Football's summer solstice is an abbreviated version of the real thing. That is why a 7-on-7 holds different meaning for different schools. A good case in point came on Tuesday, when Eastside and Bergen Catholic met on the Crusaders' new FieldTurf in Oradell.
For Bergen, these outings are all about honing their new offense, which will emphasize the pass. Repetition is necessary for success. Eastside, on the other hand, will look to run, run and run. For them, summer is about the secondary portion of their offense.
Head coach Donald Davis knows this all to well, saying, "I just have to make sure that I don't go crazy (as he turned towards the back of the playbook in his hand). We just have to keep it simple."
He says that for two reasons. First, it is the massive and experienced offensive line that Davis has every intention of running behind. Second, the Ghosts are breaking in a new quarterback in junior Damir Horne-Casper.
Against the Crusaders, Horne-Casper, who did not play last year for personal reasons, struggled to consistently find receivers. This came on the heels of Eastside's Sweet 16 effort at the Rutgers 7-on-7 and a good workout at a 7-on-7 in Wayne Valley.
"This was really good for him," Davis said of his signal-caller. "The first two times, he was able to wait for guys to make the break and throw it. Today, BC was more physical (bump and run) in their approach. He got to see how fast he has to find receivers."
Davis also stressed the importance the 7-on-7 is to keeping his team together.
"All of this is positive," he relates. "The workouts, the 7-on-7's, it keeps us together and focused on the season. Last year, we won the first league championship (NNJIL A) in school history. For four years, we've been on the cusp. This year, we want to get over the hump."
donald stinks as a coach!!!!!!!!! He had all those great players & couldn't win. why would this year be any different? Oh yea, it's going to be the players who couldn't get it done right donald!
Posted by: Mr. Eastside High | July 10, 2008 at 11:28 AM
So wait, let me get this straight. Casper is the name of the Ghosts QB? Anyone else find this funny?
Posted by: 33 | July 15, 2008 at 03:42 PM