Red Storm defense plans to wreak havoc on Otters
By RACHEL BIBER
When Zahm and Sorin face off this Sunday, a batch of new talent will debut.
The teams are depending on stellar play from new faces as it prepares to start the season in the right direction.
The Screaming Sorin Otters look to senior Luke Beuerlein, a first-year player, to lead their offense. Captain and coach Fred Faber insists that freshman safety Greg Carney is "one to watch."
Faber hopes the two weeks of practice will pay off, but insists that it still was not that much time, and his defense is still learning.
"Every day we are getting a lot better," said Faber of his team of 22 players, "And I think we are going to show them we can compete even though we lost a lot of players."
Zahm's "Red Swarm" defense hopes to return in full force from last year's 4-2 season. "Zahm interhall football is known for its great attack defense," said coach Jerry Fitzpatrick, "And we intend on continuing our tradition."
Captain Mike Garko and Matt Meyer will lead a relatively new squad boasting the talent of freshmen Dan Burke and Gabe Ibanez. Zahm's strengths will be discovered on gameday, as Garko says, "The surprises are going to be unleashed on Sunday."
"Our definite strengths are team speed and pride," noted Fitzpatrick. "And we will strive every week to be consistent at executing our game."
Siegfried vs. Knott
Going into their matchup against Knott Hall this weekend, Siegfried coach Jamie Bordas has high expectations for his team.
"We should definitely be one of the teams playing for the title," said Bordas. "And we should have an outstanding season."
Siegfried is rebounding from a tough first-round playoff loss to Zahm after a 3-1 regular season record from last year. Their high hopes ride on a host of experienced players. The defense is led by linebacker Robert Miyakawa and free safety Peter Aguiar, while the offense includes key players in quarterback Rob Plumby, tailback Travis Smith and fullback Kevin Haley.
Bordas notes the tough running ability of Smith and Haley, and their capability of getting first downs. Also expected to make an impact is first-year player Mike Bossen, whose quickness will be a definite asset.
On Sunday, the Ramblers look to dominate the defensive side of the ball and said Bordas "expects to shut people down."
The Juggernaughts of Knott Hall are on a quest to improve on last year's record of 1-2-1 as they enter Sunday's game against Siegfried. The offense hopes to show off the talent of running backs Brandon Landas, Pat Virtue and fullback Joe Mueller.
Captain Mario Suarez says the key to a win on Sunday rides on the ability of the team to execute and run their plays correctly.
"It would be nice if we played over our potential," Suarez said. "New faces to watch include freshmen Jonathan Smith, Looe Baker and Kyle Trotter."
Suarez is looking to the defense to step it up a notch in the season opener. "We're hoping to attack on defense," said Suarez, "and keep them on their toes."
All Sports Stories for Friday, September 17, 1999
