COACH'S CORNER: INDIANS LOOK FORWARD TO '96 OPENER

Due to the OVC scheduling this year, our late start of the 1996 football season is finally upon us.

The preseason has gone well but tedious at times. I believe that by only having one week of two-a-days and three weeks of one-a-day practices, we should have fresh legs for our opener at Illinois State Saturday.

As for our squad, the return of Brian Burton and Angel Rubio has strengthened our defense. Returning starters Greg Klund, Ronnie Smith, Troy Baglio, Bobby Haggerty, Sondra Rhodes and Gus Harmon have performed well.

Cape Central product Terrance Sterling will see a great deal of action at linebacker and provides a nasty attitude when on the field. Freddy Hambrick and Willie Davis have looked aggressive at the corners. Jonathan Robinson, Brandon Elias and newcomer Damon Hendrick should round out a formidable defensive front.

As expected and as reported, our defense has performed well in preseason. We have a great deal of OVC game experience and athletic ability. It is often said that you win with defense. There is a tremendous amount of truth to that. However, it is beneficial to help your defense with a solid, ball control, disciplined offense.

As a defensive oriented coach, I would imagine that my offensive players and coaches think that I am biased. I am, but only in the fact that winning football programs over the years have always boasted a great defense when coupled with a balanced offense that moves the chains, secures the ball and limits drive or momentum killing penalties. This is what we must do offensively.

As reported, we have lost the services of three players in key positions, including starting tailback Corey Williams, who is out for the season with a knee injury. Not a good way to start, but we have had some players step up and perform well.

Durand Frierson returns in our offensive line as an all-conference performer, as does Mike Nielson. James Williams and Justin Landers shore up the guard positions and Roy Miller and Chris Kiefer will work at center.

Mitch Fryer provides excellent blocking and receiving at tight end. Jon Riley and Dante Bryant are threats at wide receiver. Scott City native Britt Mirgaux and former Cape Central standout Gabe Jenkins will man the backfield. Quarterback Justin Martini has performed well during the preseason on most days. He has a very strong arm and moves well when running the ball.

Justin Terrill will return as our punter and is battling with Eric Warren and Nick Reggio for the kicking duties.

As a team, this group has a good workmanlike attitude. Now we most focus on consistent execution for the next 11 weeks as we face one of our toughest schedules. The OVC will be up for grabs as Murray, Eastern Kentucky and Middle Tennessee have all suffered early defeats. Eastern Illinois and Tennessee State both have had strong starts.

We are tired of beating on each other and look forward to game day at Illinois State. The game will be their home opener under new head coach Todd Berry and offensive coordinator Mike McCarty, both former Southeast assistants.

If possible, we appreciate any of you who will follow us to Normal and support our efforts. It should be a great game.

John Mumford is the head football coach at Southeast Missouri State University