Post by fwp on May 14, 2010 7:55:57 GMT -5
www.wenatcheeworld.com/news/2010/may/13/new-track-for-venom-interim-coach-wants-improved/?sports
WENATCHEE — In his first week on the job, Wenatchee Valley Venom interim head coach Brian Smith isn’t making wholesale changes. Instead, he just wants the 2-5 team to improve its execution as it prepares for its Saturday game at San Jose.
“We just want to clean a few things up and get things on a new track pointed towards success,” said Smith, who was promoted from assistant head coach when the Venom fired head coach Keith Evans on Monday. “We’ve got the guys that it takes to win. It’s just getting them to execute and play at a higher level of intensity.”
Smith said there’s a formula for success in indoor football that the team hasn’t been meeting.
“It’s a simple game. There’s an equation — if you score 60 points and get four stops on defense, you’ll win. We haven’t done that,” he said.
Though the Venom’s defense has struggled during their five-game losing skid, Smith said it’s starting to come together, especially the defensive line of Kai Ziegler, Dennis Coit, Anthony Atkins and Corey Clark.
“I think it’s safe to say we have the best defensive line in the league, as a unit,” he said.
Devin Hollins, who was released by the team after three games only to return last week, will get the nod at quarterback against the Wolves. Hollins was strong in two quarters of play in last week’s loss to the Arctic Predators, which was his first action since the season opener March 20.
“The team rallies around Devin,” Smith said. “He brings a certain poise and self-confidence. He has a certain aura around him, and he makes good decisions.”
Despite the changes the team went through early in the week, Smith said “everybody’s responded well.”
The Venom are determined to right the ship against the Wolves (6-1), a team that blasted them 70-38 less than two weeks ago.
“We’re most definitely going into this game looking for a win,” said Smith. “This is a wonderful opportunity for our squad to show that we are a great team and are much more competitive than our record shows.
“We’re playing more aggressively. Our backs are against the wall and we have nothing to lose.”
Brent Stecker: 661-5222
stecker@wenworld.com
WENATCHEE — In his first week on the job, Wenatchee Valley Venom interim head coach Brian Smith isn’t making wholesale changes. Instead, he just wants the 2-5 team to improve its execution as it prepares for its Saturday game at San Jose.
“We just want to clean a few things up and get things on a new track pointed towards success,” said Smith, who was promoted from assistant head coach when the Venom fired head coach Keith Evans on Monday. “We’ve got the guys that it takes to win. It’s just getting them to execute and play at a higher level of intensity.”
Smith said there’s a formula for success in indoor football that the team hasn’t been meeting.
“It’s a simple game. There’s an equation — if you score 60 points and get four stops on defense, you’ll win. We haven’t done that,” he said.
Though the Venom’s defense has struggled during their five-game losing skid, Smith said it’s starting to come together, especially the defensive line of Kai Ziegler, Dennis Coit, Anthony Atkins and Corey Clark.
“I think it’s safe to say we have the best defensive line in the league, as a unit,” he said.
Devin Hollins, who was released by the team after three games only to return last week, will get the nod at quarterback against the Wolves. Hollins was strong in two quarters of play in last week’s loss to the Arctic Predators, which was his first action since the season opener March 20.
“The team rallies around Devin,” Smith said. “He brings a certain poise and self-confidence. He has a certain aura around him, and he makes good decisions.”
Despite the changes the team went through early in the week, Smith said “everybody’s responded well.”
The Venom are determined to right the ship against the Wolves (6-1), a team that blasted them 70-38 less than two weeks ago.
“We’re most definitely going into this game looking for a win,” said Smith. “This is a wonderful opportunity for our squad to show that we are a great team and are much more competitive than our record shows.
“We’re playing more aggressively. Our backs are against the wall and we have nothing to lose.”
Brent Stecker: 661-5222
stecker@wenworld.com