Pioneers Hoping to Play Spoiler Against Speed
Michael Balakier
Wednesday April 10, 2002
It is no question that the Pioneers are heading into Friday’s game clearly marked as underdogs. However, Pioneers head coach Terry Karg has no problem being labeled the underdog.
“I’m sure there’s not too many people in the entire league that think we’ll win the game,” Karg said, “but that doesn’t matter to me. Heck, we’re an expansion team and we have some find young players.”
Karg also knows that the Speed are clearly one of the best teams in the league, but that hasn’t prevented him from looking forward to spoiling Richmond’s trip to Northeastern Pennsylvania.
“We know we’re going to face a team that last year went to the final game and got most of their guys back,” said Karg. “They have very good players and are very well coached. We’re looking forward to the challenge and I can’t wait for Friday night.”
Win or lose, Karg will get a glimpse of what his team is capable of doing on the field early in the season. The opportunity to play one of the league’s elite teams early in the schedule will no doubt benefit the Pioneers.
“We find out right now where we’re at and that’s what it’s all about,” said Karg. “We want to win. We want to be successful, and what better opportunity than to be successful against one of the best teams in the league.”
Adding depth
Wilkes-Barre/Scranton OL/DL Phil Yzeik, who was released by the Pioneers last week, has been reassigned to the team and is expected to play in Friday’s game against Richmond. In addition to Yzeik, FB/LB LaMonte Coleman, who sat out last week’s games against Greensboro because of a contract problem, is also expected to make his debut against the Speed.
Michael Balakier first discovered a knack for writing during his senior year in high school while reporting for his school`s newspaper. Aside from being an Arenaball fan, Michael is an avid Syracuse University athletics follower, which poses a problem for him, as he attends the University of Pittsburgh. Michael plans on using what he has learned through his Arenafan experience to remain as impartial as he can during future Syracuse/Pitt events. Michael also serves as co-Editor of the af2 section of Arenafan Online.
