Sports
Thursday, September 2, 2010
“Ugly.” It was the best way Richland High School head football coach John Kirk could describe his team’s play in their 42-0 loss at Forrest Friday.
Talking to the Raiders during Sunday’s film review of their game, Kirk made sure his players knew what they had done wrong, but assured them that they were a much better team than they showed in Friday’s game.
“It wasn’t as much what they were doing, but more what were weren’t doing,” Kirk said. “If you had done what you were supposed to do, it wouldn’t have looked anything like it did.
“You didn’t play aggressive on defense,” he said to his players. “On offense we stood around and waited for something bad to happen. If you wait around long enough it will happen.”
Kirk challenged his players to be honest with themselves as they watched the film.
“It was an ugly night,” he said. “I don’t know if you were intimidated when we got there and you saw them or what. You should always respect everybody you play, but don’t ever be afraid of anyone.
“This was not a total loss,” he continued. “It is not all bad. When you watch it you realize we could be so much better and stop some of this stuff if we just start doing the right thing, do what you’re supposed to be doing.”
As they reviewed the film, Kirk talked with his players about misalignments and lack of aggression.
“You are a better football team than that,” he said. “This was one ball game. It looked bad and ugly. It was no more and no less than any other game.
“Last week people were saying you played hard and didn’t give up,” Kirk said. “This week some will say you are sorry, didn’t show up and you’re the same ole bunch. I’m going to tell you you’re not. You just played bad. If you come out and are coachable that is going to change. Good days are coming. If you continue to improve you are capable of so much more. Every one of you.”
Defensively, Markus Batchelder stopped a Forrest scoring drive with a big hit that caused a fumble, which he recovered inside Richland’s five yard line. Stevie Biase also recovered a Forrest fumble.
Richland’s top tacklers were Nathan Davis (11), Batchelder (10), Timmy Jannette (9) and Lane Erwin (9).
The Raiders averaged 24.7 yards per punt.
Wayne County
Richland’s plays Friday at Wayne County.
Kirk said they are a much more finesse team that will run stretch and option looks as well as throw the ball.
“It’s a long season,” he said. “Obviously we would like to be off to a better start. We’ve played two pretty good teams and we have more coming down the road.
“We can’t worry about others,” Kirk continued. “I’m much more concerned about how they respond to this game. If they do what I think they will do we will come back and play harder.”