Shell Unable to Bring Instant Success to New York
David Holusha
Monday March 3, 2003
“I was disappointed in our execution,” said Shell. “You can’t turn the ball over. You can’t make stupid penalties”.
It’s a familiar litany of football crimes. The things we’ve often heard from the losing locker room. However, every word rings true.
“You can’t give up those kinds of points against a team that good,” said Shell. “But it’s my job to make sure this doesn’t happen.”
Credit the new head man for taking the responsibility for the Dragon’s unsatisfactory performance. As the new field general in charge, you could sense his frustrations ran deep after this one.
“We had a situation where we were third and ten on the goal line, but turned it over,” recalled the coach. “You just can’t do that”.
A simple statement, no doubt about that. But then, there is always another team involved in any sporting contest. Credit the now 5-0 Orlando Predators for taking advantage of every opportunity they were given.
Still the Dragons’ offense shows they have the capability to continue as a high-scoring machine. The 56 points scored is a clear testament to that.
But what about the other part of this game?
“I came in here to emphasize what we do defensively,” said Shell. “We’ve still got to get that done. It’s something we’re going to change.”
Dragons fans are hoping those changes come soon.
Catching up with kicker Kenny Stucker, I asked his thoughts on this disappointing loss. He gave much of the credit to the Predators ability to capitalize on opportunities. “One mistake and they pounce on you” said Stucker.
Early in the game, Stucker found himself in that unenviable position that all kickers eventually find themselves – the last line of defense after a kickoff. To his credit, he didn’t shy away, but threw himself in there and made the tackle.
“Part of my job is to help us win,” said Stucker. “If I have to, I’ll stick my head in there. My first kickoff in college, I had to tackle the guy.”
Despite a very physical contest, the Dragons remained relatively injury free. The only exception was 6-4, 260 lb FB/LB Kerry Taylor.
With just under five minutes remaining, and the Dragons still within striking distance of pulling this one out, Kerry went down with a severe ankle sprain, just as the Dragons scored.
“I came over to block the end on a quick inside change”, said Taylor. “I planted my foot and put my full weight on it.”
Although Taylor had to be taken off the field, he most likely won’t miss any significant playing time. “I feel I’ll be ready for the next game,” said Taylor.
And as for the team?
“We’ve got to get it corrected for next week. I have full confidence in the new coaching staff and want to play hard for them,” said Taylor.
Let’s hope for the Dragons’ sake, and their fans, that hard work equals some victories before the season is over.
David Holusha was a writer for ArenaFan Online from 2003 to 2004.
