Back-to-Back Onsides Kicks Spur Tommies' Win Over Polars

Scenes like this made me think that every football game could be improved upon by playing in front of trains.

Post and photos by the Hawthorne Hawkman.

The first thing I noticed when I arrived at Friday's matchup between the North High Polars and the Edison Tommies was that work kept me from missing at least some of the action.  I couldn't make it before part of the first quarter had passed by, and the Tommies were already up 14-0.  Adding insult to injury of this volunteer blogger, the Star Tribune has not posted the full box score of the game like they used to last year.  I haven't found out yet whether this is due to cutbacks at the newspaper or if the schools simply didn't pass on enough information.  So I won't be able to describe HOW the Tommies jumped out to the early lead.

Looking at the program, I was struck at how YOUNG our North High Polars team is this year.  We have only a handful of seniors, and quite a few sophomores and freshmen are playing at the varsity level.  On the other hand, we weren't sure if we would even have a school this year, much less field a football team.

Thankfully, watching the Polars, it's clear that they have athleticism and heart, and when they take the field it's not with an attitude of "we're just glad to be here."  They expect to win.  Unfortunately, the youth of the team shows at times.  One of my best football coaches stressed the little things over and over.  Hustle all the time, never, ever take your helmet off or remove your mouthguard, hustle, know the play and get to your spot.  And hustle, that seemed to be important.  Do enough of the little things, and the big things take care of themselves.

That's a lesson these kids are still learning, but they gave Edison a handful by...

Metrodome Festivities

Post, photos, and images by the Hawthorne Hawkman.

Saturday marked the re-opening of the Metrodome, with a portion of the event aimed at thanking tornado volunteers and building community.  I was one of the first 3,000 people to enter, and so I received a commemorative piece of the previous teflon roof that collapsed in last winter's snowmaggedon.  I took a roundabout way to get to the Dome, in order to bike along the final segment of the Cedar Lake Trail.  That particular connection to the Mississippi River cost $9.2 million and took over 11 years to complete.  A similar, more ambitious, connection in NoMi could take even longer to build.  That's no reason to get rid of the proposal entirely, as some groups are recommending.

The Cedar Lake connection to the Mississippi River is quite the sight though...

North High WILL Have a Freshman Class in 2011

Photo from Minnesota Public Radio.

Photo from Minnpost.

Post by the Hawthorne Hawkman, photo credits linked above.

The Star Tribune recently reported in error that there would not be an incoming freshman class at North High this year.  However, a proud North High parent posted to the Minneapolis Issues Forum an email from Superintendent Johnson that indicates the exact opposite.  Organizers who have recruited new students repeatedly say that the number one barrier to getting committed students, parents, families, and other supporters is the concern that North High will close.

Since Johnson specifically stated on May 9, 2011, "I am pleased to announce that North High School will welcome a ninth-grade class in the fall of 2011," we need to spread the word that our North High Polars will indeed have a freshman class this year.

Superintendent Johnson's email is reprinted in full after the jump...

Next Steps for North High

Post and videos by the Hawthorne Hawkman.

There will be a meeting this Saturday to plan the next steps for North High School.  The video above leads off this post because in it Director Davis reads her amendment (a version of which was passed), and at the 2:00 mark she says we can no longer afford to disinvest in north Minneapolis.  That statement drew raucously enthusiastic applause, and we need that kind of energy tomorrow.

Here is what the Save North Coalition announced in an email regarding Saturday's meeting:

"The SAVE NORTH HIGH COALITION is hosting a

Community Meeting to Discuss Our Next Steps

Saturday, November 21st

2:00pm - 4:00pm

Zion Baptist Church

621 Elwood Ave. N, Minneapolis

"Last Tuesday the community campaign to stop the closure of North High School won a partial victory when the Minneapolis Board of Education voted 4 to 3 to keep North High open another year if the community could recruit 125 9th graders to the school by March. While this is a far cry from what the community was demanding, it shows that when we organize, we have real power. It also provides a new window of opportunity to continue to organize to save our school!

"This Saturday lets come together as parents, students, teachers, alumni, and concerned community members from across the Twin Cities to map out our next steps to keep this school open and revitalize public education on the North Side and beyond. We need all hands on deck and all voices at the table this Saturday to collectively create a student recruitment plan, a political strategy, and to take the lead in creating a community-led vision for revitalizing North High School."

 

For those of you who haven't seen the rest of the footage from the most recent School Board meeting, it can be found, along with some commentary, after the jump...

Public Commentary from the North High MPS Meeting

Post and videos by the Hawthorne Hawkman

This post will encompass the remainder of those who spoke out during the public comment period of the School Board meeting where North High was saved*.


(*if we get 125 incoming freshmen by March of '11. Let's not lose sight of that.  Otherwise, it will close for one year and reopen.)

More videos and commentary after the jump...

North High is Saved! Now the Real Work Begins.

Post and video by the Hawthorne Hawkman

After much deliberation, and an outpouring of community input, Superintendent Johnson's proposal from last week was brought before the Minneapolis Public School Board as a whole.  Due to other job commitments, I was unable to attend the rally before the meeting, and missed some early parts.  But I stayed until the end of the meeting and recorded the vote that kept North open.

There are several hours of footage to upload and review.  Until I have the chance to get a well-written post up about the broader issues, people can feel free to check out my Youtube channel for the videos I took during the meeting.

The VERY short summary of what happened is this:  Johnson's proposal was presented, and amended to allow for the chance of a freshman class continuing to attend North High in 2011 (her previous proposal called for North to not accept incoming freshmen in 2011 while creating a new program, phase out the existing school, start a new North in 2012, and add a class each year until there would be a full school in 2016).  In order for there to be a continuous student body at North High, we in the community will need to work with the school board to recruit an incoming freshman class of 125 students by March of 2011.

And if we can do that, I bet we'll wind up with a better football team too.

The vote is over and now it's time to get to work.

Reactions from Johnson's New North High Proposal

Post and photo by the Hawthorne Hawkman

I'm guessing by now most everyone reading NXNS has heard Superintendent Johnson's proposal to continue with a phasing out of North High, take a year off to develop a new model, and re-open a new North High in 2012.  (although not necessarily in the same building; we'll get to that)  In looking at chatter on Facebook, the Strib, and elsewhere, reactions to the plan are varied - ranging from calls for a failing school to be shut down immediately to feelings that this "plan" has nothing of substance that is different than Johnson's original proposition.

While my initial response did not embody such extremes, it was still mixed.  My first thought upon hearing Johnson's new idea was, "This might be as good of a deal as we're going to get."  My SECOND thought was...

Bernadeia Johnson Announces Plan to Press Reset Button on North High

Post and videos by the Hawthorne Hawkman

POST COMPLETE. All video footage from the press conference has been uploaded and added.

Minneapolis Public Schools Superintendent Bernadeia Johnson called a press conference this morning to announce plans for North High. The buzz was that she would continue with the plans to phase out the existing North High, but there was speculation that somehow the school would be saved. After all, if plans to close were moving ahead as previously announced, why call a press conference to remind the community that you're doing something incredibly unpopular?

In essence, her plan now involves closing down the existing North High, phasing out current enrollment, working with the community on a plan during 2011, and re-opening a new North High for incoming freshmen in 2012, then adding a grade each year.

Plenty of news media were there, and the Strib and KSTP at least have articles and some footage up already. But the initial details were broken first on the NXNS Twitter feed, proving once again the speed and agility of non-traditional media.

More video footage will follow after the jump, as soon as it's done uploading on youtube...

North vs. South (Part 2 of catching up on Polars' Football)

Honoring the Polars' seniors and those close to them.

Ballard was running like a man possessed.

David Hall (#11) is about to teach South some manners

The Tigers' QB, Soly Senaphanh, had moves of his own.

Ballard's intensity increased as the game wore on.

The Polars were swiping at the ball all game long, causing fumble after fumble.

Post and photos by the Hawthorne Hawkman

The Minneapolis South Tigers opened the game with a call rarely seen to start things off - a successful onsides kick.  Several plays after a long run by South's nimble quarterback, the Polars forced a fumble and recovered - the first of five times they would do so in the contest.

Running back Morocco Ballard was a man on a mission, twice running for gains of over ten yards on North's opening possession.  He finished off the drive with a dazzling 20-yard sprint into the end zone, putting the Polars on the scoreboard first, 6-0.

Following that drive...

Scores of Supporters Rally for North High

I couldn't help but notice the juxtaposition here:  We're rallying to save North High underneath the Minneapolis Public Schools banner:  "Expect Great Things."

Where will this child go to high school?

This young woman was very well-spoken.  Her story will be told later in the post.

Due to a prior commitment, I could not stay for the meeting itself.  But there was an overflow crowd.

Post, photos, and videos by the Hawthorne Hawkman.

The Superintendent of Minneapolis Public Schools announced her recommendation to close down North High School due to its low enrollment numbers, and that recommendation was brought before the school board today.  As expected, scores of north Minneapolis residents, North High students and alumni, and other supporters rallied in front of the school board to call for the school to be saved.

Earlier in the day, North High was the focus of an hour-long discussion on Minnesota Public Radio.  In that session, a north Minneapolis resident called up and said he looked at North High's average test scores and decided that there was no way he would send his child to this school.  The sad part is that he lives only a few blocks from the school itself.  This scenario was exactly what I had pondered when I wondered if North can be saved.  And the comment would lead one to believe that the school has little to offer to honors or other exceptional students, and that children who attend there may be unprepared for a job or continuing education.

Let me tell you right now, from speaking with children and parents at the rally, this is not the case.  Kids are graduating prepared for a university education.  Kids are taking honors courses and they don't have to be bused elsewhere for that.  It's happening right here in our community and we need to keep it that way.

The rally got started with the chant...

Trick Play Spoils Ballard's Return, Polars' Homecoming

The Polars kept the pressure on Millers' QB Hughes all day long.

But Hughes was often quick enough to get rid of the ball in time.

Post and photos by the Hawthorne Hawkman

Although Morocco Ballard dressed last week after being injured early in the season, this was his first game back where he had significant playing time.  Through most of the game Friday, the North High Polars and the Minneapolis Washburn Millers were evenly matched.  Their defenses were evenly matched, and kept either offense from finding any sort of rhythm.  The Polars struck first, but their lead was negated by an efficient offense and a fluke play on special teams in the third quarter.

North High's first score of the game was made harder than it needed to be when...

Polars Rebound, Dominate Teddies 30-6

Roosevelt RB Pruitt almost always made the first tackler bounce right off.

The Polars' swarming D moved Roosevelt backwards.

Epps running for a first down.

Post and photos by the Hawthorne Hawkman

Before we get started on the actual game, a commentary on football team names is in order.  Roosevelt High School's team name is the Teddies, presumably after former US President Theodore Roosevelt.  This fellow was unarguably the most badass President in American history - possibly the most badass person to ever have lived or been created  (not even Chuck Norris or Darth Vader come close).  Among other things, he was a deputy sheriff, an explorer, a big game hunter, a police commissioner, the assistant Secretary of the Navy, and a war hero.  And yet he never lost the soft spot in his heart for unadulterated violence. 

He carried a pistol with him at all times in the White House, even though he could probably just stare at enemies' bullets through his monocle and they would stop out of pure fear.  He even survived an assassination attempt and continued to deliver a campaign speech with the bleeding wound still undressed.  Did I mention he had asthma growing up?  Teddy Roosevelt beat up asthma too.  Furthermore, he was a pretty darn good President to boot.  Now I had asthma as a kid, and managed to beat it as well.  However, I lose points in comparison with Roosevelt because I've stayed home from work when my back was sore and also when I had pinkeye.

And we're going to name a football team--FOOTBALL, a rather violent sport itself--after this dude by calling it the TEDDIES?  That's just insulting the man's legacy.  I should point out that naming the school after a president and then adding "ies" to the first name to create a team nickname can be problematic.  Grant High School Ulyssesies gets tricky, although the Van Buren Martinis could work as a softball team sponsored by a bar.  Hayes High Rutherford...well, I give up.

As far as the game goes, the scoring started after...

Polars Outmatched by Athleticism of Lakers, QB Scott

Corey Smith picks off Southwest, scoring a defensive touchdown.

Post and photos by the Hawthorne Hawkman

Early on in the Minneapolis Southwest Lakers 37-21 victory, it was clear this was a new kind of challenge for the Polars.  First, running back Morocco Ballard, injured in last week's match, was on the sidelines and not suited up.  He would be missed.  More importantly however, Lakers' QB Ayrton Scott was a dominating force.  The senior was poised in the pocket, could run when the play broke down, and frequently lowered his shoulder to break tackles when most quarterbacks would slide to avoid contact.  He passed for 323 yards and two touchdowns, and rushed for 105 more.

More impressive than his statistics, however, was the fact that...

Six Turnovers Propel Polars to Victory

Ballard's teammates carry him for the post-game handshakes.

Fumble!

And the Polars recover.

Post and photos by the Hawthorne Hawkman

Last week against the Patrick Henry Patriots, the Polars' defense played with heart, desire, and grit. This time, they played with confidence, and it showed. North high forced six turnovers and stopped Minneapolis Edison on fourth down four times, including twice sacking the punter.

North's offense showed improvement over last week as well, but still needs to be more disciplined. At least ten times they were called for delay of game, false start, or illegal procedure (improper motion or formation before the ball is snapped) penalties. And although they put together quite a few impressive drives, they scored only when they did not commit such penalties. If that doesn't change, they'll eventually come across an opponent that can take advantage.

For instance, on their first drive...

Staunch Defense Carries Polars to 7-6 Win

The Patriots were stuffed in the backfield on their 2-point conversion attempt that ended the game.

Shelby Deloney (#3) celebrates his game-winning tackle.

Post and photos by the Hawthorne Hawkman

Editorial note #1: One website and another source listed the start time for the game as 7:00 instead of 3:30. Those errors led me to arrive late and miss the first quarter.

Editorial note #2: This was my first attempt at covering a football game AND taking pictures. I found it rather difficult to keep track of which specific players made tackles, interceptions, etc. I could use some help with photography, and NXNS is now accepting applications for a sports field correspondent. This is not a paid position, but I will cover admission into the games.


Several key seniors from last year's deep playoff run had graduated, and the coaching staff went through its own turnover. Still, the North High Polars played with grit, and guts, and pure desire. That combination led to a stingy defense and an offense and special teams that still need work. But the defense covered other shortfalls and gave North High the opportunities they needed to win.

The first indication that this is a football team still working out some kinks was...

NXNS Sports Section - North High Polars

Post by the Hawthorne Hawkman, photo from the North High Football web page.

Last year, our North High Polars' football team made it all the way to the state quarterfinals. What I found more disappointing than their loss at that stage was that there seemed to be relatively little excitement in the community for our youth. I'll admit that even I didn't go to a single game.

I had my reasons though. My youngest brother was the captain of his football team as a senior in high school. Unsure if he'd play in college, I went to see my bro guide my alma mater to their best season in school history. He's a redshirt freshman at a division II school this year. So I've got one year where I know my brother won't get playing time, and I won't be traveling to see him play.

So I want to do something no other NoMi blog is doing: cover the North High football games this year. When our kids are succeeding like this, that story needs to be told. "And you can blog about other school board and education issues too!" said one rather eager friend of mine. Right...let's see here...

Okay, first off, I think that the main problem with kids' education these days is the kind of TV they watch at a very young age. Programs like Sesame Street, Dora the Explorer, and Blues Clues all teach children that the world is full of multi-racial people who want to help you organize things into recognizable patterns of colors, shapes, letters, and numbers. This is of course an utter pack of lies.

Now when I was growing up, the TV show I watched most often was GI Joe. GI Joe taught me that the world is full of multi-racial groups of people fighting against a global corporate behemoth hellbent on world domination. Although you wouldn't need a military force to defeat them so much as a decent audit, because there was NO WAY a viable business model would support all those bases in the arctic. Obviously, the world according to GI Joe is much closer to reality than anything else children nowadays watch on TV.

Pictured above: a top-quality education.

The other thing GI Joe taught me as a child was that gun violence never solved ANYTHING. Guns were absolutely USELESS in those cartoons.



Maybe if today's youth grew up with the same opinions about guns, we'd be a whole lot better off. Sure, GI Joe and Cobra still used violence to solve their problems, it's just that guns never really had much impact. This is essentially what we want to spend $2.2 million for CeaseFire to accomplish, so I figure this idea's gotta be worth at least fifty bucks in federal program income.

Okay, sorry for the tangent, but I wanted to demonstrate that obviously you should have someone ELSE blogging about childhood education issues. But if I write about our North High football team, and this blog gets used as a discussion forum for broader topics, I'd be happy to publish such comments.

In the meantime, if anyone wants to join me, the North High football schedule can be found here. I'll be going to as many games as I can. Go Polars!