Mules Report August 28

Mules Report
August 28, 2007

Mules Report Archive

Okay, so that first course wasn't so good. Someone said it's supposed to be good for us, despite the bad taste it left in our collective mouths. I'll go along with that line of thinking for now. Minnesota State Mankato was a good test for the Mules and should go a long way toward preparing Central for conference play.

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POSITIVES: Despite the offense producing just 14 points, the Mules definitely have some playmakers they were missing last year and the defense seems top be an overall upgrade from 2006. This defensive backfield is dangerous. 4 picks in the first game of the season is a sign that opposing teams will have difficulty sustaining drives. John Samia's two picks should have answered questions about whether or not he would get back to the level he was at before his injury early last year.

* Eric Czerniewski is athletic and should get better every game going forward. The young QB didn't make a lot of mistakes; it just seems he needs to get his timing down with the rest of the offense.

* Anthony Parks and could be the most exciting player this season on offense. One thing's for sure, we're gonna hear a lot of that last name. Anthony did a commendable job receiving and returning kicks while his younger brother Adam did great with the opportunities he was given as well.

* John Wood wreaked havoc in the opposing team's backfield, despite playing against one of the largest offensive lines the Mules have ever seen. But the 3 sacks by Mule defense were registered by his fellow linemen, Chris Gilchriest and Dallas Bryant along with LB Adrian Singletary.

* Matt Frankel is the best punter in the MIAA. He averaged 43 yards per kick with zero return yards. He continually changed the field with his punts and did an admirable job on kickoffs as well.

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NEGATIVES: As incredibly explosive as this secondary is, they continually gave up the big pass play. Sure Mavericks QB Eric King is one of the better QBs in Division II and he had some very good receivers to throw to, but if this secondary is to be considered the "best in school history", they can't continue to give up the big pass play.

The defensive line must stop the run better. When Mankato did happen upon a run play, they seemed to move the ball with relative ease. Not a good sign considering their only real weakness was their running game.

We need a field goal kicker to step up and prove himself. If only our kicking coach had another year of eligibility?

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SOME PERSPECTIVE: Minnesota State gave Division II National Runner-Up Northwest Missouri all they could handle in last year's season opener until the fourth quarter, when the Bearcats (as the home team) put it away in Maryville. The Mules had to play an improved Mankato team this year, and travel to Minnesota for their crack at the Mavericks, and once again the home team pulled away in the fourth quarter. The Mules will get their shot at redemption as the home team against the Mavs in '08, but for now all the attention must turn to Northern Sun opponent Concordia St Paul.

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WHAT TO EXPECT: Expect another good opponent for Central and another good QB to test the defensive secondary. Golden Bears QB, Kole Goodchild, was selected as the NSIC Preseason Offensive Player of the Year by the head coaches from the Northern Sun. The Mules are undefeated against NSIC teams in Willie Fritz's tenure. Expect that streak to continue as the Mules even up their record at 1-1 going into conference play. There's a one-week layoff until the Golden Bears come to Warrensburg. Central will be at home and have two weeks to prepare for one of the better teams in the Northern Sun Football Conference.

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KEYS TO VICTORY FOR THE MULES:
Establish the run game
Win the turnover battle
Don't give up the big play

Bill Steinke is a writer for MulesCentral.com. His Mules Report is published every Tuesday throughout the season. Bill resides in Knoxville, TN.

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