Bucs football team heading in the right direction
Published 5:00 am Wednesday, October 3, 2007
SEQUIM — Turnovers. In a game where both teams were evenly matched, the Buccaneers turned the ball over five times resulting in a 33-7 defeat against the Sequim Wolves Friday night in an Olympic League contest in Sequim.
“If we didn’t turn the ball over, we would have been right there with them,” said Buccaneers coach Dan Novick. “It was an even game without the turnovers. That was the difference in the game.”
The Buccaneers defense has improved during the past three contests. After giving up a bundle of yards in its first three contests, Novick said the Buccaneers defense rose to the occasion, holding the usually potent Sequim ground attack to 146 rushing yards and a 3-yards per carry average.
“The level of hitting on our defense improved. I really felt like we were the more physical team,” he said. “It seemed like the light bulb came on. We were aggressive, and were gang tackling. Football is a lot more fun when you’re aggressive.”
Senior linebacker Chris Wade led the hitting parade finishing with a team-high 10 tackles — two for a loss.
“Chris really cut loose and was playing recklessly in a positive way. He set the tone for the defense,” Novick said. “He was playing the way we know he can going full speed ahead. For a second I thought I saw Dick Butkus out there.”
Despite being winless on the season, the Bucs (0-4 overall, 0-1 league) are making strides each week, Novick said.
“I’m very proud of the kids’ effort,” he said. “We had a fairly balanced offensive attack, moved the ball and played better on defense. We’re continuing to grow as a team.”
Novick said he expects his team to carry those improvements with them when they face Klahowya (3-2 overall, 1-0 league) this Friday night at Silverdale Stadium.
“It’s going to be a good challenge for the kids and I think we’re up to it,” he said. “Klahowya is a young team. We have to be aggressive on both sides of the ball.”
Novick said the Bucs will have to slow down speedy Klahowya running back Andre Moore.
“I’m a little extra excited for this game,” he said. “My nephew (Andre) plays running back for them. He has breakaway speed we’re going to have to stop him. He has rushed for over 100 yards in three games this year.”
