BLACKSBURG, Virginia (BP) -- The Blacksburg Ballers face off Friday in a must win situation against the Thundery Bay Storm. Coming in at 5-6, the Ballers lost a close game Wednesday against the 5th place Niagra Knights. The Ballers lost a 10 point first quarter lead and let fatigue get the best of them. This week the Storm will be another tough divisional opponent as they must face one of the league's best offensive lines and quarterbacks.
"We need to focus on keeping the guys in shape and ready to play," Blacksburg coach and owner Mike told the Blacksburg Press. "The game last week was just a case of our guys getting tired and we made some crucial mistakes"
Crucial mistakes they were. The Ballers had 2 late interceptions by both of their backup QB's with Khari Jones on the bench due to fatigue. In the previous games Mike had praised Khari's ability to handle the pressure and fatigue calling his performances "harrowing" and "what we need on this team".
With 8 teams making the playoffs in the Canada AA Western Conference, the Ballers have some work to do as they currently own the 10th spot. They are also 4th in the league with 15 interceptions thrown and 1st in the league in TD's given up with 14.
When asked about the staggering statistics Mike said, "The stats don't lie. I can't spin this any other way then we really need to work harder to keep our mistakes down and our defense solid."
We asked QB Khari Jones about the 15 interceptions and explained, "It really isn't Mike's fault or anyone's fault individually. The team has to come together to form a cohesive unit."
This week the Ballers will face a staunch Thunder Bay defense that is allowing only 169.8 yards per game. They have also harassed opposing QB's hurrying them for a total of 34 times this season.
"It's really not surprising what they've done. We've scouted this team over and over, and we know what that defense is capable of in its front 4," Blackburg Offensive Coordinator rbetesta explained. "We're just going to have to wear them down with the run and get a rythym going with Khari and the offense."
Blacksburg will have to win this match up otherwise they could tumble as far as the 13th spot in the western conference with only 4 games left to redeem themselves.
© 2008 The Blacksburg Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
"We need to focus on keeping the guys in shape and ready to play," Blacksburg coach and owner Mike told the Blacksburg Press. "The game last week was just a case of our guys getting tired and we made some crucial mistakes"
Crucial mistakes they were. The Ballers had 2 late interceptions by both of their backup QB's with Khari Jones on the bench due to fatigue. In the previous games Mike had praised Khari's ability to handle the pressure and fatigue calling his performances "harrowing" and "what we need on this team".
With 8 teams making the playoffs in the Canada AA Western Conference, the Ballers have some work to do as they currently own the 10th spot. They are also 4th in the league with 15 interceptions thrown and 1st in the league in TD's given up with 14.
When asked about the staggering statistics Mike said, "The stats don't lie. I can't spin this any other way then we really need to work harder to keep our mistakes down and our defense solid."
We asked QB Khari Jones about the 15 interceptions and explained, "It really isn't Mike's fault or anyone's fault individually. The team has to come together to form a cohesive unit."
This week the Ballers will face a staunch Thunder Bay defense that is allowing only 169.8 yards per game. They have also harassed opposing QB's hurrying them for a total of 34 times this season.
"It's really not surprising what they've done. We've scouted this team over and over, and we know what that defense is capable of in its front 4," Blackburg Offensive Coordinator rbetesta explained. "We're just going to have to wear them down with the run and get a rythym going with Khari and the offense."
Blacksburg will have to win this match up otherwise they could tumble as far as the 13th spot in the western conference with only 4 games left to redeem themselves.
© 2008 The Blacksburg Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
