Post by 50yardfan on Apr 2, 2011 14:52:45 GMT -5
Team stays focused on Chicago Knights
www.thetimesherald.com/article/20110402/SPORTS/104020317/Football-Predators-ignoring-tumult
It has been an interesting week to say the least for the Port Huron Predators.
John Forti, a former coach at Capac and Imlay City high schools and the current offensive coordinator at Memphis High School, has taken over as head coach.
He replaces Jason Lovelock, who parted ways with the team early this week.
Amid the changes, the Predators (2-1) have continued to practice for today's game at 7:30 p.m. against the Chicago Knights (0-1) at McMorran Arena.
"We had three good days of practice," Forti said. "The players were upbeat and excited to go (today)."
Backup quarterback Jim Roth will start for the Predators. Calvin Toliver, who started in the team's 61-34 victory against the Dayton Silverbacks on March 19, will miss the game with a separated right throwing shoulder.
Toliver was hurt on the first play from scrimmage against the Silverbacks.
"Jim is doing better," Forti said of Roth, who is naturally a wide receiver. "The more time he has the better he will be. He's progressing. He's smart, and he sees the game from a receiver's standpoint. He knows where the defense will be."
The Predators will not only play without their starting quarterback, their starting running back Levi Raines also will miss the game after suffering a torn Achilles' tendon against the Silverbacks.
The team also will be without the services of Andre Raines, who left the team and returned home to Florida this week.
The Predators signed former Port Huron Pirate Darryl Frager to fill in at receiver, and he will be rotated alongside Terry Mitchell, Robert Height and Devon Daniels.
Height could also see time at running back, where Adam Hurst has been brought in.
Port Huron High graduate Dave Tatti will take over for Lovelock and coordinate the defense.
Captain and defensive back Ernie Smith also will call plays from the field.
"I think we are adjusting pretty well," Smith said. "Most of us have been through this before. It's nothing new to us in the least bit. It doesn't faze us. It's about us playing for each other and not thinking about the off-the-field stuff."
Even with all of the changes this week, Forti said the team still will be in position to win today.
"It's a big game," Forti said. "I don't want to say it's the end of the world. But with all of the distractions, it would be nice to get the 'W' and put things to rest so to speak and bond from that.
"Execution is going to be key. With the offense having a new running back and new guys, we have to play sound football. The special teams were better (last game), and hopefully they will be even better this week."
PREDATORS WATCH
WHAT: Predators (2-1) vs. Chicago Knights (0-1)
WHEN: 7:30 p.m. today
WHERE: McMorran Arena
TICKETS: Range from $8-$16. Children younger than 10 years old are $4 with paid adult. Seniors, students and military personnel receive $2 discount.
www.thetimesherald.com/article/20110402/SPORTS/104020317/Football-Predators-ignoring-tumult
It has been an interesting week to say the least for the Port Huron Predators.
John Forti, a former coach at Capac and Imlay City high schools and the current offensive coordinator at Memphis High School, has taken over as head coach.
He replaces Jason Lovelock, who parted ways with the team early this week.
Amid the changes, the Predators (2-1) have continued to practice for today's game at 7:30 p.m. against the Chicago Knights (0-1) at McMorran Arena.
"We had three good days of practice," Forti said. "The players were upbeat and excited to go (today)."
Backup quarterback Jim Roth will start for the Predators. Calvin Toliver, who started in the team's 61-34 victory against the Dayton Silverbacks on March 19, will miss the game with a separated right throwing shoulder.
Toliver was hurt on the first play from scrimmage against the Silverbacks.
"Jim is doing better," Forti said of Roth, who is naturally a wide receiver. "The more time he has the better he will be. He's progressing. He's smart, and he sees the game from a receiver's standpoint. He knows where the defense will be."
The Predators will not only play without their starting quarterback, their starting running back Levi Raines also will miss the game after suffering a torn Achilles' tendon against the Silverbacks.
The team also will be without the services of Andre Raines, who left the team and returned home to Florida this week.
The Predators signed former Port Huron Pirate Darryl Frager to fill in at receiver, and he will be rotated alongside Terry Mitchell, Robert Height and Devon Daniels.
Height could also see time at running back, where Adam Hurst has been brought in.
Port Huron High graduate Dave Tatti will take over for Lovelock and coordinate the defense.
Captain and defensive back Ernie Smith also will call plays from the field.
"I think we are adjusting pretty well," Smith said. "Most of us have been through this before. It's nothing new to us in the least bit. It doesn't faze us. It's about us playing for each other and not thinking about the off-the-field stuff."
Even with all of the changes this week, Forti said the team still will be in position to win today.
"It's a big game," Forti said. "I don't want to say it's the end of the world. But with all of the distractions, it would be nice to get the 'W' and put things to rest so to speak and bond from that.
"Execution is going to be key. With the offense having a new running back and new guys, we have to play sound football. The special teams were better (last game), and hopefully they will be even better this week."
PREDATORS WATCH
WHAT: Predators (2-1) vs. Chicago Knights (0-1)
WHEN: 7:30 p.m. today
WHERE: McMorran Arena
TICKETS: Range from $8-$16. Children younger than 10 years old are $4 with paid adult. Seniors, students and military personnel receive $2 discount.