Mens Interhall: St. Ed's starts season late, ready to get victory
By: LISA REIJULA
Sports Writer
It makes sense that a team that failed to win a game last year would get an extra week to prepare for this season. St. Edward's interhall football team, 0-4 in 2001, is the only Blue League team that has yet to play.
St. Edward's faces Sorin Sunday at 1:00 p.m. at Riehle Fields. The Otters squeaked out a 6-3 win over the Juggs of Knott in their season opener.
Senior quarterback and kicker Greg Carney made two field goals in the win. The legitimacy of the second was controversial, and the Otters look to avoid a situation like that Sunday.
"We need to put points on the board besides field goals," senior wide receiver Dave Knesek said. "We need our offense to be more efficient. We were a little rusty against Knott."
The Sorin defense looked solid against Knott, only allowing one field goal. They will look to shut down St. Ed's, a team the Otters defeated last season.
"Our chances are pretty good against them," said Knesek. "We feel positive about our ability to get a win."
St. Edward's team is also feeling good about the upcoming game. The defense will feature a few new wrinkles. The Steds plan to employ a 5-2 formation, which they did not use last season. Sophomore quarterback Dan Tarsha returns to lead the offense.
"This year's practices have been a lot more intense with a lot more participation," Tarsha said. "We are together as a team and hopefully will work as a unit to win games."
Lineman Nick Stober is considered a player to watch for St. Ed's, along with freshman tailback Joe Blatt and fullback Mike Bartowitz. Senior Jim Kleckner is also expected to contribute.
Tarsha considers his team to be similar in style to Sorin in that both are prone to turnovers, but also capable of big plays.
"We don't want to be overconfident," Tarsha said. "This will be a building year for us and hopefully we will be able to control the ball against Sorin."
All Sports Stories for Friday, September 27, 2002
