Post by 50yardfan on Feb 26, 2012 14:01:39 GMT -5
Port Huron Patriots return today against Michigan Gators
www.thetimesherald.com/article/20120226/SPORTS/202260327/Football-Port-Huron-Patriots-return-today-against-Michigan-Gators
The Port Huron Patriots haven't played a game in two weeks.
But when they take the field at 6 p.m. today against the Michigan Gators at McMorran Arena, they expect to be a much improved team.
"I feel much more comfortable going into this game," Patriots coach John Forti said. "Instead of having two practices we have now had six. With the way we have practiced, I'm really hoping we are able to take a big step forward.
"We have been able to get (the players) more comfortable and sprinkle in a few more things offensively."
The game will serve as the Patriots' final tuneup before the start of the Continental Indoor Football League season.
After reviewing their 35-21 victory against the Michigan Timberwolves on Feb. 11, Forti said he felt the team had to address a couple of areas.
"We really went back and looked at our line play," Forti said. "We really worked on fundamentals of getting in proper stances and seeing where guys are supposed to be."
Less than 24 hours before the first game, the Patriots lost offensive tackles Antonio Martin and Ken Hamilton and were forced to use a makeshift group for the game.
Hamilton was laid to rest on Monday in Detroit after being fatally shot early in the morning on Feb. 11. Martin was also shot, and has been hospitalized ever since.
"Antonio is in rehab," Kinsman said. "He is making slow progress, but it is progress. He can feel it when they move his feet. It's going to take some time."
The Patriots could play today without their starting quarterback Darryl Johnson, who tweaked his knee in practice this week. If he cannot play, Bruce Jones will start.
"If Darryl is healthy and ready, he will start the game," Forti said. "I spoke with him (Friday), and he said it was stiff. I hope it's just a sprain. From all indications, he went knee to knee with someone
"He's a leader on the field, and he has that other dimension. He can scramble and run around. He is elusive out there. It's like having another running back."
Defensively, the Patriots will look to get off to a much better start today. Against the Timberwolves, they allowed a touchdown on the opening drive and struggled before turning it around in the second half.
"We're jelling together more as a team now," defensive back Musa Odeh said. "The skill set has always been there. We picked it up in the second half last week and kept them scoreless.
"We just have to come out the same way we did in the second half from the first minute of the game. We have to come out with intensity and hit and make plays. We thrive off of one big play. It turns into another big play. We just need to get that first (big play) early."
In addition to the Patriots game, the organization will also begin its youth flag football league.
The games are scheduled to begin at 9 a.m. today and run through 2 p.m. in the main arena. Kinsman said 125 children, ages 7 to 13, have signed up for the league.
Registration is still ongoing for the eight-week season. Cost is $45.
PATRIOTS VS. GATORS
TODAY: 6 p.m.
WHERE: McMorran Main
TICKETS: General admission $8, Press box area, East/West end zones $10; Field level $14; Available at Ticketmaster or McMorran Box Office
www.thetimesherald.com/article/20120226/SPORTS/202260327/Football-Port-Huron-Patriots-return-today-against-Michigan-Gators
The Port Huron Patriots haven't played a game in two weeks.
But when they take the field at 6 p.m. today against the Michigan Gators at McMorran Arena, they expect to be a much improved team.
"I feel much more comfortable going into this game," Patriots coach John Forti said. "Instead of having two practices we have now had six. With the way we have practiced, I'm really hoping we are able to take a big step forward.
"We have been able to get (the players) more comfortable and sprinkle in a few more things offensively."
The game will serve as the Patriots' final tuneup before the start of the Continental Indoor Football League season.
After reviewing their 35-21 victory against the Michigan Timberwolves on Feb. 11, Forti said he felt the team had to address a couple of areas.
"We really went back and looked at our line play," Forti said. "We really worked on fundamentals of getting in proper stances and seeing where guys are supposed to be."
Less than 24 hours before the first game, the Patriots lost offensive tackles Antonio Martin and Ken Hamilton and were forced to use a makeshift group for the game.
Hamilton was laid to rest on Monday in Detroit after being fatally shot early in the morning on Feb. 11. Martin was also shot, and has been hospitalized ever since.
"Antonio is in rehab," Kinsman said. "He is making slow progress, but it is progress. He can feel it when they move his feet. It's going to take some time."
The Patriots could play today without their starting quarterback Darryl Johnson, who tweaked his knee in practice this week. If he cannot play, Bruce Jones will start.
"If Darryl is healthy and ready, he will start the game," Forti said. "I spoke with him (Friday), and he said it was stiff. I hope it's just a sprain. From all indications, he went knee to knee with someone
"He's a leader on the field, and he has that other dimension. He can scramble and run around. He is elusive out there. It's like having another running back."
Defensively, the Patriots will look to get off to a much better start today. Against the Timberwolves, they allowed a touchdown on the opening drive and struggled before turning it around in the second half.
"We're jelling together more as a team now," defensive back Musa Odeh said. "The skill set has always been there. We picked it up in the second half last week and kept them scoreless.
"We just have to come out the same way we did in the second half from the first minute of the game. We have to come out with intensity and hit and make plays. We thrive off of one big play. It turns into another big play. We just need to get that first (big play) early."
In addition to the Patriots game, the organization will also begin its youth flag football league.
The games are scheduled to begin at 9 a.m. today and run through 2 p.m. in the main arena. Kinsman said 125 children, ages 7 to 13, have signed up for the league.
Registration is still ongoing for the eight-week season. Cost is $45.
PATRIOTS VS. GATORS
TODAY: 6 p.m.
WHERE: McMorran Main
TICKETS: General admission $8, Press box area, East/West end zones $10; Field level $14; Available at Ticketmaster or McMorran Box Office