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Sunday, December 27, 2009
Monday, December 21, 2009
Friday, December 18, 2009
Lehigh Elementary Christmas Program
Each year we as a club donate money raised from the raffles to the children in the Pre-K program so that they may have presents for the holidays. Each year the children put on a special Christmas program. The pictures are from the program. Thanks to all the club members for making the holidays for these children special.
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Sunday, December 13, 2009
Sunday, November 29, 2009
Sunday, November 22, 2009
Friday, November 20, 2009
A Fan's Perspective
By Peter
The problems with your football team in Buffalo are sadly similar to the
hockey problems we have experienced for over 4 decades in Toronto. When you
have a lack of leadership and vision at the top of an organization it
permeates throughout.
In Toronto when Harold Ballard owned the hockey team no competent general
manager wanted to work under him and the Leafs front office was always in
shambles. As Ballard got older and realized even he wasn't immortal, he
brought back an aging and out of date Punch Imlach to be the Leafs GM. As
you know, Imlach had led the Leafs to 4 cups between 1962 and 1967. Things
went from bad to worse and eventually all of the Leafs top players were
dealt away.
Since Ballard's death, while there was an ongoing dispute over his estate in
the 90's, the Leafs were actually run by a competent GM Cliff Fletcher and
were the most competitive that they have been in the last 40 years. Once
the dust settled, and the Teacher's Pension fund emerged as the majority
shareholder, corporate/non-hockey people were placed at the top of the
company. To evaluate their success (other than the financial bottom line)
just look at the Leafs record over the past 7 seasons.
Sadly Ralph Wilson is approaching the end of the road. A few years ago,
much like Ballard, he tried to turn back the clock to the man who had last
brought him winning football Marv Levy who had led the Bills to 4 Super
Bowls in the previous decade (much like Imlach).
Over time, I think it is clear that the best organizations are those that
are strongest at the top. Obviously, you can find exceptions such as the
Yankees who through sheer bankroll can buy their way out of mistakes, but
those are the exceptions. Look what new competent ownership did for the Red
Sox and the Patriots in this decade. The owners brought in competent people
to run, manage and coach their teams and for the most part you only see the
owners sipping champagne in the locker room and riding at victory parades.
You sure as hell don't see them firing coaches.
The situation in Buffalo has an added wrinkle as no one knows what the
future of the team will be after the owner joins the big league in the sky.
Ralph Wilson has done a lot for Buffalo and certainly for football in
Buffalo. In my view his biggest and most long lasting contribution could be
if he were to find a way to transfer the Bills to new ownership himself
rather than having the process carried out by executors and the Probate
Courts. I think it would be better for everyone, and especially the
football fans in Buffalo, if this was done through the business and
football people now rather than through the lawyers and accountants later.
As far as winning goes, that will come with leadership from the top. New
ownership would mean a chance to hire new competent people to manage the
organization and coach the team.
Not that many years ago, it was announced that the Patriots would be
leaving Foxboro and moving away. Rather than suffering that fate, with
stability at the top of the organization, their fans have been treated to a
decade that they could not have previously imagined.
Can the Bills fans too avoid the fear of losing their team, and instead
through stability and leadership at the top of the organization, achieve
new success their fans can only dream of?
For the sake of the 70,000 people we spend every other
Sunday with in the fall, I hope they can.
The problems with your football team in Buffalo are sadly similar to the
hockey problems we have experienced for over 4 decades in Toronto. When you
have a lack of leadership and vision at the top of an organization it
permeates throughout.
In Toronto when Harold Ballard owned the hockey team no competent general
manager wanted to work under him and the Leafs front office was always in
shambles. As Ballard got older and realized even he wasn't immortal, he
brought back an aging and out of date Punch Imlach to be the Leafs GM. As
you know, Imlach had led the Leafs to 4 cups between 1962 and 1967. Things
went from bad to worse and eventually all of the Leafs top players were
dealt away.
Since Ballard's death, while there was an ongoing dispute over his estate in
the 90's, the Leafs were actually run by a competent GM Cliff Fletcher and
were the most competitive that they have been in the last 40 years. Once
the dust settled, and the Teacher's Pension fund emerged as the majority
shareholder, corporate/non-hockey people were placed at the top of the
company. To evaluate their success (other than the financial bottom line)
just look at the Leafs record over the past 7 seasons.
Sadly Ralph Wilson is approaching the end of the road. A few years ago,
much like Ballard, he tried to turn back the clock to the man who had last
brought him winning football Marv Levy who had led the Bills to 4 Super
Bowls in the previous decade (much like Imlach).
Over time, I think it is clear that the best organizations are those that
are strongest at the top. Obviously, you can find exceptions such as the
Yankees who through sheer bankroll can buy their way out of mistakes, but
those are the exceptions. Look what new competent ownership did for the Red
Sox and the Patriots in this decade. The owners brought in competent people
to run, manage and coach their teams and for the most part you only see the
owners sipping champagne in the locker room and riding at victory parades.
You sure as hell don't see them firing coaches.
The situation in Buffalo has an added wrinkle as no one knows what the
future of the team will be after the owner joins the big league in the sky.
Ralph Wilson has done a lot for Buffalo and certainly for football in
Buffalo. In my view his biggest and most long lasting contribution could be
if he were to find a way to transfer the Bills to new ownership himself
rather than having the process carried out by executors and the Probate
Courts. I think it would be better for everyone, and especially the
football fans in Buffalo, if this was done through the business and
football people now rather than through the lawyers and accountants later.
As far as winning goes, that will come with leadership from the top. New
ownership would mean a chance to hire new competent people to manage the
organization and coach the team.
Not that many years ago, it was announced that the Patriots would be
leaving Foxboro and moving away. Rather than suffering that fate, with
stability at the top of the organization, their fans have been treated to a
decade that they could not have previously imagined.
Can the Bills fans too avoid the fear of losing their team, and instead
through stability and leadership at the top of the organization, achieve
new success their fans can only dream of?
For the sake of the 70,000 people we spend every other
Sunday with in the fall, I hope they can.
Monday, November 16, 2009
Tuesday, November 3, 2009
Sunday, October 25, 2009
Monday, October 19, 2009
Monday, October 12, 2009
Tuesday, October 6, 2009
Monday, October 5, 2009
Sunday, September 27, 2009
Tuesday, September 22, 2009
Tuesday, September 15, 2009
Tuesday, July 28, 2009
Wednesday, May 20, 2009
Where in the world is Anthony Hargrove?
DE Anthony Hargrove, who was suspended by the league for a year after violating the league’s substance abuse policy on the heels of other off the field incidents signed with the New Orleans Saints. That according to the Times-Picayune.
Former Rams interim head coach Joe Vitt is now the Saints’ linebackers coach and reportedly put in a good word. But Hargrove though talented is anything but stable upstairs.
I once had a long conversation with him about the voices in his head. He said there are 11 people living up there and they all “come out” at different times. At first I thought he was pulling my arm, that it was an act, but he rattled off their names like it was nothing. The list by the way included three or four female personalities.
Some of his teammates at the time were convinced he was nuts. Still he was pretty talented and he was a monster on kickoff coverage on special teams. The league re-instated him just this past February.
His former Bills teammates will be able to see him in Week 3 when the Saints come to town, that is if he’s still on the roster. New Orleans has an awful lot of distractions.
Former Rams interim head coach Joe Vitt is now the Saints’ linebackers coach and reportedly put in a good word. But Hargrove though talented is anything but stable upstairs.
I once had a long conversation with him about the voices in his head. He said there are 11 people living up there and they all “come out” at different times. At first I thought he was pulling my arm, that it was an act, but he rattled off their names like it was nothing. The list by the way included three or four female personalities.
Some of his teammates at the time were convinced he was nuts. Still he was pretty talented and he was a monster on kickoff coverage on special teams. The league re-instated him just this past February.
His former Bills teammates will be able to see him in Week 3 when the Saints come to town, that is if he’s still on the roster. New Orleans has an awful lot of distractions.
Sunday, April 26, 2009
The 12th Man South Off Season Report By Rick
Well , here we are gang , half way through the Buffalo Bills off season . With our guys finishing this past season in such disappointing fashion , we all knew that some changes were called for , didn't we ? Well , it's changes we got . Gone are three fifths of the starting offensive line . Yeah , the line that Marv Levy put together to be the backbone of the offense . It turned out to be the tail bone . First Derrick Dockery was released , and none too soon if you ask me . What en expensive mistake he turned out to be . A hard worker in practice , from all reports , and a terrific technician in the art of line play . But , he seemed better suited for the role of spectator since he spent more time watching plays unfold than actually participating in them . The Free Agent period was soon to follow , and with it came the departures of Duke Preston , Melvin Fowler and Jason Whittle . Ah , the memories these guys gave us , huh ? It's a miracle of sorts that Trent Edwards is still alive , having operated behind this group . Last , but certainly not least , among the O - line departures was the trade of Jason Peters to Philadelphia . To be sure , Peters is among the elite left tackles in the NFL . When he feels like it . Last season he obviously didn't . Mr . Peters allowed 11 1/2 sacks in only thirteen games , the most by any starting left tackle in the league . His hold out last year single handily scuttled the plans to install a no huddle offense which might have proved to be of great value competitively and certainly fun to watch . Gone with him is a huge locker room distraction . Also lost in free agency was Jabari Greer . For my part , I'll miss him . All he did in his time with us was to develop from an unheralded rookie free agent signee , into a very capable and dependable cornerback . Best of luck Jabari , and thank you , you'll always be a Bill in my book . Oh , I almost forgot . J.P. Losman is gone too . Bye !!
Now , lets look at the newcomers . Our first Free Agent acquisition was Goeff Hangartner from the Carolina Panthers . Who ?? I have a strong feeling that he'll show us " who " . A couple of days after his signing I had occasion to watch a replay of the game from last season between Carolina and the NY Giants . Hangartner started at right guard for Carolina and more than acquitted himself well . He showed me a trait that none of the departed Bills linemen ever displayed . This guy is nasty . He displayed a real nasty streak that has him lock onto his man and keep going until he finishes the block . Sometimes he kept going after that too . If you get the feeling that I was impressed with Goeff Hangartner , you're right . Buffalo envisions him as the newest answer at Center . Not a Kent Hull maybe , but then again who is ? The good news is that while he may not be the second coming of Kent Hull , he's not Melvin Fowler or Duke Preston either . Another O - lineman signed to shore up the depth is Seth McKinney . He's a seven year veteran who has spent time with both Miami and Cleveland . Cornerback , Drayton Florence , a seven year pro came to us from Jacksonville . Just a year ago he was among the most sought after free agent corners in the league after playing for the Chargers since his rookie year . He never seemed to fit with Gregg Williams defense in Jacksonville but he's capable of providing good depth at that all important position . Now to the Big Enchilada . The Piece De Resistance of our off season . Terrell Owens . Do you believe that TO was signed by Buffalo ? We all know that he's the kind of guy you love to hate , but he is a remarkable talent . He gives our receiving corps , and the entire offense , instant credibility . Which defensive coordinator would dare to double cover Lee Evans now ? The passing game isn't the only beneficiary of his presence . Defenses won't be so quick to load " the box " at the line of scrimmage in order to stop our running game with this new found receiving threat . Marshawn Lynch , when he eventually returns from suspension , along with Fred Jackson and their new sidekick , Dominique Rhodes should love that . Terrell Owens . I still find it hard to believe .
As I write this , we've just completed the first two rounds of the Draft . We've selected four players in those two rounds and the Bills have done something that hasn't been done in some years . They've addressed needs on both defensive and offensive lines with three selections out of the four players chosen . Their first selection in round one is Aaron Maybin , a " tweener " sort of defensive end from Penn State . This guy's forte is the pass rush . To say that he's fast doesn't quite cover it . His initial move off the edge is more like a strong gust blowing by an unsuspecting tackle . He has an enormous amount of potential upside but he also carries some risk . You see , he was a starter for less than one full season at Penn State so there are some who wonder if he is just a " one year wonder " . We better hope not . I'd much rather see him be another DE like Bruce Smith than like Erik Flowers . Maybin was rated the number one DE prospect by many scouts . In keeping with that nastiness theme they've added Eric Wood , a center / guard from Louisville and Andy Levitre , a guard / tackle from Oregon State . Both of these players are reputed to be rock solid , blue collar types who would drive block their own Mother if she stood between them and the goal line . Wood is rated as one of the top three centers available and Levitre is the number one guard prospect available this year . It would seem that the Bills are changing their line play philosophy from one of finesse to just plain mean , smash mouth football . Yahoo , it's about time . I'm anxious to see them bloody some noses this coning season . These two young guys were academic All Americans as well as standout ball players . Both are slated to be guards , at this time . The other draft pick is Jairus Byrd , from Oregon , one of the top rated cornerbacks in the country . I think that Buffalo sees him as a free safety prospect . We've traded away our third and first fourth round draft choices . Remaining are another fourth and one each in rounds five , six , and seven . It's about time we had a great draft . The team is still suffering from those awful Donohue drafts . Ralph said it last season , we need more talented players . I think that we're on our way to achieving that goal .
It's not quite May yet and I'm already getting that September feeling . OTA's begin in about a week and before we know it training camp will be here . Personnel transactions are taking place , players are working out , and we fans should start gearing up too . Some of us qualify as Senior Citizens so we have to take a little extra time to gear up for the season . If we were to start too quickly , we may just strain something . So ease into it , but start getting yourselves ready for that Monday Night opening game against the Patriots . Won't it be great to see those guys go down on a Monday Night ?
Now , lets look at the newcomers . Our first Free Agent acquisition was Goeff Hangartner from the Carolina Panthers . Who ?? I have a strong feeling that he'll show us " who " . A couple of days after his signing I had occasion to watch a replay of the game from last season between Carolina and the NY Giants . Hangartner started at right guard for Carolina and more than acquitted himself well . He showed me a trait that none of the departed Bills linemen ever displayed . This guy is nasty . He displayed a real nasty streak that has him lock onto his man and keep going until he finishes the block . Sometimes he kept going after that too . If you get the feeling that I was impressed with Goeff Hangartner , you're right . Buffalo envisions him as the newest answer at Center . Not a Kent Hull maybe , but then again who is ? The good news is that while he may not be the second coming of Kent Hull , he's not Melvin Fowler or Duke Preston either . Another O - lineman signed to shore up the depth is Seth McKinney . He's a seven year veteran who has spent time with both Miami and Cleveland . Cornerback , Drayton Florence , a seven year pro came to us from Jacksonville . Just a year ago he was among the most sought after free agent corners in the league after playing for the Chargers since his rookie year . He never seemed to fit with Gregg Williams defense in Jacksonville but he's capable of providing good depth at that all important position . Now to the Big Enchilada . The Piece De Resistance of our off season . Terrell Owens . Do you believe that TO was signed by Buffalo ? We all know that he's the kind of guy you love to hate , but he is a remarkable talent . He gives our receiving corps , and the entire offense , instant credibility . Which defensive coordinator would dare to double cover Lee Evans now ? The passing game isn't the only beneficiary of his presence . Defenses won't be so quick to load " the box " at the line of scrimmage in order to stop our running game with this new found receiving threat . Marshawn Lynch , when he eventually returns from suspension , along with Fred Jackson and their new sidekick , Dominique Rhodes should love that . Terrell Owens . I still find it hard to believe .
As I write this , we've just completed the first two rounds of the Draft . We've selected four players in those two rounds and the Bills have done something that hasn't been done in some years . They've addressed needs on both defensive and offensive lines with three selections out of the four players chosen . Their first selection in round one is Aaron Maybin , a " tweener " sort of defensive end from Penn State . This guy's forte is the pass rush . To say that he's fast doesn't quite cover it . His initial move off the edge is more like a strong gust blowing by an unsuspecting tackle . He has an enormous amount of potential upside but he also carries some risk . You see , he was a starter for less than one full season at Penn State so there are some who wonder if he is just a " one year wonder " . We better hope not . I'd much rather see him be another DE like Bruce Smith than like Erik Flowers . Maybin was rated the number one DE prospect by many scouts . In keeping with that nastiness theme they've added Eric Wood , a center / guard from Louisville and Andy Levitre , a guard / tackle from Oregon State . Both of these players are reputed to be rock solid , blue collar types who would drive block their own Mother if she stood between them and the goal line . Wood is rated as one of the top three centers available and Levitre is the number one guard prospect available this year . It would seem that the Bills are changing their line play philosophy from one of finesse to just plain mean , smash mouth football . Yahoo , it's about time . I'm anxious to see them bloody some noses this coning season . These two young guys were academic All Americans as well as standout ball players . Both are slated to be guards , at this time . The other draft pick is Jairus Byrd , from Oregon , one of the top rated cornerbacks in the country . I think that Buffalo sees him as a free safety prospect . We've traded away our third and first fourth round draft choices . Remaining are another fourth and one each in rounds five , six , and seven . It's about time we had a great draft . The team is still suffering from those awful Donohue drafts . Ralph said it last season , we need more talented players . I think that we're on our way to achieving that goal .
It's not quite May yet and I'm already getting that September feeling . OTA's begin in about a week and before we know it training camp will be here . Personnel transactions are taking place , players are working out , and we fans should start gearing up too . Some of us qualify as Senior Citizens so we have to take a little extra time to gear up for the season . If we were to start too quickly , we may just strain something . So ease into it , but start getting yourselves ready for that Monday Night opening game against the Patriots . Won't it be great to see those guys go down on a Monday Night ?
Wednesday, April 15, 2009
2009 Schedule
PreSeason
Sunday 8/9 Bills vs Tennessee Titans (HOF Game) 8:00 PM
Saturday 8/15 Chicago Bears 7:00 PM
Saturday 8/22 At Green Bay Packers 8:00 PM
Saturday 8/29 At Pittsburgh Steelers 7:30 PM
Thursday 9/3 Detroit Lions 6:30 PM
Regular Season
Monday 9/14 At New England Patriots 7:00 PM
Sunday 9/20 Tampa Bay Buccaneers 4:05 PM
Sunday 9/27 New Orleans Saints 4:05 PM
Sunday 10/4 At Miami Dolphins 4:05 PM
Sunday 10/11 Cleveland Browns 1:00 PM
Sunday 10/18 At NY Jets 4:15 PM
Sunday 10/25 At Carolina Panthers 4:05 PM
Sunday 11/1 Houston Texans 1:00 PM
Sunday 11/8 BYE WEEK
Sunday 11/15 At Tennessee Titans 1:00 PM
Sunday 11/22 At Jacksonville Jaguars 1:00 PM*
Sunday 11/29 Miami Dolphins 1:00 PM *
Thursday 12/3 NY Jets (Toronto) 8:20 PM
Sunday 12/13 At Kansas City Chiefs 1:00 PM*
Sunday 12/20 New England Patriots 1:00 PM*
Sunday 12/27 At Atlanta Falcons 1:00 PM*
Sunday 1/3 Indianapolis Colts 1:00 PM*
Red = Home Game
* = Game subjectt o Flex Scheduling
Sunday, February 1, 2009
The Bills and the HOF
Yes Bills fans..2 yes 2 of our Bills will be in the HOF come August! Congrates to Bruce Smith and owner Ralph Wilson Jr for this great honor!!! This will be something to see come August!
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