Week 2: Coach's Chat

Despite suffering a heartbreaking loss at the hands of the Pentucket Sachems in the opening week, the Marblehead Magicians varsity football team returned to practice this week with high spirits.

"Being a young inexperienced team, I don't think our guys really understood the gravity of the loss," said Coach Jim Rudloff. "It's bad in that we need them to grasp just how important every game is, but at the same time I was very pleased with the attitude brought to practice this week as we try and get better each day."

The game in West Newbury went a long way in exposing some of the team's flaws to the MHS coaching staff, the most glaring of which were inconsistency and stamina.

"Our line got dominated in the trenches for almost the entire first half, but they bounced back in the third and fourth quarters," said Rudloff, suggesting the team's best effort was not exhibited early on. "And there were some guys dealing with cramps and fatigue, which should not have been an issue in that kind of a game, so we need to make sure we are conditioned and ready to play."

One bright spot in the first game was the rushing performance of Will Quigley, who tallied four touchdowns on the afternoon.

"Will did two things very well: he found places to run when the blocking failed in front of him, but he also took advantage of the open holes when the line created them, rather than continuing to run his own way," said Rudloff. The consistency by Quigley in the backfield will be a key to the Magicians attack if they are to have success this season.

After a shortened week of practice, the Magicians will take on the Ipswich Tigers in their first home game of the season Thursday night. While every game is crucial in the 11–game schedule of the NEC, Thursday is of particular importance to the momentum of this team.

"This game is huge, regardless of the opponent, to see how we bounce back after a loss, but also because for the following two weeks we'll be on the road," said Rudloff.

He explained that while getting pumped up by the home crowd and protecting the home field is always big, this game is especially important in the context of the upcoming schedule. "We need to come out and continue to do what we did in the second half of the Pentucket game and continue to attack."

In viewing game film from Ipswich's first game, it's clear to Rudloff that they are much improved from the one-win squad they fielded last season. Wide receiver John Eldredge, sidelined in 2009 by injury, returned to score three touchdowns and recorded an interception against North Reading. After surrendering an opening-drive score, the Tigers defense refused to budge, completely stifling the North Reading attack.

"[The Tigers] scored all of their touchdowns through the air and have a dangerous passing game," said Rudloff. Brendan Gallagher completed 7-of-13 passing attempts in the game for 183 yards in the 22-7 victory.

The Magicians take on the Tigers at MHS at 7 p.m. on Thursday. Nick Broughton, who has not seen any game or scrimmage action yet, has been cleared to play and will be available on a limited basis.