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The News Argus October 199U Page 11
Coach Rich: 'We must attack to win
By STEPHEN SMITH
Sports Editor
Expectations for the 1990 Rams
football team aren’t any different this year
than at any other time. But one thing that
is different is the team itself.
With 40 new players on the team,
three coaches gone along with at least nine
quality starters (including C.I.A.A.
Offensive Player Of The Year Kenny
Jones), the Rams of Winston-Salem State
are indeed the “New” Rams.
Whenever you lose top notch players,
it creates voids that must be fillled. And
when you add the loss of assistant coach
David Corley and two line coaches —
SJjerman Simmons and John Patterson—it
becomes natural to assume that problems
will persist Offensive line coach Gary
Smith is the only coach who has been
named as a replacement
The lack of personnel can only hinder
a team and in this case Pete Richardson,
WSSU’s head coach. For example, the
Rams lost seven defensive starters from
last year’s squad. Some to graduation —
Donald Franks and Anthony McCord—
others to injury.
“Playing experience has hindered our
team tremendously” stated Richardson.
How right he is.
I
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Photo by New Argus Sports
wssu wide receiver Yancey Thigpen is one of the ClAA's most dangerous pass catching threats.
Not one defensive player for WSSU
has a full season of experience under his
belt and it shows. In their first three games,
the Rams have given up an average of 28
points per game — far more than in the
opposition had in past seasons.
Offense is another story. Thebackfield
has three seasoned veterans returning so
they are solid. “We’ve got three of the best
backs to come out of this state” said
Richardson. The returnees are Rodney
McKoy (averaged over seven ypc), Willie
(Popcorn) Latta, and Ronald Beverly. The
addition of Bobby Brown certainly hasn’t
hurt either.
The quarterback situation is different.
Rovell McMillan and Milch Nicholson have
battled for the starting position. Both are
talented, perform but will face tremendous
pressure because of the various defenses
they will face. For now, coach Richardson
is going with Nicholson as his starting QB.
To lake the pressure off Nicholson, the
Rams offensive line will have to open some
holes for the backfield and provide
sufficient pass protection for Nicholson.
Elry McKnight and James “Plug” Milton
are two members who must get the job
done. Coach Richardson says aggression
is where it all starts.
“We know we mustaltack to win,” the
coach said. “To attack, our offensive line
has to be aggressive”. Prcxluction from the
offensive line is vital for the Rams to
establish a formidable running attack which
will open things up for wide receiver Yancey
Thigpen.
After enjoying a sensational season
last year, Thigpen most certainly will sec
double and triple coverage all year. “If we
run the ball effectively and limit our
turnovers,” Richardson explained, “things
will open up for Yancey and everyone
else”.
Though the Rams have struggled at
the beginning of the season, they are still a
team to be reckoned with. With almost an
entirely new team on the field, the Rams
are still strong.
Nicholson is showing signs of
leadership and the offense is playing
effectively. Atpresstime,WSSU was third
in the ClAA in total offense, averaging
nearly 300 yards a game.
Perhaps the most telling statistic is the
number of possessions. Other teams around
the league have had 60 to 70 more
possessions than the Rams. Furthermore,
the Rams are averaging nearly seven
turnovers a game. Yet WSSU is still
averaging 23 points per game.
“It’s got to come together sooner or
later” coach Richardson said.
He should know.
Winning two C.I.A.A. championships
in the past three years doesn ’ t exactly make
you an expert, but it sure reminds a coach
and his players of their capabilities and the
achievements of all those who played in the
past
The Rams have always possessed
talent. Somehow you get the feeling that
their time is coming, and hopefully so will
the victories.
Only lime will tell.