Defense still shines despite tough loss
Jake Frias
Issue date: 9/25/08 Section: Sports
Through the rain and fog, the war-like battle between Lakeland and Mount St. Joe's on Sept 13 was one that handed the Muskies their second loss of the season.
The Muskies, who only allowed seven points in the first half, received a jump start in the beginning of the game through a bone crushing hit by senior, linebacker John Wagner on a punt. Wagner, who had 18 tackles in the game, came full speed from 40 yards and delivered a blow to the returner that knocked the individual out for the game.
With the momentum there, the Muskies' defense took full advantage of the situation, and kept the words 'defeat' and 'retreat' out of their minds, no matter what the score was.
"[The defense] had one of the best games since I have been here." said head coach Kevin Doherty.
Senior linebacker Brent Miller, who received the NAC Conference Player of the Week, was one of the many highlights for the 'dark side' of the team with 14 tackles, two sacks, and an interception.
According to Doherty, everyone on defense flew to the ball on every play and nobody seemed to tire.
One of the main plugs in the defense on Sept 13 was the D-Line.
"The score doesn't tell how hard [the defensive line] worked. There are still some fundamental things to work on, but it was the best outing out of the first two games." said defensive line coach Sam Scharinger.
The camaraderie of the defensive line not only presents itself on the field, but it is very noticeable off the field as well.
"It is the strongest on the team. It stems from hanging out together and [the linemen] realizing that they can only worry about the things that they can control." said Scharinger.
Kellen Grott, Gary Clark, Josh Gordon, and Mike Nerat represented the strongest part of the Muskies defense so far this year, and delivered some of the game's biggest tackles versus Mount Saint Joe's.
On the offensive side of the ball, the Muskies seemed to just be skidding their tires the whole game, giving up seven turnovers and only gaining 131 yards of offense the entire game.
"We can't afford to have turnovers," Doherty said, "We need to make better decisions with the ball, and we need to execute our game plan."
With their backs against the walls this year, look for the Muskies to make major changes in an effort to get that first 'W' of the season.
The Muskies, who only allowed seven points in the first half, received a jump start in the beginning of the game through a bone crushing hit by senior, linebacker John Wagner on a punt. Wagner, who had 18 tackles in the game, came full speed from 40 yards and delivered a blow to the returner that knocked the individual out for the game.
With the momentum there, the Muskies' defense took full advantage of the situation, and kept the words 'defeat' and 'retreat' out of their minds, no matter what the score was.
"[The defense] had one of the best games since I have been here." said head coach Kevin Doherty.
Senior linebacker Brent Miller, who received the NAC Conference Player of the Week, was one of the many highlights for the 'dark side' of the team with 14 tackles, two sacks, and an interception.
According to Doherty, everyone on defense flew to the ball on every play and nobody seemed to tire.
One of the main plugs in the defense on Sept 13 was the D-Line.
"The score doesn't tell how hard [the defensive line] worked. There are still some fundamental things to work on, but it was the best outing out of the first two games." said defensive line coach Sam Scharinger.
The camaraderie of the defensive line not only presents itself on the field, but it is very noticeable off the field as well.
"It is the strongest on the team. It stems from hanging out together and [the linemen] realizing that they can only worry about the things that they can control." said Scharinger.
Kellen Grott, Gary Clark, Josh Gordon, and Mike Nerat represented the strongest part of the Muskies defense so far this year, and delivered some of the game's biggest tackles versus Mount Saint Joe's.
On the offensive side of the ball, the Muskies seemed to just be skidding their tires the whole game, giving up seven turnovers and only gaining 131 yards of offense the entire game.
"We can't afford to have turnovers," Doherty said, "We need to make better decisions with the ball, and we need to execute our game plan."
With their backs against the walls this year, look for the Muskies to make major changes in an effort to get that first 'W' of the season.
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