Highlights from the weekend against Tabor

Week two of the Spring Season for Ottawa University did not end as well as week one. The Braves jumped out to a 7 to 0 lead, saw their lead dwindle by the half as Tabor scored 10 unanswered points for a Bluejay lead of 10 to 7. Braves retook the lead 13 to 10 in the 3rd quarter but Tabor scored the game-winner in the 4th as the Bluejays win 17 to 13. Here are some highlights from the game at Advent Health Field. Below the video you can hear Head Coach Kent Kessinger’s thoughts on the game.

Braves to Defend Home Turf Against a Bunch of Warriors

It’s that time of the year. Tax Season, Allergies, and Football? That’s right, Ottawa University’s Football team will finish their regular season during March and April. It all begins with the game on Saturday, March 13, 2021, as Ottawa University hosts the Sterling Warriors. The Braves had a good start to the season in the Fall until COVID-19 reared its ugly head and forced a chunk of games to be moved to the time of year not necessarily known for the “Pigskin” and they look to finish strong in the USFL portion of the season.
A lot of it will depend on how the returning players have grown from Fall to now. There are still some questions heading into the game against Sterling. Storylines if you will. Questions on Quarterback play. Questions on how the new defensive scheme instituted in the Fall has taken root. Coach Kessinger discusses these issues, plus how the Spring set of games will also be used as a precursor to the 2021 season in the Fall.

Look At This Photograph

The first edition of the Kent Kessinger Podcast Spectacular of 2021 properly sets the table for the Spring portion of the KCAC Football Season. Coach Kessinger and I take a look at the break in between the Fall and Spring portions of the season. Did Coach and his staff bring in players who could come in and play a role in the upcoming games? Where do things stand with the Quarterback and Offensive Line positions? Coach Kessinger also talks about what was learned from the Fall to the Spring with COVID protocols. Is there a chance that fans will be allowed at Advent Health field this Spring? There is also a glimpse at what is to come with the games during March. There’s a lot covered in 40 minutes during this edition of the Kent Kessinger Podcast Spectacular.

Pregame Interviews From the Fall Season

It’s the holiday season and, while I have taken some time away from work, I continue to be busy as I go through audio gathered from this past fall’s portion of the football season. Football season ended early. That left an empty feeling. We now turn our attention and get ready for the Spring portion of the season. There’s already a Kent Kessinger Podcast Spectacular in the can, with another in the planning stage. Thoughts of a new Coordinator’s Corner have been dancing around like reindeer in the sky. As 2020 comes to a close, I have decided to post some of the interviews with players for pregame this past fall.

I really enjoyed speaking with these young men. Each one with a different personality, but with one goal of giving their heart and soul to the team. Take time to learn about these players. Their thoughts on their future. Wanting to make a change for good in this world. Have a laugh or two as we get to see each player’s personality. Enjoy the conversation with some very bright and talented young men.

2020…It’s Almost Over, Thank God

So, the Fall portion of the Ottawa University Braves Football season has come to an end. It was filled with hope, a long layoff, and a guessing game that could be played by everyone from coaches to fans. Sure, a game got played. Then the question would be “will there be a game next week?” Except for Bethel, most teams had issues with COVID (at least it seemed that way). Including the Ottawa University Braves. The Braves found several of their games postponed to the Spring due to the virus. So what happens now? Shouldn’t Coach Kessinger and his staff be recruiting? Shouldn’t they be working toward the games in the Spring? Isn’t it about time I create a new open for the podcast? Well, you are in luck. There are answers to those questions and more in this fresh from the oven edition of the Kent Kessinger Podcast Spectacular.

Spirits and Temperatures Riding High to Start Week Two of Practice

The first practice to start week two of Football practice for the Ottawa University Braves was full of spirit and warm temperatures. The Braves worked hard on the fundamentals of both offensive and defensive schemes. It’s still early, but the team has shown positives so far. This next week will be challenging. The weather heats up with higher humidity and late August temperatures. Hydration and proper care will be key this week to keep the old injury bug from rearing its ugly head. If there were negatives from practice on Saturday, August 22nd, it might be discipline. Players are still learning their place on the field and that’s to be expected at this point of camp. It should get better as we inch closer to the first game of the season on September 12th. In the audio below you’ll hear Braves Head Football Coach Kent Kessinger’s thoughts on the first week of practice. What are the positives so far? What needs to be worked on? Plus you’ll hear his thoughts on the Quarterback spot. Check the audio out below.

Practice, We’re Talkin’ About Practice.

The Kent Kessinger led Ottawa University Braves Football team opened their Fall practice schedule on Saturday morning, August 15th. While the team hit the field for the first time since Spring practices were canceled, they did it with every eye on caution due to COVID-19. Social Distancing was the word with face visors and masks as the visuals. I had an opportunity to speak with Head Coach Kent Kessinger after practice and while it is early to glean a whole lot, he does like some of the athleticism with this year’s group. Below you can listen to the audio recorded with Coach after practice.