Will time off help the Spartans?

ST. JOSEPH — When we last left the SJ-O softball team, the No. 4-ranked Spartans where polishing off a double header sweep of Clifton Central and improving their record to 16-0.

The Spartans beat the Comets 8-4 and 3-0 in the double header. Good wins for most teams, but somewhat disappointing for the previously dominant Spartans. Since the wins, the Spartans haven't played, and cold weather and rain have dramatically limited their practices. When they finally get back on the field tomorrow at Watseka, it will have been a full week since the Spartans last played.

What do you think; is that a good thing or bad thing?

Personally, I think it depends on the team. Some teams hate practicing, and the daily monotony of fielding ground balls and working on drag bunts can be maddening. Out of that madness, bad habits can form. On the other hand, some teams can be a product of their routines, and without practice opportunities to hone their skills, a team's in-game play slowly begins to suffer. Both teams can be successful, but both teams can also be prone to skids. I don't know which kind of team the Spartans are, but I think we'll find out in their games this week.

SJ-O wasn't at its best defensively and at the plate against Central, which leads me to believe that if the Spartans kept playing every day, they would have been due for a letdown (and possibly a loss). I have to imagine Coach Wolken has told his team this several times during the past week, so we have to assume they'll come out like gangbusters tomorrow against the Lady Warriors. After beating so many teams so handily during the early part of the season, there's no question the Spartans are due for a wake up call. Winning easy can get stagnant.

I just hope the wake up call came earlier this week, and that it's not still to come. It'd be a shame to see an undefeated season hit the wall due to scheduled time off.

ICA CLASS 2A SOFTBALL POLL (April 19)
1. Olympia
2. Williamsville
3. Piasa Southwestern
4. St. Joseph-Ogden
5. Coal City
6. Pinckneyville
7. IVC
8. Beecher
9. Sherrard
10. Rockridge
11. Morrison
12. Monticello
13. Momence
14. Clinton
15. Manteno
16. Carterville
17. Teutopolis
18. Maroa-Forsyth
19. Anna-Jonesboro
20. Peotone