<Back

Football looking for help at home

by Kevin Byrne

The Pioneers are struggling to stay positive as they prepare for the last two games of the season after a five game losing streak.

“The guys are frustrated right now, as are the coaches,” said offensive coordinator Jeff Pederson, “but we have still had very upbeat and productive practices. I think they are confident we can finish strong these last two games.”

In their most recent loss, Grinnell fell to St. Norbert 63-14 after giving the Green Knights’ offense the run of the field for three quarters. St. Norbert went into the fourth quarter with a 56-0 lead.

“St. Norbert executed the entire game,” said Nick Merklin ’08. “They exploited gaps we left open and our coverages when we blitzed.”

The Grinnell defense has allowed at least 40 points in four of the last five games.

The offense has also struggled as of late, but Pedersen and his players are looking to put up some points in the remaining two games of the season.

“We have to be able to control the line of scrimmage and get blocks downfield to allow our running game to get going,” said Todd Doleshal ’08. “If that happens, then the passing game will take care of itself.”

Grinnell finishes the season at home, with a game this Saturday against Carroll College at 1 p.m. and another home game next Saturday against Beloit College. With the playoffs out of the picture, head coach Greg Wallace, his coaching staff and the players are looking for ways to end this season on a positive note to boost morale.

“The team morale isn’t the best it’s ever been, but we’re hanging in there,” said Merklin. “With a young, inexperienced team we’re taking our lumps. Hopefully we can learn from games like these for the next couple of years to come. We have two weeks left and we feel we can surprise some people.”

<Back