To think that this week???s column was sprung from listening to a Frank Sinatra song. So, here we are in Week Five of the 2011 high school football system. There have been a few hiccups along the way. There are always going to be exciting moments as well. An exciting overtime victory in the first week of the season. Two very interesting, frustrating losses in the two weeks that followed. Another victory in Week Four. No injuries have occurred ??? which is always a good thing, for more reasons than the obvious. But, now the second half of the season begins. Coach Pedersen and his staff are taking what has worked, mixing in a few remedies for what didn???t work, and blending it together with new and intriguing plays and formations. That is one thing you can count on in the WB Football program on a weekly basis ??? ch, ch, ch, changes. You think you???ve seen the sun, but you ain???t seen it shine. Through four games, the Bears are in the top two in Class 1A District 6 on offense for: total yards, rushing yards, and passing yards. Only 1 victory to show for their fine efforts. Per the computer rankings compiled by Brent Moore (bcmoorerankings.com), West Branch has played the toughest schedule in the entire state, no class exception. Meaning, according to the tried and true theories Mr. Moore has formulated, the Bears have played the most difficult four-game stretch of anyone who has strapped on the pads in Iowa this year (at the high school level). Wait til the warm-up is underway???wait until you see that sunshine day. There were many people in West Branch who were beginning to that let the word ???doubt??? creep into their heads. Many people began to wonder if may this was the year that the Bears were going to have a down season. Let me know if I am overstepping my boundaries with this next statement: Evidently, those same people do not understand that growth happens gradually. And, when you graduate 16 starters (total positions lost), you always need a bit of time to find the groove. Doubt and West Branch football success are not synonymous. The next four weeks, West Branch will play three of the four worst teams, statistically, in the league. The other team, Wapello, is 4-1 overall. But, the teams they have defeated have won just (4) games combined. Is that to slouch the accomplishments of the Indians? No, they are a formidable opponent who will spread the Bear defense every which way but loose. I am just going by statistics. Games are not won and lost on paper, however. West Branch is through the tough stretch, and is will now start seeing the true fruits of its labors. With a victory in three of the final five games, the Bears will insure a playoff berth for a 19th time in 23 years. If the Bears win all five remaining regular season games, it will clinch a 22nd conference or district championship. First things have to be first ??? that is going to Wapello tomorrow night. But, one thing is for sure: The best is yet to come???.and won???t that be fine.