Post by Bornthrilla on Nov 10, 2004 8:45:24 GMT -5
Aggies don't mind unexpected role
11-9-04
By Bill Hass Staff Writer
News & Record
GREENSBORO -- Don't let up.
That's the message N.C. A&T coach George Small delivered to his football players in preparation for the final two games of a disappointing season.
The Aggies are 1-4 in the MEAC and 3-6 overall, but Small doesn't expect any decrease in intensity.
"That's not something, as a player, you would want me to remember during the offseason," Small said Monday.
The spoiler's role isn't what the Aggies expected for Saturday's game against Hampton. Last year when the teams met, the Aggies won 38-28 to clinch the MEAC championship and a berth in the NCAA Division I-AA playoffs.
This time, Hampton can clinch the title with a win. The Pirates, ranked No. 13 in the Division I-AA poll, are 5-1 in the MEAC and have beaten South Carolina State, the only other team with fewer than two conference losses.
"We know the consequences of it all," Small said. "We know Hampton needs this victory, and we know we're going in to win the football game. We're not just throwing in the towel on this season.
"Everybody has a role to play and this is our opportunity to play spoiler. I'd rather be on the other end like last year, but since we're not, we accept our role. If we win, it will create havoc for them."
TIME TO HEAL: The Aggies didn't play last week and practiced only three days, getting the rest of the week off.
Small said senior tailback Micheaux Hollingsworth, who has missed the last three games with a sprained ankle, is healthy enough to play again.
"He looks to be about 80 to 85 percent," Small said, "and with two games left that's enough for me to go with. I know he wants to play these last two football games."
WEAPONS: Hampton has topped the 50-point mark twice and surpassed 40 four other times en route to an 8-1 record.
"They have weapons everywhere," Small said. "I don't see a whole lot of weaknesses."
The Pirates have a pair of solid runners in Alonzo Coleman (874 yards, 9 TDs) and Ardell Daniels (817 yards, 10 TDs), a deep threat in Jerome Mathis (28.4 yards per catch on 22 receptions) and an accurate passer in Princeton Shepherd (14 TDs, 7 interceptions).
Contact Bill Hass at 373-7047 or bhass@news-record.com
11-9-04
By Bill Hass Staff Writer
News & Record
GREENSBORO -- Don't let up.
That's the message N.C. A&T coach George Small delivered to his football players in preparation for the final two games of a disappointing season.
The Aggies are 1-4 in the MEAC and 3-6 overall, but Small doesn't expect any decrease in intensity.
"That's not something, as a player, you would want me to remember during the offseason," Small said Monday.
The spoiler's role isn't what the Aggies expected for Saturday's game against Hampton. Last year when the teams met, the Aggies won 38-28 to clinch the MEAC championship and a berth in the NCAA Division I-AA playoffs.
This time, Hampton can clinch the title with a win. The Pirates, ranked No. 13 in the Division I-AA poll, are 5-1 in the MEAC and have beaten South Carolina State, the only other team with fewer than two conference losses.
"We know the consequences of it all," Small said. "We know Hampton needs this victory, and we know we're going in to win the football game. We're not just throwing in the towel on this season.
"Everybody has a role to play and this is our opportunity to play spoiler. I'd rather be on the other end like last year, but since we're not, we accept our role. If we win, it will create havoc for them."
TIME TO HEAL: The Aggies didn't play last week and practiced only three days, getting the rest of the week off.
Small said senior tailback Micheaux Hollingsworth, who has missed the last three games with a sprained ankle, is healthy enough to play again.
"He looks to be about 80 to 85 percent," Small said, "and with two games left that's enough for me to go with. I know he wants to play these last two football games."
WEAPONS: Hampton has topped the 50-point mark twice and surpassed 40 four other times en route to an 8-1 record.
"They have weapons everywhere," Small said. "I don't see a whole lot of weaknesses."
The Pirates have a pair of solid runners in Alonzo Coleman (874 yards, 9 TDs) and Ardell Daniels (817 yards, 10 TDs), a deep threat in Jerome Mathis (28.4 yards per catch on 22 receptions) and an accurate passer in Princeton Shepherd (14 TDs, 7 interceptions).
Contact Bill Hass at 373-7047 or bhass@news-record.com
