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Catz' Corner
Joe Glab
Even the most optimistic Bearcat
could not have seen this stretch coming. With a young
defense that looked to struggle early in the season, even
the most optimistic fan had to think in the back of their
mind that this season could be a hairy one full of shoot
outs and close calls. Somewhere along the line though this
young group of defenders answered the question marks of the
entire fan base.
For the third straight week the
Bearcats went on the road (or at least away from Maryville)
a defeated a ranked opponent. For the third straight week,
the defense, often criticized early in the season, held a
high scoring offense to a minimal amount of points. The
difference was that this week, when the offense was
uncharacteristically unsuccessful, it was the defense that
stepped up and made crucial stop after crucial stop. In a
season where the offense was supposed to carry the defense,
they could not score with the precision that they had shown
in every other game. It was going to be up to the defense to
not only play well but win the game for the Bearcats. The
lone TD given up by the D was when they let Central get deep
on a 3rd and long. In the back of my mind, I must
admit, that was an alarming play. It was a play that
reminded me of how this young team made mental errors early
in the season. Fortunately, however, the Bearcats proved
that was more of an anomaly than reality as they shut down
the Mules over the rest of the game. It was a good site
because it reminded me of what the Bearcat D has become over
the last few seasons and that is a unit with the ability to
shut down opponents.
Now the Cats come into what many
have called the “softer” portion of their schedule. I just
don’t think there is such a thing in college football.
Especially in D2 football and playoff football where the
margin of error can be so slim. It is imperative that the
Cats keep ramping up their play even against perceived
weaker opponents. Some people think that good teams can play
well simply whenever they want. Good football is simply not
played that way. To maintain the momentum the Cats have
gained by beating 3 ranked opponents on the road, they need
continue to play Bearcat football and not to the level of
their opponents. For the rest of the season, they play
against teams that they should be favored to beat, however
that is assuming they continue to play up to the their
current level.
Every team that they play from
now can make their season with a win over the Bearcats. They
will get everyone’s best shot. The key to these games is to
finish them off in a very business like manner. No change in
preparation or approach. They have to see the big picture.
This team is a nice mix of young guys and experience and
they will have to prepare for each game down the stretch as
if it is another opportunity to ratchet their play up a
notch. It is time to finish what they started and that
journey begins this week.
Random Thoughts:
Congrats to Laron Council for
breaking the MIAA record with a 99-yard TD run against
Central. Many have wondered where the running game would go
after Omon, but it seems like it landed in the very capable
hands of Council. He is proving to be what we all
thought/hoped he could be. A dynamic player.
Congrats to freshman Josh
Lorenson who burst on to the scene against Central Missouri
with 3 sacks. A very impressive game and nice place to debut
yourself. Warrensburg is where both Xavier Omon and Laron
Council announced their arrivals. So Lorenson is in good
company. Welcome to the world of high expectations. However
just keep scrapping and playing your game.
Week 5
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