Go Friday Night

Week Zero: The Preseason Report

Part Two of my preseason report is now in session, albeit a couple of days late. I'm discussing the defense, here.

I don't think defensemen get their glory, especially when it comes to the linemen and ends. I have taken many a picture where the reason a running back made a good run was because one of the linemen found a hole and exploited it. This happens rarely with the Indian defense.
The struggle at the line almost always ends in the Indians' favor.

You'll normally find brothers Payden and Garrett Brown on that line, somewhere. Juniors Trenton Tippett and Brian Schulle beef up the middle, and Will Meiron usually on one of the ends. At first, it looked like Tippett and Schulle would be on one side of the ball, only, but coaching staff saw it better to put both of them together -- which will turn out to be a good move. Garrett is usually on one of the ends, as well, and his quickness has proven poisonous to opposing offensive units. Meiron and Payden are new to the varsity team. Expect them to shine as they mature throughout the season. I'm also going to make a prediction that Joe Mayfield could be one of the ones to make the trip from JV into Varsityland this season. He is really an outstanding player.

In the backfield, Jim Ned lacks experience, but makes up for it with ability. Luke Taylor, Tallen Swanzy, and Jordan Coffman work in the back, and did very well stopping the Merkel receiving game, last night. Whatever makes it past the linebackers, these guys will stop the play before the first down can be achieved.

The seniors, Colt Sansing and Kirk Whitehurst, are carrying over some of their best performances from last season.

Kolby Kelley and Hayden Holson are the roming Mad Maxes of the Defense. With pads that have neckrolls that remind me of Mel Gibson's character from that movie, they roam behind the line somewhere, and without flinching roll up on the unassuming ball carriers, and at times, the quarterback. Holson had at least one last night against Merkel.

Some of the offensive faces may make an apperance in the defensive lineup: Taylor Cain, whose primary role is quarterback; and Kit LeFevre, a receiver both may see some time in the backfield.

• Suzie
• September 3, 2006 10:41 AM

Game One: Merkel 13, Jim Ned 21

The first Friday Night football game has come and gone for the Jim Ned Indians, and thankfully, it ended with a "1" in the Win column.

The Merkel Badgers hosted the event, and immediately put their mark on the board, with a 40 yard connection from QB Matt Gabaldon to Jacob Mendez. Rodrick White, who kicked the field goal, would score later in the first quarter on an 18 yard run into the end zone.

From then on, it was all Jim Ned, as Michael Shelton caught two passes in the second and third quarders, and Philip Perez found a rare opening in the Badger's defensive line in the final period to seal the win. Frankie Rohr nailed all three of his PATs.

Notes of Interest
Jon George and Taylor Cain both took snaps during the game, appearing to share equal time The move by Coach Hargrove worked, as Merkel's defense had some difficulty adjusting to each of the quarterback's style of play. While Cain and George do play a lot alike, there must be something intangible that was just enough to throw off the oncoming defense.

Thumb's Down
The injury bug has hit the Indians hard the last couple of days, with multiple players getting banged up on the Junior Varsity squads, and two key injuries for the V. Rance Cook and Kit LeFevre both stepped out of the game early; however LeFevre was able to return. Several of the players were already donning casts and splints, mostly for damaged done to their thumbs.

• Suzie
• September 2, 2006 10:33 AM
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