Despite last week’s loss at the hands of the Sault Ste Marie Sabercats, Mississauga Warriors’ (Varsity) coach Curtis Rukavina feels encouraged about the team’s progress moving forward. “We’re starting to do the little things that will help build the bigger picture. There’s still some work to do, but we’re heading in the right direction.”
The Warriors had an opportunity to overtake the Sabercats in the standings with a win but struggled in their week six match-up partly due to terrible weather conditions, and their starting quarterback Kevin John not being in the lineup. As a result, the potent passing attack the Warriors possess was only able to muster seven points. However, Rukavina believes backup quarterback Alex Lavric (who started the last game) did an adequate job and is sure Lavric will perform better with more favourable weather conditions and another start under his belt.
With the loss and the playoffs quickly approaching, Rukavina wants to see how determined his team is. “I’m interested in the resolve of this team. Things didn’t go exactly how we planned last week, so I want to see if the team can dig deep to put us back on the right path.”
Rukavina was encouraged by the communication his team displayed recently. His players are taking on more responsibility and believes this is a positive sign moving forward. “I like the way our players are holding each other accountable. It’s not the type of situation where guys are pointing fingers and are blaming each other, but our guys are making sure everyone does their job. When a coach or parent tells a kid what to do, sometimes it goes in one ear and out the other. But it’s different when your peers point out something to you, it’s received differently, and our guys are responding.”
Heading into Saturday’s match-up, Rukavina believes attacking the Lions’ defensive secondary effectively will be the key to victory. “We’re going to throw them some different looks in order to throw them off our tendencies. They have a strong secondary and we’re going to have to take advantage of match-ups in the passing game.” Both the Warriors and Cambridge Lions have a lot to play for this week. Both teams are coming off losses from their previous match-up. As well, a little rivalry exists between the two teams, so both football clubs should be motivated and raring to go.
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