Tag Archive for: player preparation

SOUTH RANGE FOOTBALL COACH’S CORNER (EP 13) WITH DAVE RACH

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CANFIELD, OH- The South Range Raiders’ Football team, currently boasting an impressive 13-0 record, is on the brink of advancing to the state semifinals. In the latest episode of the South Range Football Coach’s Corner, hosted by DJ Yokley and featuring head coach Dave Rach, discussions ranged from past performances to the highly anticipated upcoming match against conference rival Poland.

The Raiders have been on a roll this season, and Coach Rach attributes much of their success to the maturity and resilience of his players. Reflecting on last week’s game against Garaway, Rach noted how his team remained composed even after a significant play by the opposition. “Our guys came to the sideline, self-diagnosed the issue, and fixed it immediately,” he said. This level of poise, according to Rach, is critical, particularly in high-stakes games in the later stages of the season.

The interview also highlighted the significant advantage technology, such as sideline film review tools like Hudl, has brought to the Raiders. Rach recalled his first encounter with the technology in the 2017 season and emphasized how it allows teams to make real-time adjustments, which has been key in maintaining their flawless record.

As the conversation shifted towards the offensive strategy, praise was given to Coordinators Coach Allegretto and Coach Toy for their ability to stay ahead of the opposing defenses. Rach emphasized that their teamwork and planning have been instrumental, especially against disciplined teams like Garaway.

One standout player, Luke Starkey, received particular acclaim for his versatility and performance—earning him YSN Defensive Player of the Year. “He feels like he’s been starting for 20 years,” Rach joked, noting Starkey’s continuous improvement and impact both defensively and offensively.

Anticipation is building for the upcoming game against Poland, a team that previously had South Range down 14-0 before the Raiders rallied back. Rach remarked on the importance of resilience and preparation, emphasizing the significance of appreciating the opportunity to compete at this level.

Looking forward to Friday’s playoff clash at Spartan Stadium, Rach is excited about the community turnout and media coverage. “We view it as an opportunity to showcase our brand of football on a big stage,” he said. With both teams being local contenders, the game promises to be a highlight for high school football fans in the area.

As the Raiders gear up for this pivotal match, Coach Rach remains focused on maintaining their unbeaten streak, driven by the dedication and hard work of his players.

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SOUTH RANGE FOOTBALL COACH’S CORNER (EP 10) WITH DAVE RACH

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CANFIELD, OH- At Giangelo’s in Boardman, South Range Raider fans and community members gathered for the latest episode of “South Range Coach’s Corner.” Coach Dave Rach joined host DJ Yokley to discuss the team’s impressive 2023 regular season and what lies ahead.

The Raiders have wrapped up a perfect 10-0 regular season, clinching the NE8 championship for the fifth consecutive year. “It was a grind,” Rach admitted, reflecting on the challenging games that seemed like championship bouts each week. Despite the tough road, the Raiders remained resilient, a testament to their preparation and character.

When asked about the difficulty of staying focused as playoffs loom, Rach emphasized the maturity and experience of his senior-heavy team. “They’re used to getting everybody’s best shot,” he said. This experience, coupled with the knowledge that any slip could lead to a dogfight, keeps the team grounded and focused on the task at hand.

“We’ve had two of our best practices of the year,” Rach noted, affirming that his players understand the heightened intensity required for the postseason. Their first challenge comes from Fairless, a team that has shown significant improvement throughout the season. Rach acknowledged Fairless’s coaching and skill, particularly their dynamic running back and effective screen game.

Hosting playoff games at Raminger Stadium is a source of pride for the Raiders. “Our guys love playing at home,” Rach said, acknowledging the support from fans and families. “I’m really proud of the consistency of our preparation,” Rach added, highlighting how the team’s resilience has shone through in hard-fought games, like their comeback against Poland.

The Raiders’ success is also mirrored in individual accolades. The team saw double-digit NE8 acknowledgements, including co-player of the year, Tristan Toy. “I’ll take all of them to battle every day,” Rach stated proudly, emphasizing his belief in his players.

As the conversation veered off-script, revealing Rach’s soft spot for music, it became clear how much the community and the memories forged in every practice and match mean to him. With a shared love for songs like “The Boys are Back” by Dropkick Murphys, which fittingly describes this year’s team spirit, the Raiders are ready for the road ahead.

With 10 wins in the bag and an NE8 title secured, the South Range Raiders are not just reminiscing about a well-fought season but gearing up for a potentially greater challenge: the next six weeks of playoff football.

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WESTMINSTER COACHES CORNER: 9/12/24

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NEW WILMINGTON, OH-As the Westminster Titans football team gears up for the 2024 season, Head Coach Scott Benzel shared his insights on the team’s preparations and expectations in a recent discussion on WCN’s “Westminster Caches Corner” podcast.

Coach Benzel, reflecting on a summer filled with personal joys such as watching his son play various sports, emphasized the value of a productive off-season camp. A notable addition this year was a leadership development group from the military, which enhanced the team’s focus on preparation and teamwork. Despite moments of tension among players, the overall experience was positive, setting a strong foundation for the upcoming season.

This year, significant adjustments have been made to simplify the defensive strategies while expanding offensive concepts, especially due to the return of the experienced offensive line group, who are expected to drive the team’s success. The strategic decision to have a first-week bye aims to motivate the players and provide them with necessary rest mid-season, a move spotlighting Coach Benzel’s careful planning.

Key players Ty McGowan, Ty Elam, and Ryan Gomes were highlighted for their leadership and impactful play. McGowan is transitioning into a more vocal leadership role, while Elam, returning from injury, is known for his energetic and playmaking abilities. Gomes, although missing the first two games due to an incident from last year, remains a crucial component with his preparation and leadership on the field.

The team’s first game follows a week one bye, pitting them against Waynesburg—a challenge Coach Benzel and the Titans eagerly anticipate. Benzel underlined the importance of maintaining high performance and energy throughout games, focusing on minimizing mistakes, and making big plays.

The Titans have set progressive seasonal goals, with the primary aim of qualifying for the playoffs. The team looks to capitalize on the coaching strategies discussed by RJ Scott and other podcast guests, which include exploiting opponent weaknesses and effective in-game adjustments.

In addition to football, the podcast featured Coach Garrish Takar, who reflected on his 22-year career coaching men’s and women’s soccer at Westminster. Takar shared insights on his coaching approach, the challenges following key player losses, and the strategies moving forward. Both coaches emphasized the importance of mental preparation, discipline, and community impact through sports.

As the Westminster Titans embark on a challenging season, they remain motivated by their preseason PAC ranking and the tough schedule ahead. With a strong sense of community and teamwork, they aim to prove their capabilities, one game at a time.

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