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Prep Roundup
Columnists Brian Meadows Brad NormanMembersLocal Connection› Iredell County Young Athletes Association› South Iredell Athletics Association › SHS athletics › WIHS athletics › NIHS athletics › SIHS athletics › LNHS athletics Syndicate RSSAP NASCAR NASCAR Features A look at this year's schedule A look at this year's drivers Differences between stock car and open-wheel racing NASCAR Research & Development Petty Enterprises splitter testing Aerodynamic testing in Concord's wind tunnel Top 10 moments in Daytona history Site StatisticsThis page has been viewed 773909 timesPage rendered in 1.3525 seconds Total Stories: 2136 Total Comments: 34 Most Recent Entry: 08/15/2008 01:53 pm Most Recent Comment on: 04/17/2008 11:54 pm Most Recent Visitor on: 02/09/2012 12:30 pm |
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2008 Jul-29
Warriors to rely on stout defense this seasonBy BRAD NORMAN So far, it seems to be working. The Warriors, a semipro football team based in Iredell County, are a perfect 3-0 and have battered opposing offenses with a swarming defense. “You have to have a good defense,” Warriors coach Torrey Torrence said. “We had a real stout defense two years ago when we won the conference championship. That’s the key.” That championship squad went 8-1-1 during conference play and allowed just 90 points. Torrence thinks this year’s team can equal — or better — that mark. “Last year we were runner-up, and the defense I don’t think was as strong,” Torrence said. “I think we have more depth now, so we’re going to be fine.” The depth has played a prominent role so far. With a fast, smart secondary, the Warriors picked off four passes in a 31-13 nonconference win over Rocky Mount one week after holding the Asheville Grizzlies to a 1-for-13 passing performance. “The secondary works well together,” cornerback Rydell Cowan said. “We rotate a lot, we probably brought in five or six defensive backs that game, and the speed of the game doesn’t change.” Having great speed isn’t just limited to the defensive backs. The linebackers can all run and cover the field and the defensive line gets upfield quickly, as demonstrated by a five-sack performance to open the season. “We’re not actually that big (compared to) the other team,” Cowan said. “But speed just kills them. The whole defense is fast. We just get to the ball so fast, you really can’t do too much about it.” Although the defense has carried the team, the Warriors still have plenty of offensive weapons. Carl Ford has taken over at quarterback and has already made an impact with his ability to scramble. The Green Bay Packers selected Ford in the seventh round of the 2003 NFL draft. Ford also played with the Chicago Bears and Philadelphia Eagles before a knee injury derailed his pro career. “We have him at quarterback, and it’s working out pretty well,” Torrence said. “I feel like we can score points with anybody in the league.” Cam Simpson, a Statesville graduate, gives the Warriors a durable, hard-nosed running back, and Mooresville product Corey Alexander provides speed on the outside as a wide receiver. “The main thing is we all play with heart,” Simpson said. The Warriors have one more crucial aspect — longevity. The core group has been together for three years, which Cowan thinks gives them an edge in the hunt for another title. “We’ve been together so long,” Cowan said. “This team just has to stay together and stay healthy. If we stay healthy to the end of the season, we’ll definitely be in the title game.” Bookmarkz |
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