WEST CHESTER, Pa. - Better weather and a more concentrated level of commitment greeted West Chester's football squad as the Golden Rams hit the practice fields behind Farrell Stadium for the second day of preseason camp.
Head coach Bill Zwaan and his staff split the squad into offense and defense and put each side through a rigorous two-hour session designed to throw more and more at the young team to see what sinks in. The staff was pleased with the progress in just two short days of the season.
HEAD COACH BILL ZWAAN
re: Running backs and emphasis on running game
"It is one of the places where we feel that we are really strong. We have three fullbacks that we are very comfortable with. Matt McLaughlin, Brian McDermott and Adam Young, all three of those guys can play for us.
"D'Andre (Webb) and Jackson (Fagan) have also had a ton of playing time at tailback. When you add in Corey Broyles and Derrick Dietz and Rondell White coming in as a freshman, you have a really deep and talented core of running backs.
"Our expectation is that our running game will have to carry us. That's what our hope is, so that we don't have to put so much pressure on Mike (Mattei) and the passing game. Our running game is capable of doing that. After two days of practice, they look really good. It feels like everybody understands what we are trying to do."
re: Freshmen and their retention early on in the preseason
"The offense is really complicated, and so is the defense. But, I've been pretty impressed with some people. Some of them look like, physically, they are ready to play. But, they've also picked up some things as well.
"We may need some freshmen to contribute early. So, we are pretty happy with the way those guys have come along. After two days, I'm excited about the focus of the younger players. I think the older players force them to be that focused."
re: Team's level of enthusiasm and excitement
"Not making the playoffs, changed the way in which we looked at things, both in the spring and now in the fall. What I see is a team that is on a mission. In the past, (the playoffs) was always our goal, but I think we thought that it was just going to happen without working as hard for it.
"I think this team is on a mission to make sure that we reach the playoffs. The enthusiasm is excellent, and the focus is great.
re: Expectations of the team
"Our players know what people are talking about. I think it is good that people are talking about us. I think our players should have high expectations and should be working towards those lofty goals. As long as they understand that it just doesn't get handed to them.
"I like the fact that people think that we are a good football team, and now the players have to go prove that.
OFFENSIVE COORDINATOR GERALD TONEY
re: Status of the offense after two days of practice
"Guys are working, and they are working hard. We have a lot of people who have to make a contribution for us to be successful. That's the whole part of it - understanding what everyone's role is and how it affects the team.
"This is a good group. We have some guys who have played in the past and have been in the system. That helps - especially on the offensive line. You have to have a good front to be successful. Coach (Nick) Sama does an excellent job getting those guys ready to play.
re: Mike Mattei's progress
"He doing really well. He has a lot of ability and the team rallies around him."
So. QB MIKE MATTEI
re: His progress in picking up the offense
"Personally, I feel excited about the season and confident. I have a good knowledge of the offense now. The team is really starting to look good. We haven't been in pads, yet. But, maybe tomorrow, we will be able to bang a little."
re: His confidence in the offense since the spring season
"It has grown a lot. It feels good to know that everybody is behind me, now that I'm the No. 1 QB. Last season, I was fourth-string. So, I get to spend a lot more time this year with all the coaches. That helps me learn the offense."
re: Experienced offensive line
"That's why I am so excited. Those guys are three-year starters, and they will help us run the ball. The running game looks very good right now."
re: First start at Delaware
"That is going to be crazy. Thousands of people screaming in a big stadium. But, that's why I came here. Everybody loves playing that game."