Publication: THE
Published: 08/06/2002
Page: 1B
Headline:
Byline: RICK RYAN
rickryan@wvgazette.com
Nitro didn't play in the Arena Football League last year. It only seemed that
way.
The Wildcats piled up per-game averages of 29.2 points and 433.1 yards
last fall, but all they could manage was a 3-7 record, largely because their
defense surrendered 38.4 points.
Only two of Nitro's opponents scored fewer than 28 points, as the Wildcats
lost by scores such as 65-22, 58-34, 56-28, 43-29 and 35-27.
"No lead was safe," said Scott Tinsley, Nitro's acting head coach.
That's why defense will be the big question mark for the Wildcats this
season.
"We'll still be able to put points on the board," Tinsley said,
"but obviously we have to improve [on defense] and become better tacklers.
We didn't tackle well last year."
Ripley's Brock Stotts rushed for 388 yards and six
touchdowns against Nitro. Herbert Hoover's
"We didn't stop anyone," Tinsley said. "If someone handed off
enough times, they would bust a big one on us."
That caused consternation for a program that was just three years removed from
the 1998 state championship.
"Everyone said we need to do this different or we need to do that different,"
Tinsley said. "Maybe we had some personnel out of position, and we'll try
to move people around. But I think another year of maturity and strength will
help. So will experience.
"Not too long ago, I remember that we held a real good
Quarterback Derek Midkiff, who played some at
linebacker last season, also expects a big improvement on defense.
"Defense is all about attitude and energy," he said. "I can see
already we have more energy this year. We seem to get more energy from the
coaching staff - we have a few new guys this year. And as for attitude, we'll
find out when we go to practice."
Nitro was one of the first teams in the state to begin preseason drills Monday,
as the Wildcats hit the field at the stroke of midnight for a 90-minute
workout.
On a still, humid evening, the sound of crickets chirping around Underwood
Field was interrupted by the unmistakeable sounds of
football - coaches barking instructions and blowing whistles and players
grunting as they sprinted downfield.
"We've been wanting to do this for a couple
years," Midkiff said. "Coach Tinsley is
giving us the opportunity to do what we want."
Midkiff said he and most other players didn't need a
nap to tide them over before the late-night drills.
"I think we've been going on adrenalin," he said. "Just to be
out here right now makes it exciting."
Tinsley said 53 players turned out for the first practice.
"That's excellent for us," he said. "It's been a fun day and a
productive day. The kids really seem to be excited and attentive."
Tinsley, the veteran offensive coordinator, is serving as head coach for the Wildcats
until a permanent replacement is hired later this month.