Football: Central talks the talk on first day of practice

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[August 08, 2012]

Football: Central talks the talk on first day of practice

Aug 08, 2012 (La Crosse Tribune - McClatchy-Tribune Information Services via COMTEX) -- A good defense is like a good marriage: Communication is key.

That was a big focus during a 7-on-7 drill at Central High School Tuesday morning as the Red Raiders football team held its first practice of the season.

"We're not going to be out here yelling 'Ball!'" defensive coordinator Kevin Colburn said after a defensive player turned around on a underthrown ball in the air for an interception. "That's your guys' job." Talking, at least in Central's defense, is just as important as tackling.

"You have to be on the same page all the time," senior Danny Callahan said. "You have to keep communicating. It makes everybody better." That's why, at least for these first few practices where pads aren't allowed, talking takes priority.

"You have to pass receivers on, especially when you are playing zone coverage," second-year coach Tony Servais said. "Who's leaving your zone Who's coming into your zone That's the biggest thing, getting the kids used to talking." The defense that Central uses this year is the same it used last year when it allowed an average of 12 points a game over the final five games of the season to qualify for the WIAA Division 2 playoffs.

But the coaches have put in more wrinkles, which allow Servais and Colburn to throw more looks at opponents, which puts the onus on players to make sure their teammates know everything they need to know.

"We're getting ready for the season," Callahan said. "You have to make good habits right now." ___ (c)2012 the La Crosse Tribune (La Crosse, Wis.) Visit the La Crosse Tribune (La Crosse, Wis.) at www.lacrossetribune.com Distributed by MCT Information Services

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