Final Thoughts

Hey Steelers

What an awesome party we had last night. It was a great way to finish off the season. It was great to see everyone there. I hope everyone enjoyed themselves and had enough to eat. It was really nice to get the boys together one last time so they could get their trophies and have some fun.

We had another successful season this year and there were so many people that were a part of it. I want to thank everyone for all the help and support you've given to us through out the whole season. It makes coaching a lot easier and more fun when all the parents are involved in what were doing. So thank you everyone for all you've done.

Also, on behalf of all the coaches and myself, I want to thank all the parents for their generous gifts to us. Thank you all, it was very nice and we really appreciate it.

As a final thought, I just want to say what an absolute pleasure it has been for us to be able to coach this group of kids. We didn't win every game, but we never gave up and never stopped fighting. As a coach, you can't ask for more than that. I hope that everyone had a great experience and a lot of fun. I know I did.

Thank you all very much for all you did.

Go Steelers!!!!
Coach Z

Football options for next season

Here are some options for the boys that want to continue playing football next year.

In-house Leagues
Oswego Youth Football League
Naperville Youth Football League

Pop Warner Teams
Fox Valley Gators
Oswego Bears
Naperville Chargers

Other teams and leagues
Naperville Patriots
Oswegoland Warriors
Oswego Panthers

Game Eight Recap

Hey Steelers

What a great way to finish the season. We played our best game of the year. Our offensive line dominated the entire game and we were able to pound the ball up middle all day long. Our defense was awesome and shut down every thing they threw at us. We got our third shutout of the season. We really played a complete game and it was great to see everyone out there contributing and making plays. We even scored a safety on the final play of the year.

Guys, I'm really proud of the way we finished the season. We really came together as a team and finished off strong. Enjoy the Halloween Bowl victory and we'll see everyone at the end of the year party next Saturday.

Go Steelers!
Coach Z

Game Seven Recap

All I can say is Wow! What a great game. That was one of the most exciting game I’ve ever been a part of. All year, even in our losses, I’ve been saying how we never quit and we always played hard. Well guys, last night was a great example of that. Even when we fell behind with 1:30 left in the game, we never quit and we played hard until the end. And it paid off with a victory. I don’t think I’ve ever heard our sidelines so loud. It was great to hear.

This is a great example of why we keep saying that every play is important and every yard we gain is important. And even though we won an exciting game, we need to cleanup the penalties and turnovers. Those cost us a couple real good scoring chances.

Tonight is our last practice and we will be scrimmaging the Texans. Wear your jerseys to practice. And don’t forget we have the Halloween Bowl on Saturday. The boys need to be at the East field at 2:50pm.

Let’s finish the season strong!

Way to go Steelers!
Coach Z

Game Eight Schedule - The Halloween Bowl

Hey Steelers

We have just accepted an invitation to the Halloween Bowl. We will be facing the 49ers and the game will be played on Saturday October 29th at 3:50pm. The Halloween Bowl will be played on Commissioners park East field.

End of Year Party

Our end of the year party will be held on Saturday November 5th at 6:30 PM at the Lakewood Valley Clubhouse. The Lakewood Valley Clubhouse is located at 2529 Dickens Dr in Aurora.

The cost will be $15 per family. We will be providing pizza and chicken for entrees. We ask that each family bring either an appetizer, a side, a dessert, or tableware. Also, please bring your own beverages both for the kids and the adults.

We're asking everyone with a last name from A-O to please bring either a side dish or tableware. Everybody with a last name from P-Z please bring either an appetizer or dessert. Please Reply to All to let everyone know what you're bringing.

Suggestions:

Tableware...Plastic Cutlery, Cups, Napkins, Paper Plates, Garbage Bags

Sides...Rolls and butter, Mac and Cheese, Mashed Potatoes, Pasta, Green Salad, etc

We will have access to a kitchen at the clubhouse.

Please RSVP to me by Saturday Oct 29th at michaelsmith11@yahoo.com and let me know how many people will be attending. As soon as I get a count I will let everyone know.

Remaining Schedule

Here is our remaining schedule of events.

Thursday October 20th - Practice 5:30 - 7:30
Tuesday October 25th - Practice 5:30 - 7:30
Wednesday October 26th - Game vs Browns 7:40 Commissioners Park
Thursday October 27th - Practice 5:30 - 7:30
Saturday October 29th - Game vs TBA
Saturday November 5th - End of Year Party 6:30 Lakewood Valley Clubhouse

Game six recap

Hey Steelers

I know we came up a little short on Saturday but I was proud of the way everyone hung in there and continued to fight. We were down by three scores and we fought back to make it a one score game. We had some momentum but just ran out of time.

Guys we only two games left in the season. We have this Saturday off and don't play again until Wednesday the 26th. We have three practices until then and I expect everyone who wants to play in the game to be at each of them.

We need to keep working hard at practice and in the games. I really believe we can finish the season strong.

Thanks again to all the cheerleaders for giving out goody bags to the players after the game. You girls do a great job.

Go Steelers
Coach Z

End of Year Party

Save the date....Our End of the Year Party will be on Saturday November 5th at 6:30pm. We're having it at the Lakewood Valley Clubhouse. More details to follow....

MVP Pics

MVP Pics was out at the game on Saturday and they took a bunch of pictures. Here's the link in case you want to order some.

Scrimmage on Thursday

We will be playing a scrimmage against the Bengals on Thursday 10/13 at Commissioners Park. Have the boys there at the usual time, 5:30. We'll have our warmups and then start the scrimmage. Make sure the boys wear their jerseys.

Game Five Recap

Hey Steelers

What a great day we had on Saturday. Not only did we play a really good game against the Falcons but we had an awesome tailgate party too. It was great to see the boys perform so well on the field. Our offense moved the ball up and down the field and our offensive line really open up some big holes for our backs. Our defense played aggressively and forced a bunch of turnovers and made some big stops. We moved some of the boys around for this game and it was nice to see them play so well in their new positions. Every player on the field contributed to win and that was great to see.

And what a great tailgate party we had after the game. I want to thank Rosa and Dave for all the hard work they did setting up the party and Coach Sean for supplying the hotdogs. I also want to thank everyone else who helped make this tailgate such a big success. It looked like everyone had a lot of fun.

I also want to give a special mention to our cheerleaders. They do a great job cheering for us during the games and yesterday after the game they presented the players with Crunch bars for crunching the Falcons. Thanks for all your support girls.

And again, Coach John took some great pictures. You can see them on our Snapfish page.

Great job everybody.
Go Steelers!
Coach Z

Our First TBA Game

Our first TBA game has been determined. We will be playing the Browns on Wednesday October 26th. The game will start at 7:40 and will be played at Commissioners Park. We still have one more TBA still pending. It will be an afternoon game on Saturday October 29th. The time and opponent are still to be determined.

Remaining Schedule
Saturday October 15th vs Cardinals 2:25pm Commissioners East
Wednesday October 26th vs Browns 7:40pm Commissioners
Saturday October 29th TBA

Re-Scheduled Punt Pass and Kick on Tuesday

Come out and cheer on Sean as he competes at the annual St. Raphael Football Punt Pass & Kick Competition. The competition will be held on Tuesday October 11th at Benedictine University, 5700 College Road, Lisle IL 60532 (SWC of College Rd and Maple Ave).

The Jr. Midget division will begin sometime after 8:30pm so it will not interfere with our practice. Come out and show your support and wear your Steeler jerseys.

GO SEAN!! GO STEELERS!!

Tailgate Party

Steelers

After our game on Saturday October 8th we will be having our annual tailgate party. The party will be held at the pavilion at Commissioners Park immediately following our 3:50pm game against the Falcons. The cost of the tailgate is $10 per family and everyone is asked to bring a side or a dessert. We will provide pizza, hotdogs, condiments, and drinks.

Go Steelers!

Game four recap

Hey Steelers

I know we came up short in our game against the Eagles on Saturday, but there is no reason for anyone to hang their heads. We came into the game shorthanded and had a couple of injuries during the game. By time the game ended we only had 14 guys that were able to get on the field. You guys played hard the whole game and I know a lot of you were on the field for most of the game. We had a lot of guys playing in positions that they had not played before and in the end we just ran out of gas.

We saw some good things during the game and some things that we still need to work on. Come to practice on Tuesday ready to work. and don't be surprised if we start working different people in at different positions.

Also, Coach John took some great pictures at the game. You can see them on our Snapfish page.


Go Steelers!
Coach Z

Punt Pass and Kick Re-scheduled

Due to the weather, St Raphael has re-scheduled the Punt Pass and Kick competition to October 11th.

Our practice for tonight is still on.

St. Raphael Punt Pass & Kick

Hey Steelers

Come out and cheer on Sean as he competes at the annual St. Raphael Football Punt Pass & Kick Competition. The competition will be held on Thursday September 29th at Benedictine University, 5700 College Road, Lisle IL 60532 (SWC of College Rd and Maple Ave).

The Jr. Midget division will begin sometime after 8:30pm so it will not interfere with our practice. Come out and show your support and wear your Steeler jerseys.

GO SEAN!! GO STEELERS!!

Tuesday Practice Cancelled

The Naperville Park District has closed all parks to practices and games because of the wet field conditions. So there will be no practice tonight.

Game Three recap

Steelers

What a great game we played on Saturday. This was a great win because everyone on the team contributed to it. Our defense didn't allow a point and had a fumble recovery and an interception. Our offense moved the ball all day long. And our offensive line played it's best game of the season. Our special teams even scored a touchdown with a punt return. It was great to see all the hard work the boys put in finally pay off with a victory.

I hope everyone had enough to eat and drink at our Coaches Breakfast. I think it was a great success. I want to thank everyone who pitched in to help, including all the coaches wives, Julie, Kim, Susan, Michelle, Beth K, and Beth Z. Thank you ladies for all your hard work.

I also want to thank our cheerleaders for cheering us on during the game. They really put on a great performance. And they baked some awesome cookies too. Way to go girls.

I also want to thank Coach John for all the great pictures he took. You can see them on our Snapfish page.

This was a great win and we should enjoy it but we have to get back to work on Tuesday. We have a tough game coming up on Saturday against the Eagles. And Coach Sean has said that practice on Tuesday will pizza Tuesday. Thanks Coach Sean.

Go Steelers
Coach Z

Coaches Breakfast

After our game on Saturday, all Steelers and Steeler fans are invited to join us for our annual Coaches Breakfast. We will have tables setup with bagels, muffins, donuts, fruit hot chocolate, and coffee for all to enjoy. Our game starts at 10:25am on Commissioners Park West field. Please have the boys there by 9:45am. The Coaches Breakfast will start immediately after the game.

Game two recap

Guys, I know we came up on the short end Tuesday night but I could see it was not from lack of effort. I thought all our boys played hard the whole night. We gave up two big plays that they scored on but other than that I thought we really played tough. We did some good things. We forced two fumbles and recovered one and we got an interception. But most importantly we never stopped working hard.

We need to put this game behind us now because we have a big game coming up on Saturday. We only have one practice before our game so it’s important everyone show up on Thursday. Bring plenty of water to the game on Saturday because we’ll be shorthanded and a lot of the boys will be playing both ways.

Go Steelers
Coach Z

Practice on Monday Sept 19th

We will be practicing on Monday September 19th from 5:30 to 7:30 at Commissioners Park.

Punt Pass and Kick Winner

Congratulations to Sean T for winning the Punt Pass and Kick competition. Sean will represent the Steelers at the St. Raphael Punt Pass and Kick competition. He will compete against the winners from the other teams in our division. The Punt Pass and Kick competition will take place on Thursday September 29th from 6:30 to 10:00 pm at Benedictine University in Lisle.

Good luck Sean!

Punt, Pass, and Kick

At Tuesday's practice we will have our annual Punt, Pass, and Kick competition. The winner of Tuesday's competition will represent the Steelers at St. Raphael’s Punt, Pass, and Kick competition which will be held on September 29th at Benedictine University.

Game One Recap

Hey Steelers

What a game we had on Saturday. We got down early but we hung in there and battled back. We came up a few points short but we gave a great effort. I was proud of the boys for not giving up and not hanging their heads. We had some hard hits on defense and some really exciting plays on offense. I thought everyone contributed and I saw some things that we did really well. We also have some things we need to continue to work on but I thought it was a good start. We don't have many practices left before our night game so it's important that we have everyone at practice this week.

I also wanted to thank Ron for making our cheer cards. Thanks Ron.

Go Steelers!
Coach Z

Tailgate and Upcoming Events

As most of you know, we have traditionally had our tailgate party before the first night game of the year. However, due to the fact that this year's night game is an early 6:00pm start and is going to be held at Nike park in Naperville, we thought it would be best to have the tailgate party on a different date. This year's tailgate party will be on October 8th and will start after our 3:50pm game against the Falcons. More details to follow....

Also, our annual coaches breakfast will be held on September 24th after our 10:25am game against the Rams. More details will follow on this one too....

And of course our opening game of the season is Saturday September 10th at 1:15pm. We have our team pictures prior to the game at 12:10pm but you need to be at Crone Middle School by 11:50am.

Scrimmage

Hey Steelers

Great job at the scrimmage on Thursday. I hope everyone had fun. It was good to get out there and battle another team. I know for some of the boys this was their first experience against another team and I thought they all did well. I saw some good things out there on the field. We did a good job of doing some of the things we practiced on. I also saw some things that we need to clean up before our first game. We only have two practices left before our opener and we have a lot of work to do. So come to practice next week ready to work.

Go Steelers
Coach Z

Picture Day

Team pictures will be taken on Saturday September 10th at Crone Middle School. Our pictures are scheduled for 12:10 but you need to arrive at the school by 11:50 am. Crone Middle School is located across from Commissioners Park on the Southwest corner of 248th and 111th. Please remeber to bring your picture form and payment.

After our pictures are taken we will head directly over to Commissioners Park to get ready for our game against the Cowboys. The game starts at 1:15pm on the west field.

Oswego East Game and scrimmage

What a great turn out we had for the Oswego East game on Friday night. We almost had our full squad there. It was a perfect night for football and Wolves got a big win. From what I saw, all of our boys had a great time. I think it's important that the boys get to know each other off the field and it seems to me that they all got along great. It was really nice to see how many parents showed up too. Nice job Steelers.

Also, we will be having a scrimmage on Thursday September 1st. We will be scrimmaging the Texans. Have the boys wear their jerseys to practice that day.

Our team pictures will be on Saturday September 10th before our first game. The time is still TBA but it's usually a couple hours before our game starts. We'll let you know the exact time when we find out.

Go Steelers
Coach Z

Oswego East Football Game

Hey Steelers

We will be taking our annual trip to an Oswego East football game on Friday August 26th to see Oswego East play Rich South. The game starts at 7 pm. Tickets can be purchased at the game. All Steeler players, parents, siblings, and fans are invited to attend. This is a fun event and a great way to get the boys together off the field.

Go Steelers!
Coach Z

Steelers Schedule

Sat 9/10 - 1:15pm - Cowboys - Comm-West
Tues 9/20 - 6:00pm - Bills - Nike Turf
Sat 9/24 - 10:25am - Rams - Comm-West
Sat 10/1 - 1:15pm - Eagles - Comm-West
Sat 10/8 - 3:50pm - Falcons - Comm-East
Sat 10/15 - 2:25pm - Cardinals - Comm-East
TBD
TBD

First two weeks of practice

Hey Steelers

What a great couple weeks of practice. It was great to get the boys back on the field and back to playing football. We have a lot of returning players and we have some new faces as well. In the two weeks we've been practicing we've seen a lot of progress from everyone. We were all very happy with the hustle and effort the boys were giving during practice.

Unfortunately, we've had some injuries that are going to keep couple of the boys out of action. That just means that everyone else is going to have work hard and step up to fill in.

Starting next week we will be back to practicing twice a week. Our practices will be on Tuesday and Thursday. We're looking forward to having our full squad on the field next week.

Go Steelers
Coach Z

Practice Schedule Change

Beginning next week, the week of August 15th, we will be practicing on Tuesday and Thursday. This is a change from the Monday and Wednesday schedule we had originally planned. Practice will still be from 5:30-7:30. Sorry for any inconvenience.

Rules clarification

Hey everyone

The commissioner of our league sent out some information defining what the rules are for St Raphael football. St Raphael has it's own rule book but for the rules that are not covered by the St Raphael rule book, we defer to the IHSA high school rule book, not the NFL rule book.

Here is a copy of what was sent to me........

DIFFERENCES BETWEEN THE ILLINOIS HIGH SCHOOL RULES & THE NATIONAL FOOTBALL LEAGUE PLUS OTHER COMMON RULES MISCONCEPTIONS!

1. The pass was uncatchable so there can't be pass interference!
Uncatchable or not, if the offensive or defensive player interferes with the other player
it’s a 15-yard penalty and automatic first down (if by defense) or loss of down (if by
offense). If there is contact when both players are playing the ball, it’s probably not pass
interference, nor is contact which is obviously away from the direction of the pass.
However there does not have to be contact for pass interference to be called, e.g. face
guarding is a foul.
2. He was outside the tackle box so there can't be intentional grounding!
If the quarterback throws the ball away in an attempt to avoid a sack and there is no
receiver in the area, it's intentional grounding and loss of down, no matter where he is
on the field. Simply put, there is no tackle box in high school football.
3. The ball didn't make it back to the line of scrimmage so it's intentional grounding!
That's an NFL and College rule, not high school. See the Intentional Grounding rule
above. However, spiking the ball to stop the clock must be done from a direct snap; it is
intentional grounding if it's done from the shotgun formation.
4. He's the running back so he can't be called for a facemask!
Wrong, grasping the facemask is a foul no matter who does it. The incidental variety
carries a 5 yard penalty and the 15 yard version involves pulling or twisting of the
headgear. It should also be noted that the penalty is described in the NFHS (high
school) Rule Book as grasping the facemask or helmet opening. This means grasping
the ear hole or any of the edges of the helmet, as well as the facemask itself are
potential violations.
5. He got back before the ball was snapped!
Maybe so, but once any player penetrates the neutral zone, it's a 5 yard dead ball
penalty. You cannot "get back". Also, the first player to enter the neutral zone is
penalized.
6. They broke the huddle with 12 men!
Not a problem. The rule says a replaced player must leave the field within 3 seconds of
being notified, so as long as the 12th player is heading off the field, breaking the huddle
with 12 is not a foul.
7. We can demand a first down measurement and you have to do it!
You can request it but it is the referee's decision whether or not it will be granted.
8. We teach them to hit anyone standing around!
That will probably get you a 15-yard illegal personal contact penalty. Charging into or
throwing an opponent to the ground after he is obviously out of the play, or after the ball
is clearly dead, either in or out of bounds is illegal.
9. That's a horse collar!
Maybe but it's a horse collar tackle that's illegal. That is, grabbing the inside of the
shoulder pads or jersey is not a foul. Pulling the player to the ground is, as long as this
was the only tackle. If another player assists in the tackle it is not a foul.
10. The whistle hadn’t blown yet so it can't be a late hit!
Incorrect. The whistle is a reminder that the play has already ended or the runner is
down. If a player hits an opponent after the play has ended, it is a foul. If you instruct
your players to “hit someone on every play” or “hit to the whistle” don’t be shocked if you
are called for unnecessary roughness at some point. You told them to do it! The play is
over when the play is over, not when the whistle blows.
11. Personal fouls are automatic first downs!
Nope. Only roughing the passer, snapper, kicker or holder plus defensive pass
interference get you an automatic first down. Likewise illegal forward handing, an illegal
forward pass, offensive pass interference and illegal touching of a pass by an ineligible
receiver are loss of down penalties.
12. He returned it 101 yards!
You cannot return a kick if the ball is in the end zone. It's where the ball is, not the
player's feet that matters. The goal line is considered in the end zone.
13. A recovered kick can be advanced!
Nope – a kick that is muffed (no possession) by the return team and recovered by the
kicking team cannot be advanced. If he has possession and fumbles it then it can be
advanced.
14. Coaches have the right to question any call by the officials!
If a coach wishes to question an official's decision because he thinks a rule was
misapplied, he can request a timeout for an official's conference. The official does not
have to grant it but if the call is reversed, no timeout is charged. If the call is not
reversed the team is charged with a timeout. If no timeouts remain, the team is charged
with a 5-yard delay of game penalty. The following items are, by rule, a 15-yard
unsportsmanlike conduct penalty:
1. Attempting to influence a decision by an official.
2. Disrespectfully addressing an official.
3. Indicating objections to an official's decision.
15. An injured player can stay in the game if a timeout is called!
Incorrect. If the officials stop a game for an injured player, he must leave the field for at
least one snap. A dead ball foul does not constitute a snap. Otherwise it is a 15-yard
illegal participation penalty. He can return in the 2nd half or overtime, however, if he was
injured on the last play of the first half or the game.
16. That’s a clip!
It's probably not clipping but a block in the back. Clipping is below the waist.
Furthermore, a block in the back must be "in the back", that is below the helmet, above
the waist, and INSIDE the shoulders. It doesn't matter if his head was in front or not.
17. We can have 3 coaches "in the box"!
Correct, but no more than three, up until the ball is snapped. At that point, everyone
must be out of the restricted area. If an official makes contact with anyone in the
restricted area it is a 15-yard penalty assessed against the head coach. A second
violation results in another 15-yard penalty and the head coach being ejected.
18. My orthodontist gave me this clear mouth guard!
We understand, however it's still illegal. By rule, mouth guards can be any color except
completely clear or completely white.
19. The NFL players wear em!
No arm bands, bicep bands, silly bands, magnetic bands, or rubber bands. This is a
safety hazard and they can get caught on something and break a wrist. The only items
allowed are sweatbands and they must be no more than 3 inches above the wrist. And
while we’re at it, no jewelry of any type is allowed. Religious and medical alert medals
can be worn but must be taped down. Tinted eye shields are not allowed, even with a
doctor's note, and long belts must be tucked in. And yes it is a rule that jerseys must be
tucked in as well.
20. Chad OchoCinco doesn't have to snap his chinstrap!
Correct but in high school all four snaps must be fastened before the snap or it is a
penalty. The helmets are designed to protect the head best when all four snaps are
fastened.
21. Peyton Manning calls audibles this way!
Yep but he plays on Sundays. Once the quarterback puts his hands under center he has
to come out with the ball. Likewise, once the center puts his hand(s) on the ball he has
to snap it. Failing to do either result in a 5-yard false start penalty.
22. Come on Ref, let em play!
We do. However safety comes first and there are rules that must be enforced. Rules are
rules; we don't get to decide which ones are called and which ones aren't. We hear this
most often from the parents of the team that was just penalized. We never hear it from
the mother of the player who was just blocked illegally, etc. I wonder why?
23. All we want is a fair game, Ref!
This is an act of gross unsportsmanlike conduct because you are accusing the
referee(s) of cheating. You may not agree with the calls and are unhappy with their
decisions but questioning the integrity of an official is never appropriate.

Please understand the above information is listed to help you understand the rulings on the field during games. At no time should anyone on our sideline have any type of contact, verbal or otherwise, with the officials.

Coach Z

Tips for Parents

Here are some things that parents can do to help us ensure the safety of your children during practice and games.

Helmet
Please make sure that your child's helmet is fitted properly and that if fits snuggly and comfortably on his head. If you need to have your helmet refitted, take to Play it Again Sports and they will adjust it.

Also, make sure that all the screws and snaps on your child's helmet are securely tightened. Use a Phillips head screw driver to tighten up loose screws. This should be checked periodically.

Mouth Guard
Please make sure that all mouth guards are formed to your child's mouth. Please see the instructions on the packaging for information on how to form the mouth guard. Mouth guards MUST be attached to the facemask. If your child is a chewer you'll probably need more than one mouth guard. Please inspect your child's mouth guard every so often to ensure it is still in good shape.

Shoulder Pads
The strap under the buckle on your child's shoulder pads should be taped up. If you need them taped, see one of the coaches after practice.

Cups
Every player must wear a cup during both practice and games.

Jersey
Please do not alter the jersey in any way. These jerseys belong to St. Raphael and need to be returned after the final game. Do not wear the game jerseys to practice unless otherwise specified by the coach.

Hydration
Please make sure your child is hydrated BEFORE coming to practice. Bring plenty of water to practice.

Water Breaks
During water breaks at practice we ask that the children stay together and not wander over to their parents unless absolutely necessary. This helps us to get the kids back to practice quicker and also helps promote an environment of togetherness and team.

Welcome Steelers

Welcome everyone to the Steelers blog. This is where you can keep up with all the Steeler news and recaps of all the games. We'll also have links to all the game pics and other important information.