A long, strange trip for Alexander and RV 'family'

On Sept. 15th, just as the first bruises and scars began showing up on football players early in the 2008 season, so too were scars being revealed at the River Valley High football program.

As teams all throughout the Mid-Valley closed practices with motivational speeches and rah-rah chanting, River Valley head coach Troy Alexander was saying goodbye to his players.

"It was pretty emotional when I had to tell the team," he said.

Alexander stepped down nearly two months ago, at least, that's what he was telling his players.

After taking over as coach just one week before the 2007 season, he was departing just one game into the 2008 season, and for reasons which are still unknown.

"There was a lot of turmoil, and there were some people who wanted me out of here," Alexander said.

But on the same night, Alexander recanted his statements and returned to the practice field the next day.

"There were players who supported him and players who didn't, but then we came together," said River Valley senior running back Cody Miller.

It took a couple of up-and-down games to get there, and a few proud seniors, but the Falcons came together.

In what is now the biggest win the young program's history, River Valley upset Wheatland 28-12 in front of its home crowd.

"We became a family," said senior linebacker Tyler Floyd. "We're a family now. All that stuff with coach is over."

Alexander admits the hiccup, which apparently revolves around faculty, parents, coaches and players, was difficult to overcome.

"Things aren't perfect, we still have our moments just like any other team," Alexander said. "But as far as my relationship with these guys on a personal basis, it's great. These kids are great."

With no playoff berth to play for, the Mayor's Cup has become a heightened finale.

"We want to be the spoilers," said Floyd. "Their (Yuba City) road to the playoffs goes through us and we want to win."

Alexander sees the season with his team much like a family.

"Like a family, when you go through hard times, and every family does, it's tough," Alexander said. "There are a lot of different opinions that rise to the surface and when all of those are brought out, it gets emotional. But at that point in the season, we became a family.

"My speeches are short for this game, because if they can't get up for this one (the Mayor's Cup), then I don't know what to tell them," Alexander joked. "They're a good group, when they play for each other, they win."