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The Notebook: Even
in Defeat, Eagles Open Eyes |
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Two years ago, the Michigan Tech football program was on life support. The program was actually terminated at one point. The Huskies weren’t winning and a Tech football game wasn’t a noteworthy occasion. That’s all changed. The Huskies are nationally ranked for the second straight season, going to Sherman Field is the “in” thing to do, and interest in the program has never been higher. So, when MTU head coach Bernie Anderson says that Ashland is pointed in the right direction, it’s worth hearing what he has to say. “Great things don’t happen overnight,” said the architect of one of the biggest turnarounds in the country. “They’ve become a good football team in a very short period of time. The secret is out, they’re going to be a very good football team down the road.” Anderson was impressed by the way the Eagles played Saturday (Sept. 24), especially coming off of a game against top-ranked Grand Valley State. “Give Ashland a lot of credit, coming off the Grand Valley game and playing a game like this, right down to the wire,” added Anderson, in his 19th year at MTU. AU Consecutive losses haven’t taken the fire out of the Eagles either. As disheartening as the last two games have been, the Eagles’ resolve hasn’t been lessened. “You just have to stay together as a team,” said senior safety Devin Conwell. “If we run the table we can be 9-2 and have a good chance to make the playoffs. If we don’t stay focused, it can be like the last couple of seasons. We have to take it one week at a time.” “You always play to win,” said quarterback Nick Strance, when asked if the Eagles’ fire had been doused by two losses. “That’s what makes football the greatest sport, 55 guys out there trying to win. Now, it’s 9-2. That’s good, especially when you’re picked seventh (GLIAC preseason coaches poll).” AU Senior wide receiver Dalorean White’s eight receptions Saturday is a career high. His 110 yards receiving are the most by an AU receiver since White had 138 at Wayne State last season. “As Coach (Owens) pointed out, he’s giving his body for the team,” said wide receivers coach Denver Williams about White. “He made some tough catches today. I’m proud of the way he played. He’s a senior, he knows this is his last go-around. He’s looking for a chance to play for a conference championship and he’s playing like it.” AU Sophomore defensive lineman Chris Meyer blocked a 36-yard field goal attempt by Tech’s Grant Botz. That’s Meyer’s second blocked kick of the season. The Eagles have five blocked kicks this season…sophomore Kelly Ajala started at cornerback for the second consecutive week and had five tackles (two solo). Ajala and fellow sophomore Thaddeus Walker have battled back and forth since camp for the starting job at cornerback opposite Chris Holland. Secondary coach Steve Clinkscale sees no end in sight to this position battle which is a positive – it’s an indication of AU’ increased depth in the secondary…sophomore Andy Hunter was a scratch as the starting left tackle due to injury. Junior Kiel Miller took his place in the starting lineup…Ashland, the GLIAC’s least penalized team, had three penalties for 15 yards at Michigan Tech. Two of those infractions came in the opening minutes of the first quarter…AU had four sacks Saturday. That’s the third time this year the Eagles have had four or more sacks in a game. Allen Lattimore and Jeremy Crabtree share the team lead with four, and another linebacker, Luke Busson, is close behind with three. |