Westside Champions
Coach Tarrant
Esky Grid Foe Brings Unique Touch
By Dennis Grall
POSTED: September 9, 2010
ESCANABA - A sound football philosophy connects directly to a sound life philosophy for the newest opponent on Escanaba High School's schedule.
The Eskymos host Detroit Westside Christian Academy at 1 p.m. Saturday in a game that was only finalized Tuesday. It fills the open date on Escanaba's schedule and gives the Eskymos the full complement of nine games. WCA's original opponent backed out of the scheduled game because it apparently felt it could not compete with the Warriors. The mutual open date was located on the MHSAA website.
WCA opened the season by beating Arenac Eastern 65-0 and Detroit Consortium Prep 20-18. WCA, which has 80 students, won the Christian School national championship during a 12-0 campaign last season and is a Division 7-8 playoff school that also draws six players from nearby Detroit Community High School.
"I believe our kids will compete with any kids their age," said WCA coach Sean Tarrant. "I know Escanaba has a history of great football. This will be a great opportunity to see what level we are on and where we are headed."
Tarrant said the second-year school draws "children from the inner city. The kids are very disciplined, they have great sportsmanship. We want to bring Jesus to the football field.
"It is okay to be Christian and play football. We do it to glorify God."
Spreading the word on the football field is crucial for this charter school. "To have those children represent us in this way is a great thing," said Tarrant. "We take pride in that. Football is football. The way we play it, there is no cursing (by players or coaches), the stereotype most people see coming from the inner city."
Tarrant said it has not been difficult getting the players to buy into that system and emphasized returning players have a critical leadership role at the non-denominational school.
"They get it all day long," he said. "We believe in Jesus Christ and God. Everything we (coaches) do has to be an example to them. We are hard on them, probably extra hard on our children, but they get the point."
The Warriors play defense with that concept in mind. "We try to emphasize getting to the ball with all 11 players and then all 11 pick up that ball carrier," said Tarrant. "I insist we have 11 men picking that kid up. We try to accomplish that philosophy, and that also gets 11 men to the football."
The Warriors favor an attacking 4-4 defense with strong pass coverage by speedy cornerbacks playing all-out man-to-man. On offense they use the spread and I formations and perhaps lean slightly to the run as they try to maintain a 50-50 balance.
Tarrant said this year's club "is athletically better. Our big kids can run." He also said the linemen are bigger this year and there is more depth on the line.
WMCA will leave Detroit Friday morning and willl practice in Escanaba about 7 p.m. "I can guarantee you none of the kids have been up there," said Tarrant. "Probably none of them have crossed the (Mackinac) bridge if I had to guess."
The trip is not a concern because the Warriors did not have a home game last year and played games in Indianapolis and Dayton, Tenn.
They will stay at Best Western Pioneer Inn, where they received a discount. They will eat after practice Friday, then have breakfast before the game. The Eskymo Fan Club will provide a post-game meal for players on both teams.
"I'm looking forward to having dinner so the team can talk to the other players," said Tarrant. "That is so important. That goes back to faith. It is important to fraternize with others so we can take something from them and we can set that example."
Asked what kind of message he hopes the players receive from the trip, Tarrant said "a lot of our children have never left the city. This will actually open their eyes to things outside the small box they live in and they will learn there is more to see. Even the people are different in (their) attitudes."
Tarrant said he will ask the players to write a journal entry of their trip and hopes to share it with readers of The Daily Press. "It is always good to know their experiences and what they are thinking," he said.
Escanaba athletic director Dave Wilson was surprised to hear from Tarrant Tuesday and initially thought the call was about scheduling a game for 2011. He is excited for this opportunity.
"Two different cultural communities coming together for a football game," said Wilson, who indicated the news was met with excitement among the student body. "This will be great for our kids."Click here to read Harrison-LeadershipLessonsTI.pdf
Football Schedule - 2011
All HOME GAMES ARE PLAYED AT THE OLD URBAN LUTHERAN HIGH SCHOOL ON GREENFIELD AND JOY ROAD IN DETROIT, MICHIGAN NEXT TO BURGER KING
Warm-Hearted Grid Visit
Detroit football team enjoyed trip to EskyBy Alvonta Tarrant
POSTED: September 17, 2010
Gracious, warm hearted and hospitable describes a few of Escanaba's many characteristics. From the beauty of the scenery, to the many warm and comforting smiles we received during our visit with the Escanaba Eskymos.
As we made our way over the Mackinac Bridge things begin to get more and more beautiful. It seemed as if nature was unveiling itself as we drove closer and closer to the city.
The drive past the coast made you day dream and just think what if you were in California or even the place of your dreams. It was so beautiful that it made you sit back and try to guess what nature would show you next.
After hours of driving we finally reached our destination Escanaba, Mi. Our first stop was at a buffet that had a "family-like" feel to it. The waitresses and staff greeted us with smiles and great conversation. The food was awesome and we even received a chance to meet the owner Bob.
While we sat and ate the A.D. from Escanaba High arrived and also greeted us. He began to chat with us and afterward took us to the Escanaba High Football Stadium, where we got a chance to see how the field looked.
The next morning as we sat in the lobby of the hotel preparing to leave, the (Escanaba) coach's wife came with a smile and a warm welcome. She brought over rain gear so that way we could enjoy the game just as their regular fans did.
When we arrived at the stadium we went into the Media room where we were kept nice and warm and out of the rain if we chose. They had a room open to us with food and drinks. They made sure we were nice and comfy and prepared for the game.
As the game went on they continued to come in and check on us making sure that we were fine and if we needed anything they were there to assist us without any hesitation.
After the game the two teams came together and ate. It was an awesome thing to see the two teams come together sharing in laughter, and conversation.
In the end both teams showed Christian values. They treated each other with respect on and off the field. They made each other feel like no matter what, both teams won. My trip to EscanabaHISTORY!!!
Victor Davidson, QB
For the two days of great hospitality that was shown to me and my teammates really made the experience a lot better.
I have never been up north but the people made it easy to fall in love with easily.
Even though my team and I came out of the first half with a very poor score, we found a way to come back the second half and begin to fight.
Even though we lost the game it was easy to shake their hands and go in the same lockerroom and (have) fellowship with them.
It was easy for me because I got the chance to get to know about the players personally and as well as about their football program which is ran different than ours.
It was a great feeling being able to stand in front of both of the teams laughing, joking, and just being ourselves. I felt like we bonded with the other team and hopefully we can come back to Escanaba and play again.
