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Coming off the biggest game in IFL history, the Stallions left the film room and headed to the practice field today. In a spirited run, the first team offense looked sharp and confident but Coach Palmateer frequently paused the activities to scold his team about perfection; reminding his Stallions that they are playing in their biggest game ever.
Booker huddled his offense numerous times as they worked on new pass protections, timing patterns, and money plays installed just for the title game this weekend. They didn’t stop until everything was crisp and precise.
No one ever mentioned what they had done the past two weeks in hosting the once red-hot Burlington Bolts and the amazing shootout in Columbia. They all realize that it's going to take yet another 'never-say-die' effort to get the better of the Demons and they remain ‘strictly business’ during this one.
As practice wound down, Booker rested up on the sidelines while the special teams took center stage and I got a chance to watch him interact with his teammates. He looked totally relaxed--as if he had finally felt comfortable in SLC. The failed attempts to catch on the NFL and his mediocre 2003 season look to be totally behind him.
With understudies Quinn and Fertwagner by his side, he reviewed and tutored them on the offense; preparing them in the event he goes down this Sunday. They listened so closely that Booker had to smile after he slipped in jokes to let them know they'd missed them.
He'll never say it, but the game against the Fire changed him. He had already established himself as one of the best young QBs in the game this year, a rising star of the IFL. Sunday, his baptism by the Fire made him into something larger than life in SLC. He become what many IFL fans long to have on their roster--a legend.
Granted, this status may be limited the greater metropolitan area of Salt Lake City right now, but I think he's all this team needs to believe the impossible.
It's been said that defense wins championships. Unfortunately, it’s been proven too which leaves SLC hopes for a visit to the championship game pretty bleak. Booker understands that. He also knows that his decisions and play-making are likely going to be the difference against the favored Demons and his seems to pretty ‘ok’ with it--JS
Booker huddled his offense numerous times as they worked on new pass protections, timing patterns, and money plays installed just for the title game this weekend. They didn’t stop until everything was crisp and precise.
No one ever mentioned what they had done the past two weeks in hosting the once red-hot Burlington Bolts and the amazing shootout in Columbia. They all realize that it's going to take yet another 'never-say-die' effort to get the better of the Demons and they remain ‘strictly business’ during this one.
As practice wound down, Booker rested up on the sidelines while the special teams took center stage and I got a chance to watch him interact with his teammates. He looked totally relaxed--as if he had finally felt comfortable in SLC. The failed attempts to catch on the NFL and his mediocre 2003 season look to be totally behind him.
With understudies Quinn and Fertwagner by his side, he reviewed and tutored them on the offense; preparing them in the event he goes down this Sunday. They listened so closely that Booker had to smile after he slipped in jokes to let them know they'd missed them.
He'll never say it, but the game against the Fire changed him. He had already established himself as one of the best young QBs in the game this year, a rising star of the IFL. Sunday, his baptism by the Fire made him into something larger than life in SLC. He become what many IFL fans long to have on their roster--a legend.
Granted, this status may be limited the greater metropolitan area of Salt Lake City right now, but I think he's all this team needs to believe the impossible.
It's been said that defense wins championships. Unfortunately, it’s been proven too which leaves SLC hopes for a visit to the championship game pretty bleak. Booker understands that. He also knows that his decisions and play-making are likely going to be the difference against the favored Demons and his seems to pretty ‘ok’ with it--JS
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