THE LITTLE THINGS CAN MAKE A BIG DIFFERENCE
Musings, mutterings and observations from Day 9 of the Saskatchewan Roughriders’ training camp at Saskatoon Minor Football Field:
STRIPPED DOWN
It’s rare that a tackle doesn’t conclude with a defender trying to strip the ball from the offensive player.
Focusing on stripping the ball in practice works for both players. Stripping the ball becomes ingrained in a defender’s mindset and could lead to turnovers during the regular-season games. The work in practice is also beneficial to the offensive players who have to fight to hold on to the ball.
On Monday, linebacker Greg Jones closed in on receiver Naaman Roosevelt with the intention of stripping the ball. Jones tugged at the ball, but it was tucked securely in Roosevelt’s hands.
The play was a reminder of how important the little things are while preparing for the regular season.
MURRAY’S MONSTER
There is a deviation from the traditional Murray’s Monster, which is usually awarded to a player.
This time, Monday’s Monster is offensive line coach Mike Scheper.
Scheper, who was the Riders’ defensive line coach in 2009 and 2010, was encouraging when the offensive linemen needed a push to get going. Scheper accomplished that by using many colourful words to remind the offensive linemen of their responsibilities. The linemen responded and picked up their performances as the practice progressed.
For being so enthusiastic, Scheper merits mention as Murray’s Monster for Monday.
MAJOR MINOR FOOTBALL FACILITIES
The growth in minor football registrations has sparked a construction boom in football facilities across Saskatchewan.
Weyburn, Estevan and Yorkton all have great venues that can be used for other sports. The crown jewels are in Regina and Saskatoon.
Regina’s Leibel Field is an outstanding venue for minor football and other sports with a large grandstand, concession area and artificial turf.
With plans to add a clubhouse, it will only be better.
Saskatoon Minor Football Field has replaced Gordie Howe Bowl, and impressively so.
There is professional-level artificial turf, which replaced the grass and dirt of Gordie Howe Bowl.
There are grandstands on both sides and a huge clubhouse overlooking the south end zone.
Saskatoon Minor Football Field is scheduled for more upgrades as part of the 2013 Grey Cup Legacy Fund. Some of the end-zone seats and luxury boxes from Mosaic Stadium are to be moved to SMFF after the shift to the new Mosaic Stadium is complete in 2017.
The additions will enhance all aspects of SMFF, from spectator comfort to more seats.
QUICK HITS
Linebacker Dillon Grondin had the hit of the day when he met receiver Shay Hodge coming across the line of scrimmage on an end around. It was an impressivesounding collision between two prospects looking to make an impression … Defensive back Xavier Walker is 6-foot-3 and often uses his long body to his advantage. He did that on Monday when he leaped high into the air on a blitz to knock down a pass … The Riders added three internationals on Monday — offensive lineman Marcus Hall, quarterback Phillip Sims and receiver Devrin Young. Released were national linebacker Marvin Golding, international receivers Marcus Davis and Alec Lemon, and quarterback Jacob Huesman.