Teenagers have shorter memories than you think

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I think some are giving too much weight to the motivation factor for De La Salle heading into the Division I state bowl championship Saturday night against Corona Centennial at Home Depot Center.

The coaches might be fired up to prove last season’s humiliating loss to Canyon Country Canyon was a fluke. The 40-year-old alumni that still wears his letterman’s jacket to games might grind his teeth over the thought. Even the school’s janitor probably still mumbles to himself like Carl Spackler.

But the 17- and 18-year-old kids that make up the team? Believe me, they’re more motivated by the opportunity to show off in front of the cheerleaders and college recruiters.

Twelve months ago might not seem like a long time ago for old guys like me, but it’s just a vague memory for a teenager. Besides, half the Spartans probably weren’t even on last season’s team.

I’ll repeat: The difference-maker in this game will be penalties. If the officials treat it like a basketball game and try to keep it close, Centennial will win. If the Huskies are the only team looking at third-and-long all night, they’ll be in trouble.

-- Dan Arritt

-- Image from sci-con.org