War Cats routed in first game
Posted on Monday, June 2, 2008
URL: http://www.nwanews.com/bcdr/Sports/62408/
TULSA, Okla. — The Arkansas War Cats lost their inaugural World Football League game 37-0 on Saturday to the Oklahoma Thunder.
The War Cats (0-1 ) trailed 30-0 after the first quarter and couldn’t get anything going offensively.
“ The guys seemed a little bit shell-shocked, ” War Cats head coach Raymond House said. “ They got a frightening wake-up call initially during the game. I attribute that to preparation and that’s something that myself, as a head coach, can definitely get better on.
“ A lot of adrenaline was pumping initially and guys were extremely gassed the first couple of series. ”
House said he was pleased that his defense came on strong later in the game, only allowing one touchdown over the final three quarters.
“ I appreciate the guys’ effort all the way through the end, ” House said. “ As discouraging and tough as it was, they calmed down and definitely completed for the rest of the three quarters. ”
House praised former Central Arkansas standout Stephen Agnew for his play at cornerback and safety Saturday night.
“(Agnew ) definitely showed up and made some hits, made some big plays, ” House said. “ I thought he really did a good job adding some energy to the defense. ”
Offensively, House said the team is still adjusting to offensive coordinator Shawn Bradford’s scheme.
“ Offensively as a whole, we’ve got a new offensive coordinator and we’re still trying to get his system, ” House said. “ I totally expected a rough spot, but I think as time goes on and they start to grasp the concepts, we’ll definitely be a better offensive team. Our focus this week is attention to detail and trying to simplify everybody’s job on both sides of the ball. ”
The War Cats will practice Tuesday and Thursday this week in preparation for their home opener Saturday against the Texas Bulldogs at David Gates Stadium. The game is being touted at the first professional outdoor football game in Arkansas.