HALL ENDS RUN WITH WASHINGTON REDSKINS - PONDERS FOOTBALL FUTURE

Stick n' Move:  Mike Hall goes through a secondary hit drill while Redskins Head Coach Joe Gibbs looks on

Posted 08-30-04

The NFL dream for Mike Hall is officially over, at least with the Washington Redskins.  Hall became a camp casualty on August 30th, becoming one of 14 players released by the NFC East power.  Washington was forced to shave their roster down to 76 players; having 11 roster exemptions due to player participation in NFL Europe (without any NFL-Europe players...the Redskins would have had to cut down their roster to 65.

Hall posted considerable playing time for a free agent signee with Washington, posting solid outings in three pre-season games with the Redskins.  It is uncertain what is in the future for Hall, but he has expressed interest in pursuing the NFL further or taking up ranks in the Arena Football or Canadian Football League based on conversations after his days of Illini football.

As Hall's future unfolds, thswarriors.com will undoubtedly try to keep you abreast of all the action.  Congrats to Mike on a fine run!

Posted 08-14-04

Mike Hall recorded his first tackle in the NFL against the Carolina Panthers on Saturday, August 14th.  Hall saw action in the second half of play, taking down Carolina's Detron Harris at the Washington 9-yard line after a pass completion from RJ Rutherford.  The third-down play by Hall stalled the drive for the Panthers, forcing a field goal attempt late in the fourth quarter.  The Redskins are now 1-1 in pre-season play, losing to Carolina in overtime, 23-20.

Posted 08-09-04

Mountain Football, in the most indirect of manners, is officially under way....

...well....

At least with one of the Warrior's alumni.

Mike Hall, an uber two-way player for the Warriors in 1997 and 1998, is currently trying to capture the ultimate football dream of attempting to land one of 52 spots on the Redskins final roster.

Hall has a tough path ahead of him, with six players in camp with at least two or more years of experience under their belt, along with extremely stiff competition is third-year starter Fred Smoot and recently-signed all-pro Shawn Springs from the Seattle Seahawks.

Realistically, bumping Smoot or Springs will be an almost impossible task, but don't count Hall out, beating the odds in the Redskins' small window March mini-camp to earn a chance to compete for a roster spot in the fall.  And after all, special teams play can always use the heart and determination of a first year go-getter like Hall.

With Washington having the disposal of a vast free-agent market and the NFL draft, the signing of a tryout participant is an amazing feat in itself...getting a chance to pursue the path.

Along that same path, another giant leap was taken recently, with Hall competing in his first game as a potential pro-to-be, playing in the Canton "Hall-of-Fame" game against the Denver Broncos.  Hall saw limited time in the second half of the contest, but did not record any statistics in the Redskins 20-17 win.  Washington's next game is a home contest against the Panthers at 5pm on August 14th.

That's our Michael Hall....#80 as a Tehachapi Warrior....#8 as a Bakersfield Renegade and Illinois Illini, and now #35 as a Washington Redskin....

It's ironic how the Warriors' logo has come-full circle with Hall, hasn't it?

Calling the Shots:  Redskins Special Teams Coach Steve Jackson calls out coverage while Hall (35) awaits instruction in the background.

Not your Mama's Camp:  Washington's summer camps serve as a big attraction to fans and spectators, attracting hundreds-of-thousands a day for workouts.

Back in the Beginning...:  Before Hall's journey to potential NFL fame, the Tehachapi star took time to visit Warrior Head Coach Steve Denman after a solid two-year stint at the University of Illinois.

	The next Redskin game against the Panthers should be on tape-delay on the NFL network, with a 10am showing of the game against the Panthers on August 16th.  If you get a chance, tape or TiVo the game to see Hall in action!  Call your local cable or satellite provider to inquire about access to NFL network, no sports fan should be without this channel!
	Warrior fans and players....Football season has come up in full-stride for the local boys as well...with two-a-days starting August 9th to August 20th for two hours in the morning and two in the evening.  JV and Freshman players are practicing at night, with times set for 6pm for both underclassmen squads.  Contact Tehachapi High School at 661-822-2130 and ask to leave a message for Warrior Head Coach Steve Denman, JV Head Coach Ryan Grimes, or Frosh Head Coach Bruce Schakade if you want information on practice times, schedules, etc.
	The Warrior Team pictures and inner-squad practice is tentively scheduled for August 27th according to team photographer Mike Duffy.  A team practice/scrimmage should unofficially follow, if you happen to be around Coy Burnett Stadium that morning come on by and check out the THS squad for 2004.
	Next Weekly Warrior will highlight two-a-day practice...probably sometime during the second week (August 16-20).  Be sure to come back to check out pictures and observations from summer training.  GO WARRIORS!