With two games in just five days to open the season, Muskie “B” head coach Rob Tysz admitted he knew his young team would go through some growing pains.
And as the scores of their first two games would indicate, the young and largely inexperienced team has had its share of discomfort. But the “Bees” continue to show marked improvement each week. In fact, they look to be getting better with each play.
Now the coaches have the luxury of a 10-day break before their next game Sept. 24 in International Falls to work on some of the problems that have plagued the team in a pair of lopsided losses–the most recent a 56-7 defeat Monday afternoon here to the Baudette Bears.
Despite giving up 34 second-half points, the highlight for the Muskies was a fourth-quarter drive that culminated in a 15-yard touchdown run by Jock Gemmell.
“We’re coming into just our third week and the guys continue to improve during each quarter and each practice,” an upbeat Tysz said after Monday’s game.
“Now we have a 10-day break to set some new goals and improve even more,” he added. “Our guys are getting so doggone close to learning the skills and getting better.”
Indeed they are. Able to do little against Warroad here last Thursday, the “Bees” were able to move the ball at times against Baudette while the defence made some stellar plays highlighted by a couple of fumble recoveries (including one in the end zone).
While Tysz admitted the defence still has a long way to go in improving their tackling techniques and reading where the play is going, he was elated with his team’s persistent effort to chase down the ball carrier.
The “Bees” showed excellent pursuit at times, only to be hurt by a big play.
“Our defence had a goal to stop them and they did at times, much better than they did in [last Thursday’s] loss, where I don’t think we really stopped them,” said Tysz.
“Every time [Warroad] touched the ball, they seemed to score.”
Still, the most impressive characteristic of this team is its character, which was evident when the “Bees” scored a touchdown while already down 50-0. It was a jubilation reminiscent of a Super Bowl victory, which didn’t go unnoticed by the coaches.
“Again, like when I talked to you last week, these players have such a wonderful attitude,” Tysz enthused. “Even when they are down 35-0, there’s never a drop in their attitude and that’s what the coaching staff wants to see.
“The bottom line is they don’t quit.”
Fort Frances Times
Local News from Across the Rainy River District
