By MIKE ECKERT
Friday's game couldn't have been much bigger for Traverse City Central and TC West, as the two teams renewed their annual rivalry in the Crosstown Showdown.
And in the big game -- in big situations -- both coaches turned responsibility over to their assistants.
TC Central jumped out to a 14-0 lead at the half after going 7-for-8 on third-down conversions. Think Titans coach Tim Wooer was adjusting his defense at the half? Think again.
"To be very honest, at halftime I was working on scoring points, being down 14-0," Wooer said. "I have to credit the defensive coaches for making those adjustments."
TC West held the Trojans to seven points in the second half and got them to punt three times. On the other side, Wooer's adjustments on offense gave his team a chance to win the game.
Central coach Tom Passinault also turned to his assistants. Facing a fourth-and-27 on West's 33, the Trojans went for it and made good when sophomore quarterback Mack Sovereign found Jacob Borysiak over the middle for a touchdown and a 21-0 lead.
"I was ready to send in our punter, but (offensive line coach) Aaron Biggar suggested a play he thought would work on offense," Passinault said. "I was glad I went with him."
It's possible the Trojans still could have won if they punted away. But, you never know.
Head coaches get the praise when things go right and take the blame when things fail. It was impressive, though, to see both coaches defer the credit Friday, especially in a big situation.
