Just Another Game and Business as Usual
June 22, 2012 - Arena Football League (AFL)
New Orleans VooDoo News Release
NEW ORLEANS (June 22, 2012) - In the buildup to New Orleans VooDoo Head Coach Pat O'Hara returning to Orlando to face his former franchise where he spent eight total seasons, including 2010 and 2011 as head coach, O'Hara has been asked countless times "does this game mean more than any other game -
His on-record and off-record responses have been consistent: "No. The important thing about this game is that it is a divisional game. I have played and coached against Orlando in the past, and I don't see this being any different than that. We have to focus on making our push for the playoffs."
If you have ever been around O'Hara, like I have every day since February 24th when training camp began, you will know that he is the same person when the microphone's red record light is on and off, never swaying to any other persona or character other than who he really is.
He is a guy you want to talk football with; he is a guy whom you want to hear his story; he is a guy you want to have a beer with; he is a guy you would follow into a burning building if he asked you too; he is a guy the coaches, players and support staff show up to work long hours for every day of the week, including weekends and holidays.
But, most importantly, he is the one guy that you want leading your franchise.
"In all my years playing in this league, I have had some great coaches, but none like P.O.," said VooDoo wide receiver Josh Bush, who played for O'Hara in Orlando in 2010 and 2011. "He is a true players coach. He is the reason all of us are here because we wanted to play for him, and I am sure you could ask anyone on this team if they'd run through a brick wall for him and all of them would say yes."
After a dismal 3-15 season for New Orleans in 2011, O'Hara has resurrected the VooDoo franchise, doubling the team's wins from a season ago with five games still left in the regular season. Because of O'Hara, the VooDoo Nation has been learning the word playoffs and what exactly it means. It is a word that the VooDoo faithful haven't heard since 2008 when the team was in the wildcard hunt before losing a head-to-head tie breaker with the New York Dragons for the final postseason spot. It is also a place that the VooDoo Nation hasn't seen since 2004, leaving many VooDoo fans wondering if the place actually exists.
And, yes, Jim Mora, I am talking playoffs. And no, I'm not kidding you either.
For O'Hara, this game is exactly just that: a chance for the VooDoo to gain ground in possibly claiming the South Division crown and a playoff berth, which would be firsts since 2004. With a win last week at Cleveland, the VooDoo claimed possession of the No. 4 seed in the American Conference playoffs. Of course, that is if the season ended last week, thus leaving what figures to be five wild weekends to go.
Of New Orleans' remaining five games, four come against South Division opponents with the first this week against Orlando. The first meeting ended in VooDoo favor, 68-61, in The Graveyard on May 18, which was showcased on the NFL Network. With the amount of interest the first meeting received, the AFL flexed the second round for the national spotlight once again.
So, the stage is set for a dramatic homecoming as O'Hara returns to the opposing sideline in Orlando for the first time since last season. What will happen in O'Hara's homecoming? Will The Jungle welcome its former gridiron gladiator and general or will they shun him?
Oh, the suspense and drama! All may have bought into the spectacle that awaits this Friday night - with the exception of O'Hara, who remains calm after each reporter asks the same questions over and over again.
"I don't get caught up in all of that. I am looking forward to seeing some familiar faces and friends; my wife and two boys whom I love dearly. Outside of that and my honey-do list that is waiting for me at the house, this is just another important divisional game in getting our team where we want to be, which is the playoffs," said O'Hara.
The VooDoo and Predators take center stage as the NET10 NFL Network Game of the Week Friday night at the Amway Center. Kickoff is set for 7 p.m. CT.
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