Post by lionsroar on Mar 20, 2009 7:52:15 GMT -5
www.scnow.com/scp/sports/minors/minors_football/article/phantoms_search_for_missing_offense/39826/
Phantoms search for missing offense
By Shawn Singleton
Published: March 19, 2009
FLORENCE — The Florence Phantoms are spending their bye week relaxing with their families and friends.
When they return, however, a question must be answered. Can the team get its offense together in time for next Saturday’s home date with Columbus?
Florence (1-1) scored the fewest points in team history in a 19-13 win over Harrisburg last Friday. Kicker Derek Scott accounted for 11 of the points on field goals and extra points.
“We’re still having offensive woes. We’re moving the ball well, but we’re not scoring,” Phantoms coach Mike Watson said. “We have to take advantage of the opportunities we’re getting.”
Last season, the Phantoms were an offensive force with American Indoor Football Association MVP Omar Jacobs at quarterback en route to the league championship.
The current version of the team has pointed to its quarterback situation as part of the problem.
Quarterbacks Cory Minfeld and Darlington native Brian Scott each struggled in the contest, combining for one touchdown pass, two interceptions and several dropped snaps.
“It’s a process in itself trying to get our quarterbacks in place,” Florence offensive coordinator Terrell Stewart said. “We’re trying to simplify the offense and the reads. It’s easier said than done.
“We’ve been working with them on their reads and checkdowns. In the heat of battle, however, they’re not going to their checkdowns. And they’re forcing the ball downfield.”
Watson, however, said the duo has made some progress and he hopes they can turn the corner in time for Columbus.
“Brian has the ability to get the job done. Hopefully as he continues to progress, he can make the reads he needs to make,” he said. “Cory is learning the (indoor football) game as he goes along.
“We hope to get great things from both of them as the year progresses.”
With the struggles at quarterback, the Phantom defense has carried the load in the first two games. Larry Thompson sealed the win against the Stampede with an interception in the closing seconds.
Othesse Wells also picked off Harrisburg quarterback A.J. Roque in the game. Former South Florence standout D.J. McLeod racked up his first two career sacks against Roque.
“Our defense understands how it works,” Stewart said. “It’ll all come together with time, but they know they’ll have to keep things in order until the offense comes around.”
“The defense always comes around sooner than the offense because the offense is so complex,” first-year Florence general manager Preston Johnson said. “The offense needs time to gel together.”
The Phantoms feel they can right the ship in time for the Lions’ arrival at the Florence Civic Center.
“As soon as we get the quarterback situation together, the offense will be as potent as we were last year,” Watson said. “It will electrify the team and the fans as well.”
Group discounts available
Any church or civic organization that wants to attend a Florence Phantoms game can get a group discount.
Call the team at (843) 432-KICK for more information.
Phantoms search for missing offense
By Shawn Singleton
Published: March 19, 2009
FLORENCE — The Florence Phantoms are spending their bye week relaxing with their families and friends.
When they return, however, a question must be answered. Can the team get its offense together in time for next Saturday’s home date with Columbus?
Florence (1-1) scored the fewest points in team history in a 19-13 win over Harrisburg last Friday. Kicker Derek Scott accounted for 11 of the points on field goals and extra points.
“We’re still having offensive woes. We’re moving the ball well, but we’re not scoring,” Phantoms coach Mike Watson said. “We have to take advantage of the opportunities we’re getting.”
Last season, the Phantoms were an offensive force with American Indoor Football Association MVP Omar Jacobs at quarterback en route to the league championship.
The current version of the team has pointed to its quarterback situation as part of the problem.
Quarterbacks Cory Minfeld and Darlington native Brian Scott each struggled in the contest, combining for one touchdown pass, two interceptions and several dropped snaps.
“It’s a process in itself trying to get our quarterbacks in place,” Florence offensive coordinator Terrell Stewart said. “We’re trying to simplify the offense and the reads. It’s easier said than done.
“We’ve been working with them on their reads and checkdowns. In the heat of battle, however, they’re not going to their checkdowns. And they’re forcing the ball downfield.”
Watson, however, said the duo has made some progress and he hopes they can turn the corner in time for Columbus.
“Brian has the ability to get the job done. Hopefully as he continues to progress, he can make the reads he needs to make,” he said. “Cory is learning the (indoor football) game as he goes along.
“We hope to get great things from both of them as the year progresses.”
With the struggles at quarterback, the Phantom defense has carried the load in the first two games. Larry Thompson sealed the win against the Stampede with an interception in the closing seconds.
Othesse Wells also picked off Harrisburg quarterback A.J. Roque in the game. Former South Florence standout D.J. McLeod racked up his first two career sacks against Roque.
“Our defense understands how it works,” Stewart said. “It’ll all come together with time, but they know they’ll have to keep things in order until the offense comes around.”
“The defense always comes around sooner than the offense because the offense is so complex,” first-year Florence general manager Preston Johnson said. “The offense needs time to gel together.”
The Phantoms feel they can right the ship in time for the Lions’ arrival at the Florence Civic Center.
“As soon as we get the quarterback situation together, the offense will be as potent as we were last year,” Watson said. “It will electrify the team and the fans as well.”
Group discounts available
Any church or civic organization that wants to attend a Florence Phantoms game can get a group discount.
Call the team at (843) 432-KICK for more information.