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Nov. 8, 2008

Pismo Beach, CA- Well, it's late on Friday night, and the players are in their rooms (supposed to be with the lights out), but I'm here gathering my thoughts on what was yet another spectacular day in California. This was a day that the players and coaches alone got to stretch out their legs, and walk around and just have some fun, that's after a few meetings in the morning.

While Associate Athletics Director of Media Relations, Kyle Serba, and Equipment Manager Adrian "Motion" Powell made our way to the Pacific Ocean, we stumbled upon Defensive Coordinator Jake Cabell and the Eagle Defense outside in the parking lot going through the Cal-Poly Offense. Which is the "Wing-T", I'll have more thoughts on the game later on, but we walked the mile and a half to the beautiful Pacific Ocean and just took in the scenery. Basking in how lucky we were to be in California on such an absolutely gorgeous day. After taking pictures and walking around, we decided to eat at a local eatery, Pier Side Restaurant, to have some seafood. It was rather tasty, and we then decided to make out way back to the Hotel in preparations for practice.

That's when we stumbled upon the outlet stores nearby our hotel, and there were various players there, like Sophomore Defensive Lineman Teryl White, and Junior Anthony Sharp to name a few.

On the bus ride over to practice, which was around 3:30 pm PST, you could see the sun starting to begin to set over the ocean, and I was blown back by the silence on the bus as the team was just staring at the gorgeous sunset reflecting off the Pacific Ocean.

After the players got to galavant around town it was time to get over to Cal-Poly for practice. The Eagles looked focused and determined and crisp on both sides of the ball. It was apparent that it was time for business. One player that was looking forward to this trip was Senior Linebacker Troy McConico, who hails from the Golden State. It was at practice where he saw his family. You can see his sister and mother on the photo gallery that will accompany this blog. Quite cool to see the look on Troy's face when he got to see his family. I couldn't imagine living that far away from my family, so this weekend has to be pretty special for Troy. Here's to hoping NCCU makes it even more special by pulling an upset.

The funniest part of the day took place at the Hometown Buffet, as we were leaving, one of the wait staff members calls out that it's a young ladys birthday, and starts up "Happy Birthday", and right on cue the entire NCCU football team sings to Margaret who was turning 11. Her face turned as red as it could possibly turn. Too bad my camera battery died or we would have photographic evidence of the event.

All in all, it was a fantastic day. Here's to hoping Saturday is just the same, as we all get our game face on. I will be mentally preparing myself for the broadcast which goes on at 6:30 on WRJD 1410 AM and right here, on this very website. So tune in to hear the Eagles showdown with the Mustangs.

KEYS for the Ballgame vs #3 Cal-Poly:

- A fast start is VERY important for the Eagles in this ballgame. Cal-Poly has outscored it's opponents 103-55 in the first quarter, b/c of the offense they run, which is the "Wing T" it's a very difficult offense to prepare for especially since NCCU hasn't seen this offense in quite sometime. Also, not to mention their Defense if not prepared for properly can be very confusing, but I don't think that will be the case b/c Coach Rison has seen this "D" before. During Risons's time at Stanford, the Head Coach of Cal-Poly, Rich Ellerson, was the Defensive Coordinator of the Arizona Wildcats, so hopefully that will work into the Eagles favor.

- Many folks think the Eagles have no chance. I for one think that if NCCU plays the way they are capable there could be some surprised people in the stands. If our Defense can slow them down at all, WATCH OUT.

- My last thought on the day is this: All David needed was five measely stones and faith to slay Goliath.

From the West Coast.....GO EAGLES!!!!!

Chris Hooks

Questions? Comments? E-mail me at williamchooks@hotmail.com