even see the 4th string quarterback play!
Johnnie Fans Were Universal In Their Response To Saturday’s Outcome
