2008 Woodie Awards
Rock looks to bounce back after first loss
By Brandon Fox
Rocket Sports Editor
Issue date: 10/5/07 Section: Sports
"ESU is going to want to pass the ball 70 to 75 percent of the time," Mihalik said. "We have given up a lot of yards through the air the last two games, and ESU will be looking at that."
The return of defensive end Cory Lacek, who missed the last two games with a groin injury, will help the pass rush, and in turn, the secondary.
"Not taking anything away from Mike White, because he has done a great job filling in, it is just that getting Cory back will free up some areas," Mihalik said. "He has that ability to find the quarterback and having him back will be good for us."
The Rock must also avoid costly turnovers when it battles ESU on Saturday. Against IUP, quarterback Nate Crookshank threw two interceptions on back-to-back drives, something he knows he must improve on.
"We had success early last week, and I thought that we were getting some good one-on-one situations," Crookshank said. "It just wasn't there, and that falls on no one but me. It is something that I need to improve at."
Crookshank will have to attack the Warriors defense, which has had eight different players with an interception, without two of the Rock's top offensive weapons.
Running back Corey Manfull, the PSAC's leading rusher, is out after partially separating his shoulder in the first half against IUP.
"I don't think Corey will play, and if he does, it will be in an emergency situation only," Mihalik said. "We are going to go with Demarcus (Cleckley) and Ryan (Lehmeier). They are going to rotate every series. We will also look to use Travis Sarver to help out this week."
Lehmeier had a 37-yard touchdown run in the fourth quarter a week ago.
The Green and White will also be without leading receiver Paul Favers, who is serving a one-game suspension after violating team rules.
Nevertheless, Mihalik said that there should be no changes in the offense and expects the players filling in to step up and perform.
"I am excited for the guys that get a chance to play," he said. "Dallas Richardson and Dante Capozzoli at the receiver, and Cleckley, Lehmeier and Sarver at the running back position."
Mihalik said his team has had a good week of practice and are looking forward to Saturday's game.
"It still stings," Mihalik said, referring to the IUP loss. "But we need to look ahead now and not dwell on the past. Of course I want them to keep it in the back of their minds and use that, but we can't let it affect the way we play the rest of the season."
"It is one loss, it doesn't kill our season," he said. "All of our goals are still out there and are still attainable. We just have to play like we can and take it one game at a time."
The Rock's quest for redemption from a week ago will begin with the 1 p.m. kick-off.
The return of defensive end Cory Lacek, who missed the last two games with a groin injury, will help the pass rush, and in turn, the secondary.
"Not taking anything away from Mike White, because he has done a great job filling in, it is just that getting Cory back will free up some areas," Mihalik said. "He has that ability to find the quarterback and having him back will be good for us."
The Rock must also avoid costly turnovers when it battles ESU on Saturday. Against IUP, quarterback Nate Crookshank threw two interceptions on back-to-back drives, something he knows he must improve on.
"We had success early last week, and I thought that we were getting some good one-on-one situations," Crookshank said. "It just wasn't there, and that falls on no one but me. It is something that I need to improve at."
Crookshank will have to attack the Warriors defense, which has had eight different players with an interception, without two of the Rock's top offensive weapons.
Running back Corey Manfull, the PSAC's leading rusher, is out after partially separating his shoulder in the first half against IUP.
"I don't think Corey will play, and if he does, it will be in an emergency situation only," Mihalik said. "We are going to go with Demarcus (Cleckley) and Ryan (Lehmeier). They are going to rotate every series. We will also look to use Travis Sarver to help out this week."
Lehmeier had a 37-yard touchdown run in the fourth quarter a week ago.
The Green and White will also be without leading receiver Paul Favers, who is serving a one-game suspension after violating team rules.
Nevertheless, Mihalik said that there should be no changes in the offense and expects the players filling in to step up and perform.
"I am excited for the guys that get a chance to play," he said. "Dallas Richardson and Dante Capozzoli at the receiver, and Cleckley, Lehmeier and Sarver at the running back position."
Mihalik said his team has had a good week of practice and are looking forward to Saturday's game.
"It still stings," Mihalik said, referring to the IUP loss. "But we need to look ahead now and not dwell on the past. Of course I want them to keep it in the back of their minds and use that, but we can't let it affect the way we play the rest of the season."
"It is one loss, it doesn't kill our season," he said. "All of our goals are still out there and are still attainable. We just have to play like we can and take it one game at a time."
The Rock's quest for redemption from a week ago will begin with the 1 p.m. kick-off.
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