By Nate Beutel/beuteln@gnnewspaper.com
Niagara Gazette
October 26, 2007 01:46 pm
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Despite having a playoff berth all wrapped up last week, Grand Island coach Dean Santorio insisted his team would not rest players and would be attempting to stay hot heading into the playoffs against Class A North’s last place team, Williamsville East. While Santorio certainly kept to his word by keeping his starters in the lineup, the second half of his promise fell a bit short just like the Vikings did, 24-22 at Williamsville East.
“We were really disappointed in our defensive intensity last week,” Santorio said. “We unfortunately gave up two touchdowns in the air that we usually don’t give up. That happens though when you are not tuned in mentally and emotionally.”
But as soon as Saturday passed, Santorio said he, his staff and his players had put the loss behind them and tuned all their attention to this week’s Class A semifinal opponent — Cheektowaga.
“Our kids will be focused and come to play (tonight),” the coach said. “... We still are confident in what we bring to the table each week. If we go out and win this week, last week will be forgotten.”
• Defensive tackle Nick Tomkins was injured during the loss last week and will be a game-time decision, according to Santorio.
• Assistant coaches Steve Steck and Mike Stauffer were in attendance last Friday as Cheektowaga topped fellow unbeaten Iroquois in overtime. While the GI coaches were certainly impressed by the Warriors, the porous run defense by Cheektowaga undoubtedly left some positive thoughts in their mind. Iroquois tailback Brandon Murie ran for over 250 yards, so that bodes well for GI backs Alex Webb and Eddie Weiser.
“We will have to continue to pound the ball more and nickel and dime them in the running game with our two backs,” Santorio said.
• Another area where GI may have the advantage is in playoff experience as a number of Vikings’ players were a part of the team’s run to the Far West Regionals two seasons ago. Senior middle linebacker Christian Nestark and offensive tackle Tim Boorady both got playing time during that run.
The Vikings are also no stranger to road games as during that run two years ago they beat Hamburg on the road in the semifinals. GI also toppled preseason Class A front-runner Albion earlier this season in Orleans County.
“... we just don't act like it is a big deal to go on the road and we try to be as prepared as possible,” Santorio said.
• Cheektowaga (8-0) has a number of quality athletes on its roster and runs the triple option very effectively, but with only about 25 players on the roster the Warriors play most of their guys both ways.
“Maybe we can wear them down a bit,” Santorio said.
— Nate Beutel
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