The Shark Tank 2010 - Edition 1

New season finally here coach, how did the teams summer training and camps go?
We had an outstanding summer with excellent attendance and work ethic. I believe we had the highest number of players showing up to the weight room in the five summers that I've been here. The border camp went well giving us a ton of repetitions against quality opponents.

First game under your belt last Friday, what if anything stood out to you about the
2010 Saxons?
Two things really were keys to our success last week. First of all, our defense was outstanding throughout the game with very few alignment or assignment mistakes. Secondly, we took care of the ball on offense which always translates to scoring opportunities.

It's a long season and lots of football to be played, but how big is it to win the first game of the season?
Its a positive in that it gives the kids confidence as we move forward and gives us something to build on. Our entire body of work over the nine weeks is really what matters, but its nice to get a "w" right out of the chute.

You start a new QB in Ben Goodwin, he throws for 4 TD's and no interceptions, why do you think he was so successful in his first varsity start?
One word...preparation. Ben has worked towards this moment since he came to Ferris and put the time and work in all off season to give him the chance for success.

The first half of the season you play four teams (UHI, SP, Rog, and NC) who had a combined win total of 7 wins last season. UHI had 5 of those wins and you beat them Friday night so that leaves three teams with two wins from last year, do you think that will be helpful heading into the second half of the season?
In this program we really focus on becoming the best team we can be by improving week to week regardless of opponent. If we prepare correctly, we will have the confidence to play fast and loose on Friday no matter who lines up across from us. With that in mind I think you will see improvement from both Shadle and NC. Shadles new coach has them playing harder and more disciplined and NC has one of the top qb's in the league and some quality players around him. Rogers is an unknown to us since we haven't played them in 3 years.

Thanks Coach Sharkey and good luck to you and the boys this week versus Shadle Park.