McClay Deserves the Game Ball in Dallas
Scott Smithey
Tuesday February 17, 2004
I`m trying to imagine how Dallas Desperado Head Coach Will McClay arose from bed the morning after his Desperados beat the Philadelphia Soul 51-47. His steps immediately following the game looked as though he was walking on the moon. The coach`s steps are much lighter because of the weight that his team lifted off of his shoulders.
I hope someone presented the game ball to McClay in the American Airlines Center dressing room after the game. It should go in his trophy case as more than a memento of his first win as a professional head coach. It should serve as a memento that he belongs in this league by the way he has handled a horrendous beginning.
Here is why I give the game ball to the coach, instead of one of the many stars that ripped the Soul right out of the Philadelphia franchise.
- McClay quickly changed the focus to football instead of last week`s distractions by running no nonsense practices during the week.
- He pointed out the weak spots from last week and emphasized improvement in them. See quarterback Glen Gauntt`s turnover stats that went from five against Carolina, to one against Philadelphia. How about the offensive line not allowing a sack and giving Gauntt time, also? Oh yeah, McClay`s own defensive secondary seemed improved.
- Instead of being dominated, the Desperados were doing the dominating until a late second half collapse almost cost them.
- McClay`s emotional, as if he were playing, style has his players` respect.
- He stayed with Will Pettis even with his early game blunders again. Pettis repaid him with the winning touchdown on offense and the game-securing pass breakup on defense.
- He kept his team focused instead of rattled when they blew a 23-point lead.
Coach McClay`s “play the next play” attitude led to some shining performances out of his players. Jason Shelley provided the offensive fireworks with his four touchdowns. Bobby Sippio and Pettis provided Gauntt with open targets throughout the game. Shante Carver even got into the act with his first reception of the season. Defensively, Dallas put much more pressure on Soul quarterback Nick Browder this week. In special teams play, Pettis ran for 77 yards in returns and Colston Weatherington blocked a kick for the second week in a row.
The Desperado organization and its fans can breath a short sigh of relief. Many players celebrating the season`s first win were quick to point out that they weren`t satisfied. This is the attitude that McClay brings, an emphasis to improve each workout and perform in games. It wasn`t a championship performance, but it was far better than the beating taken the week before. Change can be a good thing, even when it doesn`t look that way in the beginning.
Coach McClay, this ball`s for you!
Scott Smithey is a high school teacher and coach (23 years). He has a degree in Journalism and has pioneered high school student newspapers. He is also a high school coach with seven years experience as a head coach and has coached soccer, track, baseball and powerlifting. Scott is married to a high school teacher and coach, and has three sons active in football at the high school and collegiate levels. He is pationate about sports, family and photography.
