Vale in must win situation
By Ray Rodriguez
Argus Observer
Friday, October 24, 2008 11:17 AM PDT
Vale — Injuries have besieged the Vale Vikings and have put any postseason playoff hopes in jeopardy.
Vale head coach Jeff Jacobs likened the injuries and a must-win situation to his team being backed into a corner.
“There are basically two things that can happen, either you get eaten up or fight out of it,” Jacobs said. “I hope our interest is to fight out of the corner and continue to battle.”
Vale hits the field tonight at Frank Hawley Stadium against Riverside and will play without quarterback Kyle Barras, receiver Seve Yraguen and running backs Jeff Williams and Jarrod Tucker.
The prognosis is Barras and Yraguen will miss two weeks, while Williams’ and Tucker’s seasons are said to be over.
A playoff push will come from the likes of Bryant Haueter, Scott Browen, Austin Hood and Austin Tolman.
Vale head coach Jeff Jacobs said it all comes down to the players in the locker room banding together during this tough stretch.
“I don’t have any magic. There is no magic formula. It’s just about the guys believing in each other and continuing to work to improve their skills, remaining coachable and cohesive as a unit,” Jacobs said.
On the year, Riverside has scored a total of 20 points and boasts weapons Cody Connell (QB), Eric Carranza (RB), Harley Orcutt (RB) and Tommy Wyden (WR).
On offense, Jacobs said he is confident in Haueter calling the shots at the quarterback position.
Aside from last year’s quarterback Tyler Pirrie and Barras, Jacobs categorized Haueter as more of a pure passer.
“His footwork and delivery have really improved through the course of the season,” Jacobs said. “With the practice reps he’s going to get this week, he’s going to get better and better. I am excited for him to get this opportunity.”
