Spring Break
Gorillas bring improved squad to Maryville
Marcus Meade
Issue date: 11/20/08 Section: University Sports
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This time, the 'Cats insist a win won't come so easy.
"They're a better football team now; there's not doubt about that," coach Mel Tjeerdsma said. "I think they're playing at a pretty good level right now. They're playing with a lot of confidence."
Pittsburg's improved play helped it earn a trip to Maryville to play Northwest. The Gorillas defeated Nebraska-Omaha 33-21 last week. They haven't been to Maryville since the two teams started playing their regular season match ups at Arrowhead Stadium.
The Gorillas have won their last six games since losing to the 'Cats 35-10. In those games, they're averaging more than 41 points per game.
Pittsburg quarterback Mark Smith led the attack against the Mavericks with 212 yards on the ground, 153 yards passing and a touchdown.
"Run support from the secondary will be real key, especially from the corners," senior cornerback Brandon Clayton said. "First, you have to play that pass because they do have option pass; they do have play action pass. But being a secondary run support on that option will be critical especially to stop big plays."
The option attack is the main cog of Pittsburg's offense, and Clayton expects that to remain the same, but he also thinks the Gorillas may throw a few new wrinkles into their offense. In their game earlier this year, the 'Cats held the Gorillas to 86 yards rushing; that's the only game this season they've been held to less than 100 yards rushing.
On defense, the Gorillas may be looking to increase their aggressiveness with blitzes, Tjeerdsma said. It will be up to Northwest's experienced offensive line to keep quarterback Joel Osborn upright and open holes for running back LaRon Council.
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