PREFERS TEMPLE'S OFFENSE TO PRINCETON'S
West Deptford coach Linda Decker said today that she felt her team had the edge over Holy Spirit in the South Jersey Group 2 finals because of the strength of the Eagles' schedule.
"We play teams that are more competitive," Decker said after West Deptford won the sectional title with a 4-2 victory on a warm afternoon at the Eagles' home field.
I thought that was interesting. No. 1, it's true. But coaches usually don't talk that way. They aren't usually as open about the caliber of competition in various leagues.
But then Holy Spirit coach Kathy Biglin said the same thing. She pretty much admitted her team fell behind 2-0 in the first half -- it was a pretty even game in the second half, with both teams scoring twice -- because they weren't prepared for the speed and skill of an opponent such as West Deptford.
"My girls keep saying they wish they had another half," Biglin said.
Neither coach was trying to be insulting to Cape-Atlantic field hockey. There are some solid programs down there -- Ocean City has been a state power for years, St. Joseph's has a strong program, etc. -- but there are some developing programs, too.
Plus, the Colonial Conference has incredible field hockey tradition.
But it still was nice to hear both coach talk so openly about one of the keys to the game. West Deptford simply was better prepared because of a season of competition in the Colonial, and both coaches acknowledged it.
It wasn't stop-the-presses news. But it was clear-eyed and honest.
When you listen to platitudes for a living, that's refreshing.
-- Phil Anastasia
