Kofod: Brad how do you go through the process of player selection?
Brad: First off I don’t listen to any current players when it comes to player selection. I see if a guy can play, and then what can he bring to our team. You can never have too much talent on a team, but you can have too many good players. There is a difference. This year I brought in three new guys to the Barney’s Bums team. As everyone knows I have my own flag football league I organize, and Alex Wissman, my brother, and Graz have been part of that league. I have watched those kids grow up. I know they have a place on this team. Graz can take Billy Thomas’ spot. Wiss can take the spot Curtis had. My brother will be a utility player, will fit him somewhere on offense and defense. I know those guys will fit. But let’s take Player X from another team in the league. Player X might just be as talented as anyone else in the league. If I were to put Player X on this team we would have chemistry issues. Where would I put him to make him happy, and keep the rest of the team happy? That would be a problem. But I know with the addition of Wiss, my brother, and Graz that won’t be a problem.
Kofod: However, couldn’t you fall into the problem of too many balls for not enough players on offense?
Brad: Yes, that is a problem a team could face. I don’t want to get into a huddle and have someone tell me to run a play for them, or two guys bickering back and forth. But our team always gets pass little problems like that.
Kofod: How do you go through bringing back previous players?
Brad: First off after a season I evaluate each player, and what they offered to the team that season. Did the positives out weight the negatives? Do I need them back to be a better team? If the answers are yes than I bring them back. If not then I will not invite those guys back. If a guy showed no respect to the team, than I won’t show respect to him. But if it’s a veteran, a guy who was loyal, like Curtis, than I will call him and tell him of a more limited role as an option.
A lot goes into choosing the players that make the Barney's Bums team.
Kofod: Alright Brad I am going to name different players on the Bums/Witch Kitch team. For each player give me a sentence or two on what that person brings to your team.
Brad: Alright, shoot.
Kofod: Brett
Brad: Great defender, soft spoken. Great all around player, and will fill in as a wide receiver when we need him to.
Kofod: Buck
Brad: Loves getting the ball. I’ll keep giving him the ball if he shuts his mouth in the huddle (Brad laughing).
Kofod: Kase
Brad: Like the way he plays defense, don’t like the rushing schemes he calls at times.
Kofod: Neal
Brad: Don’t smash the trophy. All around great player. Play smarter and shut up (Brad laughing again).
Don't break another trophy with your hands this year Neal!
Kofod: Taylor
Brad: Soft spoken, gets job done, plays well.
Kofod: Doug
Brad: Talks trash. I like that he does that. Is confident not cocky. Doug is my go to man.
Kofod: Wissman
Brad: Gets down to it. Gets his nose in there, and is a tough player.
Kofod: Carl
Brad: Utility guy. Jumps in on offense and defense when needed. Works hard.
Kofod: Bruyer
Brad: He’s like Wiss. Soft spoken, gets job done. Can’t pull flags well, but he’ll always put pressure on guys (Brad laughing yet again).
Kofod: Tell me about the process of play selection, especially from other players.
Brad: Hearing guys tell me plays during the game is a no-no. The only guy I will listen to during a game on plays to run is Taylor. He knows the game so well, and he will talk about running plays for the team’s benefit. Other guys will be in my ear about plays for themselves. If they talk to me before the game, halftime, or after the game that’s fine. But not during the game. The only adults I will listen to during the game is Paul and my dad. I know those guys know flag football as well as anyone else. Any other advice from older adults I don’t pay attention. If a guy in the huddle won’t shut up about getting the ball, and plays for him than I will not give him the ball for one half. That’s my rule. It’s so hard to focus when guys are in my ear about plays.
Kofod: What’s your thoughts on trash talking?
Brad: I love trash talking. That’s the name of flag football. I love when Doug and Taylor trash talk other guys. Just don’t drop the f-bomb, or other swear words. There is a line and that is what crosses the line of trash talking. And taunting is bad, because that brings penalties.
Kofod: How did the photos from the calendar shoot come out? Do we have to do more re-dos haha?
Brad: No haha. Photos came out good.
Kofod: So what do you want out of these calendars?
Brad: Well we are hoping to sell them for about $12 to $15 at the most. Want to make a $5 profit per calendar if that is possible. It’s all for fun. I still want to get the whole team together for a row picture, like what NFL and college teams do. The plan is for the calendar to be ready by the time the season starts in September.
Kofod: How great is it to go the Witch Kitch after a win with all your teammates?
Brad: All thanks go to the Witch Kitch. They sponsor us, they’ll support us win or lose. After games we gets chips for drinks from them which is awesome. It feels like a family. Good to sit down, all muddy, with the guys, have some drinks, have some food, and watch the NFL games. I know Neal wants to add DG to that. Dirty girls for parties at the Witch Kitch hahaha!!!
By request by Neal this blog column is dedicated to Ruby. I am more than happy to oblige to this request. Ruby was a great dog that lived for many years. RIP Ruby.
Kofod
Excellent I don't like the plays he calls at times either. We will agree to disagree
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