SLOPPY TACKLING HAS SA COACH
CONCERNED
Publication:
Published: 09/18/1997
Page: P1B
Headline: SLOPPY TACKLING HAS SA COACH CONCERNED
Byline: TOM ALUISE
In addition to the fact that his team has been outscored 78-26 in its
first three games,
has another small detail to work out.
His guys are having
problems tackling the opponent.
That's not exactly conducive
to sound sleeping habits for a coach.
"We were very
disappointed in our tackling last week,' said Cyrus,
referring to the Red Dragons' 51-14 loss at home to DuPont, their
second consecutive setback after a season-opening victory over George
Washington.
The margin of defeat was SA's worst since a 48-0 thrashing
administered by
"Tackling and not
getting in the right position you're supposed to
be,' said Cyrus of his two biggest concerns. "That
was really sloppy
the other night.
"We're not talented
enough to make mistakes. We've got to do it
exactly like it's drawn out on paper or we're in trouble.'
SA hosts Nitro (2-1) at
7:30 p.m. Friday. The Wildcats haven't beaten
the Red Dragons since 1984 and trail in the series by a whopping
42-15-2.
"They're a good team,'
said Cyrus, a former Nitro assistant and head
coach who's in his first year at SA. "They worry
me with the things
they can do. They're not one-dimensional anymore. They can run and
pass.'
A goal
toward which SA also is working.
Red Dragon senior
quarterback Matt Young had moderate success throwing
against DuPont. He completed 11-of-24 passes for 107 yards.
"That's not great but
it's better than what we started the year out
with. 2-for-8 with five or six sacks,' Cyrus said. "He's (Young)
getting better. He didn't get very many reps throwing the ball last
year. We think he'll be all right before it's over.'
Talented junior tight end
Jason Rader caught four passes for 64 yards
against DuPont, while senior receiver Chris Knapper
pulled in five for
35.
It was Knapper's
first action since sustaining an ankle injury in SA's
opener. Cyrus said Knapper, who played only offense,
was about 75
percent
"It's frustrating,
we've had a lot of injuries,' Cyrus said. "But
you've got to play the hand that's dealt you. Knapper
is still limping
around. When he gets into the flow of the game and starts running, he
gets a little better.'
Knapper started the season at tailback but
will finish at receiver,
where he played last year. Junior Mike Hoff has taken over Knapper's
spot in SA's backfield.
"If he hadn't gotten
hurt we may have left him there,' Cyrus said. "I
think eventually he could have made it. But he's not a natural there
and he's a great wide receiver and defensive back.'
Cyrus said he's not
discouraged by the Red Dragons' slow start.
"We made a few
adjustments this week and the kids are starting to pick
up the offense a little better,' he said. "Whether we do
it right in
the game. Today (Wednesday) we had a real good practice. We were
pleased. Hopefully that will mean something and carry over into Friday
night.'