Tiger Football Homeward Bound

Published 10-18-07
http://www.doaneline.com/2.7184/tiger-football-homeward-bound-1.761420

After a tough three-point loss at Hastings College last Saturday, the Doane football team is looking forward to a home game this weekend.

The Tigers had two late opportunities to tie the game against the Broncos, but had one field goal blocked and another bounce off the upright. Despite not coming out on top in that game, head coach Matt Franzen said he was pleased with team's efforts this season.

"I think things have gone pretty well this year for the most part," Franzen said. "We have been able to be very competitive in most of our games, so at this point we're pretty pleased."

Players said they were also happy with the team's improvement, and hoped to improve more in the remaining games of the season.

"I think we will come together, and it'll be a good week," sophomore defensive tackle Grant Mellor said. "We just have to keep working and playing hard."

Coaches and players have run through the usual routines in practice, focusing on Saturday's game against Briar Cliff University. Although the Chargers are 0-7 overall, Franzen said Doane cannot overlook the team.

"We're going to pretty much take the same approach that we've taken all year," Franzen said. "We'll look for things that are weaknesses that we can exploit on the other team."

Despite positive outlooks, there is still some concern with the team's lack of experience.

"We don't have a lot of upperclassmen on the team, period," Franzen said. "That ends up lending itself to a lot of ups and downs, and that's a thing that we really need to iron out to become a more consistent football team."

Kickoff for the Tigers' game against Briar Cliff is set for 1 p.m. Saturday at Simon Field. All the action will be broadcast live on the Tiger Sports Network.