Four more days 'til Wesley

On Friday, CNU football scrimmaged against the Fork Union Military Academy at home.  While there was a small crowd gathered, and the Captains won 13-8, the focus was less on the scoreboard and more on preparing players for live game action.

Sophomore LB Terrell Fowler makes a backfield tackle.

“Scrimmage went like most scrimmages—some good, some bad,” said head coach Matt Kelchner.  His main goal was to “see who would play hard, see who would play with intensity and see who knew what their assignments were.”

Head coach Matt Kelchner gives a universal sign of approval to the offense on the field.

Kelchner was paying particular attention to position assignments, noting which players lined up and executed plays successfully.  As opposed to a regular season game, however, the team spent minimal time preparing a game plan specifically tailored for Fork Union.

Their main goal is to beat Wesley College, ranked third in the nation, in the season opener this Saturday.  In fact, Kelchner’s had his eye on that game since last season.  He held 16 practices in the spring, and 22 more this season, all looking forward to the home opener.

“You’re looking at 38 practices with the same stuff, and we should have it repped out enough that we are very sharp and very precise,” said Kelchner.

Sophomore DB Dorion Jackson intercepts a pass to end the scrimmage.

“The other things we had to find out was some special teams issues, some kicking game depth.  We wanted to get some young kids on the field,” he added.  “We did have some young guys that really raised up, showed us that they can get on the field and help us Saturday with special teams work.”

That trend continued in Tuesday’s practice.  To end the day, the special teams ran field goal drills at varying distances and positions on the field.  On the last play, a 40-yard attempt, Kelchner announced that the team wouldn’t run if the field goal was good.

Sophomore K James Azzarelli kicks a field goal in practice.

Players on the sidelines watched intently as the squads lined up and hiked the ball.  Sophomore James Azzarelli's kick was good, and the team erupted into cheers and rushed the field as the ball easily sailed through the uprights.

Four more days ‘til Wesley.