Beurlein to lead Otters against Juggernauts
By Rachel Biber
"If it ain't broke, don't fix it," is the resounding theme for the Sorin Otters as they head into their matchup this Sunday against the 1-1 Knott Hall Juggernaughts.
The Otters will again depend on their solid passing game, led by quarterback Luke Beuerlein, to lock up a win against the Juggernaughts.
"We'll stick to what we've been doing," Sorin captain Fred Faber said.
This week's showing at practice has been improvement from the previous week for the Otters, when attendance was poor.
"Practice has been surprisingly good," Faber said. "We've had a good showing."
If the Otters previous win came without a strong week of practice, then the Juggernaughts will have many obstacles to overcome this Sunday.
Knott Hall, which captured its first win against Zahm last week, is hoping to put a dent in the Sorin's perfect record. A win would require Knott Hall to repeat its sound defensive performance from last week when it shuts out Zahm. Knott captain Mario Suarez is confident that his team will get the job done.
"We realize we have a lot of potential," Suarez said. "It's just a matter of following through."
The passing game of Knott Hall has a lot to live up to when it matches up against Sorin this Sunday, but Suarez is intent on keeping the same offensive plan. The focus for the Juggernaughts will be "to maintain the passing game," according to Suarez.
Knott Hall watched from the sidelines last week, viewing the strengths of Sorin. The Otters, however, are confident in their game plan.
"It's time to focus on what we do well," Faber said. "And just go with it."
St. Ed's vs. Siegfried
The men of St. Ed's head into this weekend's game against the Ramblers of Siegfried seeking to capture victory for the first time in years.
Winning has eluded St. Ed's in the past, but after scoring its first touchdown this season in last week's game it has gained momentum.
"Our focus is winning," St. Ed's captain Nick Sciola said. "We want to play intense."
The 1-0-1 Ramblers will try to erase the memory of last week's penalty-filled game by turning on the offensive side of their game.
"We were disappointed with coming away with a tie last weekend," Rambler's coach Jamie Bordas said. "Penalties just killed us."
Siegfried has exhibited solid defense in their first two games by posting two shut outs.
"We are happy with our defense," Bordas said. "We've had two games and two shut outs."
In order to take control of Sunday's game, the Ramblers know they have to contribute on offense.
"Our focus is to get better on offense and eliminate mistakes," Bordas said.
When St. Ed's and Siegfried face off on Sunday, both are intent on showing its offensive capabilities, which have been silenced so far this season. If practice makes perfect, however, then it seems as though Siegfried will have the advantage this weekend.
"We haven't had the greatest attendance at practice," St. Ed's captain Sciola said.
The attitude at the Rambler's camp has been more focused.
"This week has been better in practice," Bordas, Siegfried's coach, said. "We've realized we can't just be physically tough, but we also have to be mentally tough."
Zahm vs. Fisher
The match-up between Zahm and Fisher features two teams who each failed to light up the offensive board last Sunday, but each hopes to reverse its fortunes at the other's expense.
The 0-2 Zahmbies look to pick up their first win of the season, while the Green Wave of Fisher is intent on improving their 1-0-1 record.
Zahm captain Mike Garko knows his team his hungry for a win. They have kept their focus on improving their play, not worrying about the threat the Green Wave may pose.
"We haven't really looked at them," Garko said. "We are more concerned about ourselves."
This week's practice has lightened the mood for the Zahm squad, after two disheartening losses.
"Practice has been a lot of fun," Garko said. "It kind of lightened up the mood. Hopefully it will carry over into the game."
Fisher looks to the lead of quarterback Zack Allen to provide some offensive spark in Sunday's game. The defense needs no improvement after proving their potential in shutting out both of their opponents this season.
Both team's wishes can be summed in the statement made by Zahm captain Mike Garko: "Our focus is to win one and score some points."
All Sports Stories for Friday, October 1, 1999
