By Rex Kirts
Two words are creeping into Kirk Kennedy's conversations with increasing frequency. "Inconsistency" and "frustrating."
He'll watch the Panthers do things right one time but not the next. It's puzzling, and it's keeping the Panthers from winning football games.
The on again-off again play surfaced at Martinsville again Friday night as South (0-2) fell, 42-28. "We're our own worst enemy," Kennedy said. "There are times we play well and other times we don't. At times we look bi-polar."
The assistant coaches said the Panthere are gettng out-physicalled, but Kennedy doesn't like to believe in such business. He believes proper technique and hard play can overcome more physical ability by opponents.
THERE ARE TIMES, he said, when the Panthers can do what they set out to do. Then they'll backslide. "So our biggest problem is mental," the first-year South coach said. "It's frustrating. We're on the verge of doing things and then not do it."
His solution is to keep on trucking, to get better in practice. That's a wise option since Conference Indiana play starts next week and occupies every Friday till the playoffs.
Kennedy sees enough positives to know there can be a turnaround.
"We're not hapless," he said. "Not terrible. We fight and get back in the game and then have a letdown."
He made a few lineup changes against Martinsville
On offense sophomore Matt Henderson started at cornerback in place of senior Adam Wylie, and sophomore Nolan Rogers started at fullback ahead of seniors Derek Murphy Jon Campbell. On defense, Seniors Joey Todd and Cameron Hogue switched places on the defensive line, Todd going to tackle and Hogue to end. Sophomore Johnathan Winters started in place of Campbell at outside linebacker with Campbell replacing senior Ben Farmer at inside linebacker.
Henderson has looked sharp at corner. In Tuesday practice he stripped a receiver, reaching in to pull the ball away and head for a touchdown.
"WE AREN'T MAKING wholesale changes. Just trying things," Kennedy said.
Martinsville was a nightmare because the Panthers got off to another bad start. They trailed 14-0 and had run only one play. They rallied, but unlike the season opener against Bedford North Lawrence they couldn't cut into Martinsville's advantage.
Quarterback Michael Bower ran for 106 yards and one TD and passed to Lucas Franz for another. Senior tailback Keith Bunton ran for 72 yards and a touchdown and returned a kickoff 70 yards for another TD. Junior Drew Barlow was a perfect 4-for-4 on PAT kicks and is now 7-for-7 after two games.
Martinsville ripped South with several long plays. The Panther defense gave up for 296 yards on the ground and 147 in the air for a total of 443 to South's 252.
"Bower and Bunton played well at times, although Bunton had a fumble," Kennedy said. "The offensive line played well, at times."
South hosts Franklin Central next Friday. The Flashes are 1-1 after losing to Decatur Central, 29-20, and beating Indianapolis Roncalli, 10-7.
Saturday, August 28, 2010
Tuesday, August 24, 2010
Confidence will grow, Flynn believes
By Rex Kirts
Confidence is not strictly a measurable quality, but it can show up on the scoreboard. It can be seen and even felt.
For the first three quarters of South's season-opening football game against Bedford North Lawrence the Panthers had no explosivenes. It was their first game under a new coach, with a new offense and new defense.
"I think it was the confidence," senior two-way tackle and captain Reilly Flynn said. The absence of confidence, he meant.
Confidence is not strictly a measurable quality, but it can show up on the scoreboard. It can be seen and even felt.
For the first three quarters of South's season-opening football game against Bedford North Lawrence the Panthers had no explosivenes. It was their first game under a new coach, with a new offense and new defense.
"I think it was the confidence," senior two-way tackle and captain Reilly Flynn said. The absence of confidence, he meant.
Reilly Flynn
"We weren't totally sure what to expect. We knew we'd fight - we've just got to do it sooner in the game."
The Panthers fell behind 21-7 early in the fourth quarter. A furious rally tied the game at 21 and sent it into overtime, where South lost 29-27 at Fred Huff Field.
THE DRIVE THAT MADE it 21-14 was a thing of beauty because South, playing with fire and passion and a sense of urgency, needed to snap out of its lethargy. If the Panthers are to have success this season, that drive will be remembered as the start of it.
"We're disappointed in the result," Flynn said, "but we came back and fought hard. The coaches said that showed a lot of character.
"We never said anything (down 21-7). We just knew we had to get some momentum."
Ol' Momentum is a fickle master. It's best seized, as Flynn said, early, not when your back is to the wall.
Flynn played offense only last year. In coach Kirk Kennedy's new regime, players are asked to contribute more, especially those with more ability.
Flynn counts as one with more ability. The 6-5, 265-pounder is not the fastest person in the 40-yard dash at 5.4, but offensive linemen don't need to be fast in the 40. They need to have quick feet, and Flynn has quick feet. He's real agile and light-footed when running rope and cone drills.
"I think Reilly bought into the changes from the beginning," said Kennedy, who established a run-oriented offense in place of the spread. "He's a good ambassador for what we're trying to do.
"He's a captain, and that shows his leadership. He's very polite and respectful, a pleasure to coach."
FLYNN'S LEADERSHIP emerged during the summer as a couple of players-only meetings because the coaches got to practice. "We said we had to step it up a little bit," he said.
Actually, they had to step it up a lot. Playing for Kennedy requires extra effort, both on and off the field.
"Being (voted) a captain surprised me," Flynn said, "but I'm glad my teammates think of me that way. I try to do the best I can."
He feels he did OK in the opener. "I thought I played pretty well. I had a few errors that cost me. But I'm better than last year."
Kennedy's style fits him.
"When I learned he would be the coach I got excited because I knew he formed that program (at Lowell) in something good," Flynn said. "He knows how to motivate you. He tells you to find your internal motivation.
"His style (of offense and defense) is more hard-nosed. It fits his personality.
"I've become a fan of the power I formation. It's taking it to them (the defense). It's pretty simple, straight forward, with not a lot of schemes."
Flynn also likes the change to playing both ways. "I got kind of excited when I learned that I was getting a chance to play defense," he said. "I played about 10 plays against Bedford."
THE PANTHERS shouldn't have trouble getting excited for their second ball game. It's Friday at old rival Martinsville, which opened with a big win over Terre Haute South. Last year Martinsville beat South at Lucas Oil Stadium.
After high school, Flynn hopes to study forestry or conservation science in college. He's looking at three schools which havae that in in their curriculum, Bowling Green (Ohio), Southern Illinois and Ohio University.
He's also looking forward to competing in the shot put and discus in track in the spring. He went 52-4 in the shot last year and made it to the regional.
And when he isn't playing football or competing in track he might be found at Lake Monroe doing a little fly fishing or hunting and shooting.
Saturday, August 21, 2010
The rally gives hope for better things ahead
By Rex Kirts
Losing to Bedford is a rare event for South's football team, which the Panthers did in their season opener, 29-27, in overtime Friday night at Fred Huff Field.
It continued an unwelcome trend of home losses. Last year the Panthers dropped all their home contests.
South took a long time to get untracked but came from two touchdowns back with under 10 minutes remaining to force overtime. If the Panthers can build on that rally they have a chance to be competitive the rest of the season.
"We just ran out of time," Kirk Kennedy told the team in his South debut. "We didn't accomplish our goal, but I liked the fight."
Kennedy has said the scoreboard doesn't define his team, effort does. Effort was good in the fourth quarter, and more of that is needed the rest of the game.
"THEY MADE ONE more play than we did," Kennedy said, referring to the winning two-point conversion in overtime. "We fought back. We didn't lose our composure, didn't panic. We did a lot of good things."
He saw the same thing on tape that he saw from the sidellines.
"Consistency," Kennedy said, meaning it wasn't there. "Missed opportunities - we had field position. We've got to get to the point where we're not beating ourselves."
There were mistakes that he was surprised at, such as errors in blocking, and he said the Panthers need to develop better pracitce behavior, be more consistent and finish these games."
The Panthers had little explosion the first half. Tailback Trae Washington's running led them to their first touchdown and a 7-6 lead in the second quarter, but they squandered numerous good field positions.
"We just need to get out of our own way," Kennedy said.
The same thing lack of punch happened to start the third quarter, denying them the chance to take control of the game. It was BNL which asserted itself to take a 21-7 lead with 9:14 left in the fourth quarter.
"I DON'T KNOW (why South was so sluggish the first three quarters)," junior quarterback Michael Bower said. Bower ran for three touchdowns and passed to Lucas Franz for another for a pretty good start to his season.
Whatever didn't motivate the Panthers exited after they fell behind 21-7. They came out determined and in a sharp drive covered 64 yards for a TD that included a 23-yard pass to Franz and the running of Keith Bunton.
Bower was 4 for 10 for 71 yards for the game, all complettions going to Franz. Bunton was the rushing leader, carrying 23 times for 70 yards.
With 4:17 left, South's Trevor Phipps recovered an onside kickoff after Derek Murphy knocked a potential BNL recoverer away from the ball.
The game-tying drive went 55 yards. The key play was a 4th-and-5 pass from Bower to Franz for 16 yards and a first down at the BNL 23. With 0:42 left Bower completed a 10-yard TD pasas to Franz to knot the score at 21-all.
Bedford scored first in the overtime and ran it in for the two-point PAT. On South's first play BOWER KEPT on a sweep around left end for a touchdown, but his fade pass to Franz on the PAT was batted away.
Asked what got the Panthers out of their funk in the fourth quarter, Bower said, "We work hard, and we're in condition. We have heart."
The Panthers have lots to improve. Blocking assignments much be firmed up, and the defense needs to stiffen inside. The next chance to accomplish those goals is Friday at Martinsville, a 31-6 winner over Terre Haute South in its opener.
Losing to Bedford is a rare event for South's football team, which the Panthers did in their season opener, 29-27, in overtime Friday night at Fred Huff Field.
It continued an unwelcome trend of home losses. Last year the Panthers dropped all their home contests.
South took a long time to get untracked but came from two touchdowns back with under 10 minutes remaining to force overtime. If the Panthers can build on that rally they have a chance to be competitive the rest of the season.
"We just ran out of time," Kirk Kennedy told the team in his South debut. "We didn't accomplish our goal, but I liked the fight."
Kennedy has said the scoreboard doesn't define his team, effort does. Effort was good in the fourth quarter, and more of that is needed the rest of the game.
"THEY MADE ONE more play than we did," Kennedy said, referring to the winning two-point conversion in overtime. "We fought back. We didn't lose our composure, didn't panic. We did a lot of good things."
He saw the same thing on tape that he saw from the sidellines.
"Consistency," Kennedy said, meaning it wasn't there. "Missed opportunities - we had field position. We've got to get to the point where we're not beating ourselves."
There were mistakes that he was surprised at, such as errors in blocking, and he said the Panthers need to develop better pracitce behavior, be more consistent and finish these games."
The Panthers had little explosion the first half. Tailback Trae Washington's running led them to their first touchdown and a 7-6 lead in the second quarter, but they squandered numerous good field positions.
"We just need to get out of our own way," Kennedy said.
The same thing lack of punch happened to start the third quarter, denying them the chance to take control of the game. It was BNL which asserted itself to take a 21-7 lead with 9:14 left in the fourth quarter.
"I DON'T KNOW (why South was so sluggish the first three quarters)," junior quarterback Michael Bower said. Bower ran for three touchdowns and passed to Lucas Franz for another for a pretty good start to his season.
Whatever didn't motivate the Panthers exited after they fell behind 21-7. They came out determined and in a sharp drive covered 64 yards for a TD that included a 23-yard pass to Franz and the running of Keith Bunton.
Bower was 4 for 10 for 71 yards for the game, all complettions going to Franz. Bunton was the rushing leader, carrying 23 times for 70 yards.
With 4:17 left, South's Trevor Phipps recovered an onside kickoff after Derek Murphy knocked a potential BNL recoverer away from the ball.
The game-tying drive went 55 yards. The key play was a 4th-and-5 pass from Bower to Franz for 16 yards and a first down at the BNL 23. With 0:42 left Bower completed a 10-yard TD pasas to Franz to knot the score at 21-all.
Bedford scored first in the overtime and ran it in for the two-point PAT. On South's first play BOWER KEPT on a sweep around left end for a touchdown, but his fade pass to Franz on the PAT was batted away.
Asked what got the Panthers out of their funk in the fourth quarter, Bower said, "We work hard, and we're in condition. We have heart."
The Panthers have lots to improve. Blocking assignments much be firmed up, and the defense needs to stiffen inside. The next chance to accomplish those goals is Friday at Martinsville, a 31-6 winner over Terre Haute South in its opener.
Wednesday, August 18, 2010
It's 'find out' time for South with Bedford coming
By Rex Kirts
The scrimmage with Center Grove last week was revealing. Now it's time for South's rebuilt program to begin anew in the season opener under coach Kirk Kennedy.
When Bedford North Lawrence visits Fred Huff Memorial Field Friday night at 7 it will be "find out" time for the Panthers. It's a fact they aren't real big and not real deep, so success will have to come from such things as quickness and execution and desire.
Kennedy, who had one state champion and two state runnersup at Lowell, arrives in Bloomington having won seven straight sectionals. In a short time he has begun to change the culture around the football program. Not everyone survived the pre-season demands, accountability and expectations.
The scrimmage with potent Center Grove showed the Panthers' shortcomings in size, strength and savvy. But Kennedy saw enough good things in the area of effort to believe the Panthers can compete reasonably well.
"We have people we think we can win with," Kennedy said. "We've just got to peel the layers off the onion."
HE HAS INSTALLED a run-oriented I formation offense to take the place of the spread, pass-heavy attack run for six years by Drew Wood. His defense is a four-man front in place of a five.
After looking at the Center Grove tape Kennedy reiterated the demands for more consistency from his ball club.
"We expected that," he said. "The effort both mentally and physically has to be more consistent, which in time I'm sure it will be. I liked our effort in a game-like situation."
He wants a good start, not only against BNL but every opponent.
"It will be vital this year to get a fast start to the games and the season," he said. "That will help our confidence, if we can make things happen early."
The play of the all-senior offensive line had its solid moments against Center Grove.
"I liked some of the things the offensive line did," Kennedy said. "They'll have the flame thrown at them all year. All are seniors who are making the transformation from pass blocking to run blocking, and that's hard. They're working at it, and they're going to get better."
REILLY FLYNN is the biggest Panther at 6-5 and 268. He'll start at left tackle. Zach Bonnell (6-2, 255) starts at left guard and Jarred Mason (6-2, 230) at center. On the right side of the offensive line are Alex Sarpa (6-2, 218) at guard and David Tiwari (6-2, 255) at tackle. The tight end is Joey Todd (6-2, 190).
Behind them at quarterback is junior Michael Bower. He missed the Center Grove scrimmage with an illness but is ready to go. He was voted by teammates as one of the captains along with Sarpa and Flynn, and there will be a fourth game-day captain appointed.
The tailback is the featured performer in Kennedy's offense, and there has been a good battle there between senior Keith Bunton, junior Trae Washington and sophomore Nolan Rogers. At fullback will be senior Derek Murphy or senior Jon Campbell.
The wide receivers bring in the plays. Senior Lucas Franz will be one of them with Washington, sophomore Tyrae Murphy and sophomore Matt Henderson the others.
"We're getting there," Kennedy said of the new offense. "We haven't put the whole offense in yet."
THE DEFENSE WAS SHAKEN UP a little this week when senior starter Gabe Hull was dismissed for missing the scrimmage with Center Grove. Todd is at one end, and junior Jake Kelzer will take Hull's spot. The tackles are Tiwari and senior Cameron Hogue, who has earned the job even though he's just 5-7 and 186 pounds.
The Panthers will probably play a 4-3 defense this week because Bedford runs a spread offense. Sarpa is the middle linebacker with Campbell and either senior Ben Farmer, Murphy or junior Kyle Franklin outside. Farmer is starting in place of junior Cullen Flynn, who is injured but expected back next week.
In the secondary will be Washington at one corner and senior Adam Wylie or Henderson at the other. The safeties will be Rogers and Murphy with backup from senior Trevor Phipps. In a 4-4 defense, Murphy will be one of the outside linebackers with Farmer.
Kennedy hopes for improved play from the defense. He thought it played high against Center Grove, and there's lots of room to improve on reading keys and tackling.
"You have to keep your eyes on your keys (linemen) and not look into the backfield," Kennedy said. "Through repetition and teaching we'll get there."
BUNTON AND ROGERS will return kicks. Junior Drew Barlow will place kick, and he or Franz will punt. Washington is the holder and Mason the long snapper.
Bedford, Kennedy said, is young, hungry and confident.
"This is an important game for us," Kennedy added. "It's an opportunity to build some confidence in our program."
Bedford returns to the schedule and replaces Terre Haute South this year. Bedford was a fixture on the Panther schedule for many years until 2004.
The scrimmage with Center Grove last week was revealing. Now it's time for South's rebuilt program to begin anew in the season opener under coach Kirk Kennedy.
When Bedford North Lawrence visits Fred Huff Memorial Field Friday night at 7 it will be "find out" time for the Panthers. It's a fact they aren't real big and not real deep, so success will have to come from such things as quickness and execution and desire.
Kennedy, who had one state champion and two state runnersup at Lowell, arrives in Bloomington having won seven straight sectionals. In a short time he has begun to change the culture around the football program. Not everyone survived the pre-season demands, accountability and expectations.
The scrimmage with potent Center Grove showed the Panthers' shortcomings in size, strength and savvy. But Kennedy saw enough good things in the area of effort to believe the Panthers can compete reasonably well.
"We have people we think we can win with," Kennedy said. "We've just got to peel the layers off the onion."
HE HAS INSTALLED a run-oriented I formation offense to take the place of the spread, pass-heavy attack run for six years by Drew Wood. His defense is a four-man front in place of a five.
After looking at the Center Grove tape Kennedy reiterated the demands for more consistency from his ball club.
"We expected that," he said. "The effort both mentally and physically has to be more consistent, which in time I'm sure it will be. I liked our effort in a game-like situation."
He wants a good start, not only against BNL but every opponent.
"It will be vital this year to get a fast start to the games and the season," he said. "That will help our confidence, if we can make things happen early."
The play of the all-senior offensive line had its solid moments against Center Grove.
"I liked some of the things the offensive line did," Kennedy said. "They'll have the flame thrown at them all year. All are seniors who are making the transformation from pass blocking to run blocking, and that's hard. They're working at it, and they're going to get better."
REILLY FLYNN is the biggest Panther at 6-5 and 268. He'll start at left tackle. Zach Bonnell (6-2, 255) starts at left guard and Jarred Mason (6-2, 230) at center. On the right side of the offensive line are Alex Sarpa (6-2, 218) at guard and David Tiwari (6-2, 255) at tackle. The tight end is Joey Todd (6-2, 190).
Behind them at quarterback is junior Michael Bower. He missed the Center Grove scrimmage with an illness but is ready to go. He was voted by teammates as one of the captains along with Sarpa and Flynn, and there will be a fourth game-day captain appointed.
The tailback is the featured performer in Kennedy's offense, and there has been a good battle there between senior Keith Bunton, junior Trae Washington and sophomore Nolan Rogers. At fullback will be senior Derek Murphy or senior Jon Campbell.
The wide receivers bring in the plays. Senior Lucas Franz will be one of them with Washington, sophomore Tyrae Murphy and sophomore Matt Henderson the others.
"We're getting there," Kennedy said of the new offense. "We haven't put the whole offense in yet."
THE DEFENSE WAS SHAKEN UP a little this week when senior starter Gabe Hull was dismissed for missing the scrimmage with Center Grove. Todd is at one end, and junior Jake Kelzer will take Hull's spot. The tackles are Tiwari and senior Cameron Hogue, who has earned the job even though he's just 5-7 and 186 pounds.
The Panthers will probably play a 4-3 defense this week because Bedford runs a spread offense. Sarpa is the middle linebacker with Campbell and either senior Ben Farmer, Murphy or junior Kyle Franklin outside. Farmer is starting in place of junior Cullen Flynn, who is injured but expected back next week.
In the secondary will be Washington at one corner and senior Adam Wylie or Henderson at the other. The safeties will be Rogers and Murphy with backup from senior Trevor Phipps. In a 4-4 defense, Murphy will be one of the outside linebackers with Farmer.
Kennedy hopes for improved play from the defense. He thought it played high against Center Grove, and there's lots of room to improve on reading keys and tackling.
"You have to keep your eyes on your keys (linemen) and not look into the backfield," Kennedy said. "Through repetition and teaching we'll get there."
BUNTON AND ROGERS will return kicks. Junior Drew Barlow will place kick, and he or Franz will punt. Washington is the holder and Mason the long snapper.
Bedford, Kennedy said, is young, hungry and confident.
"This is an important game for us," Kennedy added. "It's an opportunity to build some confidence in our program."
Bedford returns to the schedule and replaces Terre Haute South this year. Bedford was a fixture on the Panther schedule for many years until 2004.
Friday, August 13, 2010
There are reasons to be encouraged
By Rex Kirts
There is some light at the end of South's football tunnel, and Center Grove coaches lit the candle Friday night at Fred Huff Field.
"They played hard," Center Grove coach Eric Moore said of the Panthers. "They played physical, quick. They had a lot more confidence."
Now, let it be clear the light didn't come from the score. South's varsity scored just one touchdown to seven for Center Grove. The visitors proved they continue to be one of the best programs in the state while South is in a serious rebuilding state.
"CHANGING THE CULTURE" is how new Panther coach Kirk Kennedy describes the process. His summer practices have been tough, his demands absolute. Not everyone passed the test, and South's current active roster is down to just over 40, less than half of Center Grove's.
Center Grove has bigger, faster stronger and more players, but Kennedy's bunch competed favorably at times. And Moore's commentary is evidence that Kennedy's style has merit.
Joey Siderewicz, the former Martinsville head coach, is an assistant at Center Grove now. He also praised the Panthers, his analysis similar to Moore's.
So how did Kennedy feel about the Panthers?
"I liked our kids' effort for the most part," he said. "We lost focus on the goal line, played high, soft, didn't ready our keys well."
On the goal line series, each team started at the opponents' 10-yard line. Center Grove scored five touchdowns in its time with the ball while South failed to score. The Trojans dominated, obviously, and Kennedy said lots of work is needed on fundamentals.
"We started OK," Kennedy said. "We moved the ball early, then fizzled out. We made mistakes and were too inconsistent."
KENNEDY APPRECIATED Moore's comments on the Panthers and said. "Center Grove is well coached, plays hard, didn't make mistakes. We want to be that type of team.
"We'll get better. We stood toe to toe with them for a little while."
South performed decently in the first part of the scrimmage, when each team started a series at its own 35-yard line and another series at the opponents' 35. Center Grove had two TDs and South one in the combined series.
The Panthers' touchdown was a 11-yard run by senior tailback Keith Bunton. Leading the way at fullback was senior Derek Murphy, who blocked the linebacker on the play called 33 iso.
Yards were hard to come by for South as Center Grove handled the line of scrimmage rather conclusively. The Panthers did manage a few yards on sweeps with Bunton and sophomore Nolan Rogers at tailback and quarterback keepers by Trae Washington.
Washington was filling in at quarterback for junior Michael Bower, who is out with an illness. Bower is expected back next week.
"YOU'VE GOT TO LIKE Trae's effort," Kennedy said. "His leadership, the way he rana the team."
Junior Cullen Flynn, a starting outside linebacker, also missed the scrimmage with an injury and may return for next Friday's season opener against Bedford North Lawrence at Huff Field. Starting for Flynn was senior Ben Farmer.
Also missing the scrimmage was senior Gabe Hull, a starting defensive end who was a no-show. Junior Jake Kelzer started in his place.
There is some light at the end of South's football tunnel, and Center Grove coaches lit the candle Friday night at Fred Huff Field.
"They played hard," Center Grove coach Eric Moore said of the Panthers. "They played physical, quick. They had a lot more confidence."
Now, let it be clear the light didn't come from the score. South's varsity scored just one touchdown to seven for Center Grove. The visitors proved they continue to be one of the best programs in the state while South is in a serious rebuilding state.
"CHANGING THE CULTURE" is how new Panther coach Kirk Kennedy describes the process. His summer practices have been tough, his demands absolute. Not everyone passed the test, and South's current active roster is down to just over 40, less than half of Center Grove's.
Center Grove has bigger, faster stronger and more players, but Kennedy's bunch competed favorably at times. And Moore's commentary is evidence that Kennedy's style has merit.
Joey Siderewicz, the former Martinsville head coach, is an assistant at Center Grove now. He also praised the Panthers, his analysis similar to Moore's.
So how did Kennedy feel about the Panthers?
"I liked our kids' effort for the most part," he said. "We lost focus on the goal line, played high, soft, didn't ready our keys well."
On the goal line series, each team started at the opponents' 10-yard line. Center Grove scored five touchdowns in its time with the ball while South failed to score. The Trojans dominated, obviously, and Kennedy said lots of work is needed on fundamentals.
"We started OK," Kennedy said. "We moved the ball early, then fizzled out. We made mistakes and were too inconsistent."
KENNEDY APPRECIATED Moore's comments on the Panthers and said. "Center Grove is well coached, plays hard, didn't make mistakes. We want to be that type of team.
"We'll get better. We stood toe to toe with them for a little while."
South performed decently in the first part of the scrimmage, when each team started a series at its own 35-yard line and another series at the opponents' 35. Center Grove had two TDs and South one in the combined series.
The Panthers' touchdown was a 11-yard run by senior tailback Keith Bunton. Leading the way at fullback was senior Derek Murphy, who blocked the linebacker on the play called 33 iso.
Yards were hard to come by for South as Center Grove handled the line of scrimmage rather conclusively. The Panthers did manage a few yards on sweeps with Bunton and sophomore Nolan Rogers at tailback and quarterback keepers by Trae Washington.
Washington was filling in at quarterback for junior Michael Bower, who is out with an illness. Bower is expected back next week.
"YOU'VE GOT TO LIKE Trae's effort," Kennedy said. "His leadership, the way he rana the team."
Junior Cullen Flynn, a starting outside linebacker, also missed the scrimmage with an injury and may return for next Friday's season opener against Bedford North Lawrence at Huff Field. Starting for Flynn was senior Ben Farmer.
Also missing the scrimmage was senior Gabe Hull, a starting defensive end who was a no-show. Junior Jake Kelzer started in his place.
Tuesday, August 10, 2010
Trying to 'Restore the Roar'
By Rex Kirts
South's football motto this year is "Restore the Roar" as the Panthers hope to rebound from last year's rare losing season (3-7).
Kirk Kennedy has replaced Drew Wood as the head coach, and the summer of conditioning and learning a new system got its first public test at last Saturday's annual Purple and White scrimmage.
"It was good to get out there under different conditions," Kennedy said. "Two-a-days can get monotonous. It was good to get the kids in uniform. I think they have responded well to the situations we've put them in."
One of the things Kennedy wanted to see was excitement. There should be enthusiasm and spirit for good plays.
"I SAW EXCITEMENT in spots," he said. "We're in such a learning mode it's hard to get by that, to show enthusiasm and passion."
Kennedy is installing a run-oriented offense that's quite a contrast to Wood's style. Wood liked to spread things out, Kennedy likes a power game built around I formation plays. The system worked well at Lowell for Kennedy, who won one state championship, had two other state finalists and came into Bloomington having won seven straight sectionals.
"There's things we did well but still things to work on," Kennedy said of the Purple and White." It's basically becoming more football savvy."
It's a thin squad in numbers. There are about 50 on the roster, and a couple of them are injured. There will be several two-way starters, so the Panthers need to be in good shape. That's apparently been taken care of.
"I DON'T THINK we got tired," Kennedy said. "And we got out healthy.
"They're getting closer on the pace, the tempo of running our plays. Defensively I thought we flowed well to the football.
"We showed some flashes, but we've got to be more consistent."
A strength of this team is running back. They aren't big, but they can scoot. Competing at tailback are Nolan Rogers and Keith Bunton, and at fullback are Derek Murphy and Jon Campbell. There were several long runs in the scrimmage.
Trae Washington has also looked good at tailback, but he's been working at quarterback in place of the sidelined Michael Bower. Bower is expected back this week, and Washington can play tailback or wide receiver while also starting at cornerback.
"TRAE DID did all right at quarterback," Kennedy said. "He's had a great summer. He conducted himself well in the huddle, with poise. He's a good leader."
Among those Kennedy felt played well were Washington, David Tiwari at tackle both ways, Murphy at fullback and outside linebacker, Campbell at fullback and outside linebacker, Alex Sarpa at guard and inside linebacker and Reilly Flynn at tackle.
"I thought Gabe Hull played well defensively (at end), Cullen Flynn (inside linebacker) and Matt Henderson (cornerback-safety)," Kennedy added.
The Panthers' next public showing will be the scrimmage Friday at Fred Huff Field against Center Grove's potent Trojans. That starts at 7 p.m.
LOTS OF HELP
Kennedy liked all the help South has been getting from the Quarterback Club and other volunteers. "They're taking pride in what we've got," he said. "It's greatly appreciated." Among the recent projects were painting the weight room and landscaping areas around the field.
BALL CONTROL HIS PHILOSOPHY
Kennedy's license plate reads: 1st down. That's his idea of how to play offense - he wants to control the ball.
South's football motto this year is "Restore the Roar" as the Panthers hope to rebound from last year's rare losing season (3-7).
Kirk Kennedy has replaced Drew Wood as the head coach, and the summer of conditioning and learning a new system got its first public test at last Saturday's annual Purple and White scrimmage.
"It was good to get out there under different conditions," Kennedy said. "Two-a-days can get monotonous. It was good to get the kids in uniform. I think they have responded well to the situations we've put them in."
One of the things Kennedy wanted to see was excitement. There should be enthusiasm and spirit for good plays.
"I SAW EXCITEMENT in spots," he said. "We're in such a learning mode it's hard to get by that, to show enthusiasm and passion."
Kennedy is installing a run-oriented offense that's quite a contrast to Wood's style. Wood liked to spread things out, Kennedy likes a power game built around I formation plays. The system worked well at Lowell for Kennedy, who won one state championship, had two other state finalists and came into Bloomington having won seven straight sectionals.
"There's things we did well but still things to work on," Kennedy said of the Purple and White." It's basically becoming more football savvy."
It's a thin squad in numbers. There are about 50 on the roster, and a couple of them are injured. There will be several two-way starters, so the Panthers need to be in good shape. That's apparently been taken care of.
"I DON'T THINK we got tired," Kennedy said. "And we got out healthy.
"They're getting closer on the pace, the tempo of running our plays. Defensively I thought we flowed well to the football.
"We showed some flashes, but we've got to be more consistent."
A strength of this team is running back. They aren't big, but they can scoot. Competing at tailback are Nolan Rogers and Keith Bunton, and at fullback are Derek Murphy and Jon Campbell. There were several long runs in the scrimmage.
Trae Washington has also looked good at tailback, but he's been working at quarterback in place of the sidelined Michael Bower. Bower is expected back this week, and Washington can play tailback or wide receiver while also starting at cornerback.
"TRAE DID did all right at quarterback," Kennedy said. "He's had a great summer. He conducted himself well in the huddle, with poise. He's a good leader."
Among those Kennedy felt played well were Washington, David Tiwari at tackle both ways, Murphy at fullback and outside linebacker, Campbell at fullback and outside linebacker, Alex Sarpa at guard and inside linebacker and Reilly Flynn at tackle.
"I thought Gabe Hull played well defensively (at end), Cullen Flynn (inside linebacker) and Matt Henderson (cornerback-safety)," Kennedy added.
The Panthers' next public showing will be the scrimmage Friday at Fred Huff Field against Center Grove's potent Trojans. That starts at 7 p.m.
LOTS OF HELP
Kennedy liked all the help South has been getting from the Quarterback Club and other volunteers. "They're taking pride in what we've got," he said. "It's greatly appreciated." Among the recent projects were painting the weight room and landscaping areas around the field.
BALL CONTROL HIS PHILOSOPHY
Kennedy's license plate reads: 1st down. That's his idea of how to play offense - he wants to control the ball.
Monday, August 2, 2010
Changing the culture
By Rex Kirts
Changing the culture can cause culture shock.
South's small football team, small in numbers and in size, is learning what new coach Kirk Kennedy meant when he said a few months ago that he would have to change the culture of the football program. He wasn't just talking football, he was talking everything off the field, too.
On the field is where the Panthers began to feel it the most when two-a-day practices began Monday. With the season rapidly approachng, it was ratchet-up time.
It was demanding, and the response was less than desired. But the Panthers are starting to learn what it takes to play the kind of winning football Kennedy produced at Lowell.
THERE WAS EVIDENCE the Panthers left some of themselves on the practice field - they walked slowly and silently back to the locker room after the second of the two-a-days. They were spent.
But Kennedy wants more effort. The situation he inherited wasn't the greatest in terms of numbers - there were 47 on the field, so it's a good bet there will be numerous two-way starters. And this is the smallest team size-wise at South since about 1973 or 74.
Thus, to win will require the utmost in effort from the talent available.
There has been concern by the coaches about too much of a passive attitude. A few "junk yard dogs" have to be found somewhere.
"It does not take talent to hustle," Kennedy has said more than once. "We are changing the culture. We are changing the Xs and Os and going from a pass-blocking team to a run-blocking team. Right now we are struggling, but we expected that."
One thing Kennedy is big on is accountability - he doesn't tolerate mistakes. When mistakes occur there are up-downs for the offending unit.
"Fifty up-downs," senior fullback-outside linebacker Jon Campbell said of the night's tally as he walked off the field Monday.
KENNEDY IS HOPING the current group can toughen up and re-establish the program. "I told them before practice today that for a 5A school with a rostser of 50 . . . these kids in the locker room can change that and get us out of this mess. We've got a whole lot of work to do and not much time to do it."
Kennedy added that the players he's got are the ones with the courage to be there and be the kind of players who can make the program the kind the community wants.
The program took a few hits during the summer. Starting quarterback Joey Forney decided not to play his senior season, as did senior starting outside linebacker Drew Volz, who was going to have a shot at the running back job. Volz fought through a stress fracture in his back to win the state pole vault championship in the spring.
Senior starting defensive tackle Colton Dixon had knee surgery in the spring and has not been out. Sophomore Landon Mason, who might have had a chance to start at fullback or in the line, is out with a stress fracture in his back.
There are others who might have played a lot but didn't make it through Kennedy's summer conditioning program.
JUNIOR MICHAEL BOWER will probably start in Forney's place at quarterback and maybe start at safety, too. Bower is taller and stronger this year and fits the mold of a running quarterback in the new run-oriented offense.
One asset for the Panthers is some quality at running back. Seniors Keith Bunton and Derek Murphy, junior Trae Washington and sophomore Nolan Rogers have good quickness, and senior Jon Campbell has fullback potential. Washington can also play wide receiver.
Possible two-way starters include Bower, senior Jarred Mason at center and defensive tackle, senior Alex Sarpa at guard and inside linebacker, seniors David Tiwari and Reilly Flynn at at offensive and defensive tackle, Murphy at outside linebackr as well as running back and Campbell at fullback and outside linebacker. Senior Gabe Hull has worked at tight end and defensive end and senior Zach Bonnell at guard and defensive tackle.
Junior Drew Barlow will place kick and may punt, also.
The Purple and White scrimmage will be Saturday at 7 p.m. That is also the second annual Alumni Day. The Panthers scrimmage Center Grove at home Aug. 13 and host Bedford North Lawrence in the season opener Aug. 20.
Changing the culture can cause culture shock.
South's small football team, small in numbers and in size, is learning what new coach Kirk Kennedy meant when he said a few months ago that he would have to change the culture of the football program. He wasn't just talking football, he was talking everything off the field, too.
On the field is where the Panthers began to feel it the most when two-a-day practices began Monday. With the season rapidly approachng, it was ratchet-up time.
It was demanding, and the response was less than desired. But the Panthers are starting to learn what it takes to play the kind of winning football Kennedy produced at Lowell.
THERE WAS EVIDENCE the Panthers left some of themselves on the practice field - they walked slowly and silently back to the locker room after the second of the two-a-days. They were spent.
But Kennedy wants more effort. The situation he inherited wasn't the greatest in terms of numbers - there were 47 on the field, so it's a good bet there will be numerous two-way starters. And this is the smallest team size-wise at South since about 1973 or 74.
Thus, to win will require the utmost in effort from the talent available.
There has been concern by the coaches about too much of a passive attitude. A few "junk yard dogs" have to be found somewhere.
"It does not take talent to hustle," Kennedy has said more than once. "We are changing the culture. We are changing the Xs and Os and going from a pass-blocking team to a run-blocking team. Right now we are struggling, but we expected that."
One thing Kennedy is big on is accountability - he doesn't tolerate mistakes. When mistakes occur there are up-downs for the offending unit.
"Fifty up-downs," senior fullback-outside linebacker Jon Campbell said of the night's tally as he walked off the field Monday.
KENNEDY IS HOPING the current group can toughen up and re-establish the program. "I told them before practice today that for a 5A school with a rostser of 50 . . . these kids in the locker room can change that and get us out of this mess. We've got a whole lot of work to do and not much time to do it."
Kennedy added that the players he's got are the ones with the courage to be there and be the kind of players who can make the program the kind the community wants.
The program took a few hits during the summer. Starting quarterback Joey Forney decided not to play his senior season, as did senior starting outside linebacker Drew Volz, who was going to have a shot at the running back job. Volz fought through a stress fracture in his back to win the state pole vault championship in the spring.
Senior starting defensive tackle Colton Dixon had knee surgery in the spring and has not been out. Sophomore Landon Mason, who might have had a chance to start at fullback or in the line, is out with a stress fracture in his back.
There are others who might have played a lot but didn't make it through Kennedy's summer conditioning program.
JUNIOR MICHAEL BOWER will probably start in Forney's place at quarterback and maybe start at safety, too. Bower is taller and stronger this year and fits the mold of a running quarterback in the new run-oriented offense.
One asset for the Panthers is some quality at running back. Seniors Keith Bunton and Derek Murphy, junior Trae Washington and sophomore Nolan Rogers have good quickness, and senior Jon Campbell has fullback potential. Washington can also play wide receiver.
Possible two-way starters include Bower, senior Jarred Mason at center and defensive tackle, senior Alex Sarpa at guard and inside linebacker, seniors David Tiwari and Reilly Flynn at at offensive and defensive tackle, Murphy at outside linebackr as well as running back and Campbell at fullback and outside linebacker. Senior Gabe Hull has worked at tight end and defensive end and senior Zach Bonnell at guard and defensive tackle.
Junior Drew Barlow will place kick and may punt, also.
The Purple and White scrimmage will be Saturday at 7 p.m. That is also the second annual Alumni Day. The Panthers scrimmage Center Grove at home Aug. 13 and host Bedford North Lawrence in the season opener Aug. 20.
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