Staff Blog

Waldorf Preview

It's just like we're playing an Iowa conference opponent. That's what coach Paul Hefty told me yesterday after I asked him if the preperation was any different being this week's opponent being an non-conference foe. Waldorf comes to Carlson Stadium Saturday for the first ever meeting between the schools in football.

Waldorf is an NAIA school that does not play in a conference, which means they play a diversified schedule. They've made a habit of playing a lot of Iowa conference opponents during off weeks. They also play teams like Drake and Minnesota-Morris, who has played the Norse in the past.

They'll also bring an offense that is similar to the Air Force academy. Coach Hefty called the T-Wing, usually with a fullback and two halfbacks and a lot of option look. Waldorf averaged around 213 yards a game on the ground around 83 in the air. Marcus Lewis, the fullback, comes in as the leading rusher. With this type of attack, playing disciplined defense is key. After a subpar performance from the run defense last week, we'll see if that portion of the game can answer the call.

The negatives that you would like to see turn into positives this week.
1.The Run defense. After a very solid performance all season, the Norse run defense let Buena Vista run for almost one hundred yards more than their average. With Waldorf running the ball as much as they do, they'll definately have the opportunity.

2. The passing game. You can't assume you'll get 312 on the ground and another record setting performance out of Sherden. Of course, if it happens, cool. But you'd like to see a little more balance offensively. You'd especially like to see to guys like Jesse Kent and Tony Brantner getting more involved. The more they get involved, the better guys like Sherden, Lamos and Bass are.

3. Taking better care of the ball. Two turnovers last week. Yes, the Norse defense did force three, including two Marcus Hendrickson picks and one for a score, but two is too many for the offense. Fortunately, neither pick cost the offense but some better decisions need to be made so they don't happen at all.

4. Playing physical throughout the ballgame. The Norse has a good physical mindset for three quarters of last Saturday's game. The second quarter left a lot to be desired. A good, solid, physical four quarters of football will go a long way to winning Saturday's game.

It's always a little tough when a non-scholarship team faces a scholarship team. That presents a challenge. Normally, Waldorf has played competitively against the Iowa conference teams they have faced in the past. Number one key in my mind. No let down. Keep building on the positives. Keep correcting the negatives. Coe is next week. The focus needs to be on Waldorf before even discussing the return to conference play.

Published Thursday, October 18, 2007 at 6:42 AM by Darin Svenson

0 Comments:

<-- Back to Blog Home | Post a Comment

Staff Blog

Waldorf Preview

Archives